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City Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sagency

Finance Director

Urbandale, IA · On-site

Financial Oversight & Management Oversees the City's financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, sound internal controls, and responsible management of public funds ...

Sagency

Finance Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Financial Oversight & Management Oversees the City's financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, sound internal controls, and responsible management of public funds ...

Sagency

Finance Director

Pleasant Hill, IA

Financial Oversight & Management Oversees the City's financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, sound internal controls, and responsible management of public funds ...

City of Johnston

City Clerk

Johnston, IA · On-site

Prepares City Council agenda, official notices and publications; monitors staff reports and edits ... Maintains Council Chambers technology and agenda management software. * Prepares or assists with ...

City of Independence

Intern (Unpaid)

Independence, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Administration & Management: Assisting with policy research, grant writing, and special projects in the City Manager's Office. * Public Works & Engineering: Gaining hands-on experience with ...

Saia LTL Freight

Local City Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$32.20 - $36.85/hr

... from management and government representatives; understand highway traffic signs and signals; and accurately review and complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the ...

Saia

Local City Driver

Davenport, IA · On-site

$32.20 - $36.85/hr

... from management and government representatives; understand highway traffic signs and signals; and accurately review and complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the ...

Saia

Local City Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$32.20 - $36.85/hr

... from management and government representatives; understand highway traffic signs and signals; and accurately review and complete various shipping documents, reports and records required of the ...

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All JobsCity JobsCity Manager JobsCity Manager Jobs in Iowa

City Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$24.9K

$108.4K

$209.9K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Iowa is $108,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $140,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a city manager?

City Managers are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a city or municipality. They implement policies set by the city council, manage city staff and departments, prepare budgets, and ensure that services are delivered efficiently to the community. City Managers serve as the chief executive officers for cities that use the council-manager form of government, acting as a liaison between elected officials and city employees. Their role is to provide professional management and leadership to help the city run smoothly and achieve its goals.

What does a city manager do?

As a city manager, you have a host of official political and administrative duties carried out at the instruction of a city council or mayor. In smaller municipalities, a city manager may directly implement a wide range of governmental policies, while in larger towns and cities, you generally head up different departments within city government, such as the budget office, human resources, or public works. Regardless of the size of the city, you have a role with significant responsibilities related to budgetary, managerial, and operational strategies and goals.

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

To thrive as a City Manager, you need expertise in public administration, budgeting, and policy development, usually backed by a master's degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with municipal management software, financial systems, and compliance regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills help foster collaboration with city officials, staff, and the community. These abilities are crucial for effectively managing city operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and achieving community goals.

How does a city manager typically interact with city council members and department heads on a daily basis?

A City Manager regularly collaborates with city council members to implement policy decisions, provide updates on ongoing initiatives, and offer professional recommendations on municipal matters. Daily, they also work closely with department heads across various sectors—such as public works, finance, and public safety—to coordinate operations, address challenges, and ensure efficient delivery of city services. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance the priorities of elected officials with the needs of city staff and residents.

What is the difference between City Manager vs City Clerk?

AspectCity ManagerCity Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in public administration or related field, with experience in local governmentOften a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer certification in municipal clerkship
Work EnvironmentOversees daily city operations, manages staff, and implements policiesHandles records management, public notices, and official documentation
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal governments, city administrationsCity governments, municipal offices
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in city managementCompared for administrative and record-keeping responsibilities

The City Manager is responsible for overseeing city operations and implementing policies, requiring advanced education and management experience. The City Clerk focuses on maintaining official records and ensuring transparency. While both roles are vital in city government, they serve different functions and require distinct skill sets.

How much money does a city manager make?

The average salary of a city manager varies depending on the size and location of the city, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Larger cities and those with more complex budgets tend to offer higher compensation, and city managers often need a background in public administration or related fields.

What degree is needed to be a city manager?

A city manager typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, or a related field. Many city managers also hold a master's degree, such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA), which can enhance job prospects and effectiveness in the role.
More about City Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of City jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of City jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to City Manager jobs in Iowa?

For City Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching City Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for City Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for City Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most City Manager job openings:

City Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,396 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Finance Director

Sagency

Urbandale, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Finance Director

City of Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill, IA

About Pleasant Hill

Selecting Pleasant Hill, Iowa, as the place to live, do business, and work is intentional. People choose Pleasant Hill because they share in the commitments to the community. They want a thriving quality of life. They want a strong school district. They want the closest connection to the vibrant attractions of downtown Des Moines while enjoying neighborhood-level access to more than 300 miles of peaceful trails. They value engagement and partnership. They want to make a difference. So: they are intentional. They choose Pleasant Hill.

