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City Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Osage Beach

City Administrator

Osage Beach, MO

$127K - $146K/yr

Description Summary General The City Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City, overseeing the daily operations of all municipal departments and managing personnel ...

City of McMinnville

City Administrator

Mc Minnville, TN · On-site

The City of McMinnville is looking for an executive leader to fill the City administrator role. The city has a population of ~14,000 and employs 155 full-time employees as well part-time and seasonal ...

City of Kenosha

City Administrator

Kenosha, WI

$168K - $251K/yr

The City of Kenosha is governed by a full-time Mayor with a 4-year term and a part-time Council comprised of 17 Alderpersons elected by district every two years A full-time City Administrator assists ...

City of Cold Spring, MN

Be Seen First

City Administrator

Cold Spring, MN · On-site

$95K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The City Administrator is accountable for all matters related to the operations of the City. The Mayor and City Council notwithstanding, this position has supervisory responsibility over all ...

City of Kenosha, WI

City Administrator

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$168K - $251K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A full-time City Administrator assists the Mayor in the management of City operations. Other than those with differing statutory reporting requirements, City Department Heads report directly to the ...

City of Davenport, IA

Assistant City Administrator

Davenport, IA · On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Assists the City Administrator in day-to-day operations and the coordination and administration of City-wide operations, programs, and departmental activities to ensure effective service delivery.

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How much do city administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for city administrator in the United States is $107,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do city administrators make?

City administrators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary between $70,000 and $130,000, depending on the size of the city and their experience. Larger cities tend to offer higher compensation, and the role often requires strong leadership, budgeting, and public administration skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a city administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Administrator, you need expertise in public administration, budgeting, and municipal operations, often supported by a degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with government software systems, financial management tools, and regulatory compliance platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help navigate complex stakeholder relationships and drive effective governance. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient city management, transparent decision-making, and the delivery of essential public services.

What does a city administrator do?

As a city administrator, sometimes known as a city manager, you oversee the day-to-day operations and services of a city or town. You are responsible for implementing the plans and policies of the city government. You spend time planning and implementing programs meant to benefit the members of the public who live in your city. Job duties may vary from city to city, but in general, a city administrator’s goal is to improve and then maintain the quality of life for city residents.

What are the qualifications to be a city administrator?

A city administrator typically needs a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, or a related field, with many positions preferring a master's degree such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Relevant experience in local government, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of municipal operations are also important qualifications. Some roles may require certification or ongoing professional development in public administration or management.

What is a city administrator?

City Administrators are appointed officials who manage the day-to-day operations of a city’s government. They oversee municipal departments, implement policies set by the city council, and ensure that services such as public safety, infrastructure, and community programs are delivered efficiently. City Administrators often handle budgeting, personnel management, and act as a liaison between elected officials and city staff. Their goal is to ensure that the city's operations run smoothly and effectively for residents and businesses.

How does a city administrator typically collaborate with department heads and elected officials?

A City Administrator regularly works with department heads to coordinate city operations, ensure policy implementation, and address any interdepartmental challenges. They also serve as a key liaison between staff and elected officials, preparing reports, presenting recommendations, and facilitating strategic planning sessions. This collaborative work environment requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance diverse perspectives while aligning everyone toward the city's goals.
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City Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various City Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,022 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

