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City Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

City Manager

Russell, KS · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... manager form of government. The City maintains a municipal airport, golf course, and over 160 acres of parks. For a full description of the community, visit A Bachelor's Degree in Public ...

City Manager

Russell, KS · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... manager form of government. The City maintains a municipal airport, golf course, and over 160 acres of parks. For a full description of the community, visit A Bachelor's Degree in Public ...

City Attorney

Pratt, KS · On-site

$100 - $160/hr

Governing Body / City Manager Employment Type: Negotiable Position Summary The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the City Commission, City Manager, boards, commissions, and city ...

New

Executive Assistant

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$26.04 - $34.66/hr

Supports City Manager's Office. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provides administrative support to the Mayor, Governing Body, and City Manager's senior staff. Includes production of letters, memos ...

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City Manager information

See Kansas salary details

$23.6K

$102.9K

$199.3K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Kansas is $102,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $133,800.00 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.

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

The most popular types of City jobs in Kansas are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Kansas are hiring for City Manager jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most City Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,924 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

City Manager

LKM

Russell, KS • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Russell, Kansas (pop. 4,497; $20 million budget; 77 FT employees), located on I-70 near beautiful Wilson Lake in central Kansas, is a tight-knit community known for its high quality of life. Russell's strong economy is anchored by agricultural and manufacturing industries, and benefits from being situated within one of the state's leading oil producing regions.

The City has many cultural and historical attractions, including Deines Cultural Center, Fossil Station Museum, and the recently-restored Dream Theatre. Russell is a full-service city with its own electric utility, and operates under a council-manager form of government. The City maintains a municipal airport, golf course, and over 160 acres of parks.

For a full description of the community, visit http://www.russellcity.org/. A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration or a related field is preferred, along with at least 5 years of local government experience. The ideal candidate will have proven management and budgetary skills, while having demonstrated sound judgment and professionalism

Russell is seeking a responsible leader who will communicate openly with the council, city staff, and residents to set goals for city programs and develop ideas to improve the community. Competitive benefits, Salary $80,000-85,000 DOQ. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three work-related references to LEAPS-Russell@lkm.org or LEAPS-Russell, 300 SW 8th, Topeka, KS, 66603

If confidentiality is requested, please state in application materials. Position will remain open until filled. Resume review begins December 03, 2012.

EOE.