The City continues to invest in infrastructure and quality of life amenities including parks, trails, and art. City Staff and elected officials are relentlessly committed to partnering on redevelopment in the community and bringing new commercial services and businesses. Pleasant Hill is a Home Base Iowa community with a 200+ acre Certified Site and has more than 500 acres of land available along the Highway163 corridor primed and ready for high-quality commercial and mixed-use development. Pleasant Hill has been experiencing exponential growth and record building permits in recent years. Each day, City staff and elected officials are Intentional, Transparent, and work with Integrity toward common goals set forth in the City's Comprehensive and Strategic Plans.

About the Opportunity

The Finance Director role provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury management, and payroll, ensuring fiscal integrity, strong internal controls, and responsible stewardship of public funds. As a trusted advisor to leadership, this position delivers clear financial guidance to support sound decision-making and long-term stability. In addition to financial leadership, the role includes limited statutory City Clerk responsibilities, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, proper documentation of governing body actions, and compliance with required certifications and public records standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

The Key Accountabilities for the position include but are not limited to the following:

Financial Oversight & Management

Oversees the City’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, sound internal controls, and responsible management of public funds, including budgeting, reporting, and treasury functions.

  • Provides city financial advice and recommendations to the city manager and council
  • Establishes and maintains internal control procedures and required accounting practices.
  • Oversees maintenance of financial records and preparation of required financial reports.
  • Along with City Manager, co-creates and contributes to city budget preparation and execution, financial planning, and forecasting.
  • Oversees payroll, investment of city funds, collection of revenues, and accounts payable.
  • Performs duties of city treasurer as specified in the Code of Iowa and local ordinances.

Team Leadership

Provides departmental leadership and operational oversight, including staff supervision, performance management, personnel administration, and enforcement of city policies and ethical standards, ensuring continued development and high levels of team engagement.

  • Manages and supervises clerk’s office operations and staff.
  • Provides or ensures training for new employees.
  • Performs annual performance evaluations.
  • Maintains personnel records and resolves any employee grievances.
  • Advises city manager of departmental needs or concerns.
  • Ensures enforcement of approved city policies, and is responsible for informing staff of legal and ethical issues involving confidential data.

Strategic Planning Support & Operational Efficiency

Supports organizational effectiveness by participating in long-range planning, forecasting, policy development, capital improvement planning, and interdepartmental coordination to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

  • Participates in the development of short- and long-range plans
  • Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
  • Coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies.
  • Plans and recommends maintenance and capital improvement programs.
  • Recommends and assists in establishing city policies and guidelines.

Stakeholder Engagement, Service Excellence, & Professional Growth

Serves as a key liaison between the City and the public, regional partners, and professional organizations while expanding expertise, providing trusted service excellence, maintaining required certifications, and exploring additional development opportunities.

  • Provides information to citizens, co-workers, and others.
  • Represents city on regional boards and commissions as directed.
  • Attends workshops and seminars to maintain or enhance certification and expertise.

City Clerk Duties (Statutory, Legislative, & Records Functions)

Serves as the official record keeper and legislative administrator for the City, ensuring legal compliance, accurate documentation of council actions, public transparency, and proper certification of municipal records and proceedings.

  • Attends City Council meetings, including preparation of agendas and packets and accurate recording of proceedings and council actions.
  • Prepares and maintains official legislative documents and records, including minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and related filings.
  • Serves as custodian of official City records, ensuring proper indexing, public access, and statutory compliance.
  • Certifies, publishes, records, seals, and attests to ordinances, contracts, bonds, deeds, and other legal documents as required by law.
  • Provides procedural support to boards and commissions, administers oaths of office, oversees permits and licenses, and interprets municipal codes.

Skills & Relations Experience

The ideal candidate should match as many of the skills and experience listed below as possible:

  • Strong leadership and staff supervision skills
  • Advanced knowledge of municipal finance, accounting, and budgeting
  • Understanding of public administration and municipal government operations
  • Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong analytical skills and sound independent judgment
  • High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information
  • Proficiency in financial systems and standard office software
  • Ability to develop policies, procedures, and long-range plans
  • Effective interpersonal skills for working with elected officials, staff, and the public

Education & Requirements

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education

Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration. Certified Municipal Clerk or sufficient training to be a Certified Municipal Clerk.

Experience Required

A minimum of 5 years of related experience

THE SEARCH

Sagency, an executive search and leadership consulting firm, has been retained for this Finance Director search.
Sagencyconsultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the hiring team review a final group for consideration.
The search will be conducted in a professional manner, and all potential candidates will be given consideration. Candidate conversations and information will be handled with great discretion and confidentiality.Sagencyand the City of Pleasant Hill are equal-opportunity employers.
If, after reviewing this Opportunity Profile, you believe your experience, capabilities, and passion align with the requirements of this role, we welcome your interest. The application and selection process will proceed as follows:

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Complete the online application and upload your resume.Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Step 2: Interview with Sagency

Qualified candidates may be contacted for a brief phone conversation, followed by a 60-minute video interview with a Sagency Executive Search Consultant.

Step 3: Client Interviews

Top candidates will be invited to participate in the first round of interviews with the City of Pleasant Hill

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.