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City Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Alexandria, VA

Legislative Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$141K - $253K/yr

City Manager's Office Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Bargaining Unit: N/A Legislative Director Overview: The Legislative Director serves as the primary advocate and ...

City of Alexandria

Legislative Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$141K - $253K/yr

The City Manager's administrative staff serves as a liaison with City departments and with other governmental entities receiving funding from the City, but not reporting to the City Manager, and ...

City of Alexandria

Legislative Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

The City Manager's administrative staff serves as a liaison with City departments and with other governmental entities receiving funding from the City, but not reporting to the City Manager, and ...

City of Alexandria

Legislative Director

Alexandria, VA · On-site

The City Manager's administrative staff serves as a liaison with City departments and with other governmental entities receiving funding from the City, but not reporting to the City Manager, and ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Chief Information Officer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$159K - $231K/yr

Serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, executive leadership, and City Council on technology, cybersecurity, AI, and innovation. * Develop enterprise AI governance and responsible use ...

City of Hopewell

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$160K/yr

Manages construction contracts for the City; oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; coordinates and monitors the work of contractors; makes field ...

City Of Arlington

$107K - $134K/yr

Oversee the City's comprehensive pavement management system, work order and asset management systems, traffic management systems, and multiple additional software platforms. * Coordinate with other ...

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All JobsCity JobsCity Manager JobsCity Manager Jobs in Virginia

City Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$26.3K

$114.4K

$221.6K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Virginia is $114,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $148,700.00 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of City jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for City Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most City Manager job openings:

City Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,416 per year, or $55 per hour.

What does a City Manager do

Practical Adult Insights

Staunton, VA • On-site

$75 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Overview

A city manager is an executive in charge of the administration of a city’s government, typically appointed by the city council. The manager is responsible for creating the city’s budget, overseeing day‑to‑day operations of municipal departments, making personnel decisions, and providing advice to and executing the policies of the mayor and city council.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and manage the city’s budget and financial plans.
  • Supervise and coordinate the operations of city departments.
  • Make personnel and staffing decisions for city employees.
  • Advise the mayor and city council and implement their policy directives.
  • Serve at the pleasure of the city council and mayor.
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