City Administrator

City of Osage Beach, MO

Osage Beach, MO • On-site

$127K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: $127,525.00 - $146,653.00 Annually
Location : Osage Beach City Hall, 1000 City Parkway, Osage Beach, MO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026.22
Department: City Administrator
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Description Summary
General
The City Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City, overseeing the daily operations of all municipal departments and managing personnel, purchasing, and policy implementation under the direction of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. This role is responsible for preparing the annual budget, providing ongoing financial and operational reports, coordinating state and federal programs and grants, managing bid specifications, and maintaining accurate City records. The City Administrator also supports boards and committees, attends all Board of Aldermen meetings, communicates with the public through approved media releases, and performs additional duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective City governance.
Supervision Received
The City Administrator is responsible to and held accountable by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Supervision Exercised
The City Administrator oversees the operations and efficiencies of all departments within the City. They provide supervision and direction-either directly or indirectly-to all Department Heads and employees within the City organization, regardless of the department in which they work.
Expectation of Job Duties
Examples of Essential DutiesThe following examples are meant to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all-inclusive:
Administration and Operations:
  • Serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City.
  • Interacts with elected officials, appointed officials, staff, citizens, and others to interpret and implement policy directives.
  • Engages in long-range strategic municipal planning, in coordination with the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, appointed officials, and staff.
  • Prepares ongoing policy recommendations and measures for programs and priorities for the health, safety, or welfare of the City.
  • Provides guidance and administrative support to all City Boards and Commissions.
  • Ensures that all City laws, ordinances, and decisions made by the Board of Aldermen are properly carried out and enforced.
  • Attends all meetings of the Board of Aldermen and coordinates staff preparation of Board of Aldermen meeting agendas.
  • Represents the City in discussions and negotiations with other governmental entities, developers, and other parties doing business with the City.
  • Plans, directs, coordinates, and exercises supervision and oversight of day-to-day operations, and is ultimately responsible for the output of all departments.
  • Prescribes and sets administrative policy, rules, and regulations.
  • Attends State and regional conferences, continuing education programs, and relevant professional association events related to the role and City business.
  • Serves as a liaison with regional, State, and Federal government agencies, community civic organizations, and interacts with the local community on behalf of the City.

Financial:
  • Serves as the Budget Officer of the City, responsible for assembling annual estimates of financial needs and resources, preparing the proposed budget with supporting schedules and analysis, and presenting it to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for review and approval.
  • Provides monthly financial reports to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, detailing the City's financial condition in relation to the approved budget and supporting effective financial coordination across all departments.
  • Serves as the Purchasing Agent for the City, exercising oversight of all purchases in accordance with established rules and procedures, and supervising the preparation of bid specifications for services, materials, and equipment funded in the adopted budget.
  • Oversees and coordinates the financial operations related to purchasing and budgeting to ensure compliance with City policies, approved procedures, and fiscal requirements.
  • Exercises supervisory and responsibility for public contracts of the City, administration and conformity of contracts legally binding the City.
  • Coordinates and exercises responsibility for Federal and State programs, including but not limited to Federal, State, or other grant programs, which may have application to the City.

Personnel:
  • Serves as the Personnel Officer of the City, administering the City's comprehensive Human Resources Program in accordance with ordinance, and recommending and managing the City's classification and compensation system, pay plan, and related Human Resources policies and programs.
  • Exercises authority over hiring, promotion, reclassification, discipline, and discharge of City employees in accordance with the personnel system approved by the Board of Aldermen.
  • Responsible for the hiring, discipline, and/or removal of Department Heads who are not otherwise designated as Appointed Officials.

  • Ensures legal compliance, internal equity, and market competitiveness in all HR functions, including personnel records, attendance and leave, employee health and safety programs, and personnel rules and regulations.

Job Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Leadership experience in organizations of 100+ employees, with strong supervisory, administrative, and management skills.
  • Broad knowledge of municipal government operations, including public administration, budgeting, accounting, purchasing, human resources, contract administration, public safety, utilities, community and economic development, infrastructure, and planning and zoning.
  • High proficiency in data analysis, technology, and various computer systems, with the ability to train employees and apply modern management practices.
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to work effectively with the public, elected officials, staff, vendors, and partner agencies.
  • Ability to assess and resolve operational issues, set priorities, supervise City functions ethically and confidentially, and maintain compliance with policies and legal standards.
  • Experience in grant research, writing, and program implementation.

Desired Qualifications
  • Leadership experience in organizations of 100+ employees preferred.
  • Master's Degree in a related area and 3 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government including, but not limited to, areas of Business Administration, Public Policy, Accounting, and Community and Economic Development.

or
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related area with 5 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government including but not limited to areas of Business Administration, Public Policy, Accounting, and Community and Economic Development preferred.

or
  • Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which would qualify for the position.

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