1

City Manager Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Director of Human Resources

Evanston, IL · On-site

$155K - $233K/yr

City Manager`s Office/Director Human Resources Date Posted: 7/17/2026 Location: New Civic Center Director of Human Resources City of Evanston, Illinois Salary: $155,507 - $233,261 The City of ...

Director of Human Resources

Evanston, IL · On-site

$155K - $233K/yr

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of Human Resources serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and provides strategic direction for all human resources ...

Director of Finance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$189K - $208K/yr

Serve as the principal financial advisor to the City Manager, City Council, executive leadership, and other stakeholders by communicating complex financial information, evaluating policy alternatives ...

You will manage public records requests, administer oaths, and provide administrative support to the city council and city departments. Responsibilities: * Maintain and manage official city records ...

You will manage public records requests, administer oaths, and provide administrative support to the city council and city departments. Responsibilities: Maintain and manage official city records and ...

Fire Chief

Evanston, IL · On-site

$170.67 - $256/hr

Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief will be a steady and principled leader who fosters a culture of professionalism, accountability, and trust. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ...

Fire Chief

Evanston, IL · On-site

$170K - $256K/yr

Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief will be a steady and principled leader who fosters a culture of professionalism, accountability, and trust. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ...

Fire Chief

Evanston, IL · On-site

$170K - $256K/yr

Reporting to the City Manager, the Fire Chief will be a steady and principled leader who fosters a culture of professionalism, accountability, and trust. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ...

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Sanitary Engineer III, G07 Chicago Department of Water Management Water ... AND 1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago" 2. Enter ...

Assists the Director and the City Manager's Office in the preparation, development, and presentation of the City's annual budget. Prepares the annual department budget. Prepares and distributes ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

City Manager information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$26.1K

$113.6K

$219.9K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Park Ridge, IL is $113,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $147,600.00 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 job categories do people searching City Manager jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for City Manager jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for City Manager jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most City Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,560 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Director of Human Resources

City of Evanston

Evanston, IL • On-site

$155K - $233K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
City Manager`s Office/Director Human Resources
Date Posted:
7/17/2026
Location:
New Civic Center
Director of Human Resources
City of Evanston, Illinois
Salary: $155,507 - $233,261
The City of Evanston is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative human resources leader to serve as its next Director of Human Resources.
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, immediately north of Chicago, Evanston is a vibrant, diverse, and progressive community of approximately 78,000 residents. Home to Northwestern University and recognized for its commitment to innovation, equity, and public service, Evanston offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a highly engaged municipal organization.
Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of Human Resources serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and provides strategic direction for all human resources functions. The Director oversees talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, collective bargaining administration, classification and compensation, employee benefits, workers' compensation, timekeeping and leave administration, wellness initiatives, organizational development, human resources information systems (HRIS), workforce planning, and regulatory compliance. Leading a dedicated HR team, the Director partners with City leadership to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, innovation, and exceptional public service.
Why Evanston?
This position offers a rare opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on an organization that values innovation, public service, and continuous improvement. The next Director will have a unique opportunity to build upon the strengths of an experienced HR team while advancing initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and service excellence across the City.
This role offers the opportunity to:
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager and executive leadership team.
  • Lead innovative recruitment, retention, and workforce development initiatives in a competitive labor market.
  • Foster productive labor-management relationships across multiple bargaining units.
  • Oversee the City's employee benefits, wellness, and workers' compensation programs, balancing employee well-being, fiscal stewardship, and risk management.
  • Modernize HR systems, processes, and service delivery models to improve organizational effectiveness.
  • Influence policies and practices that strengthen organizational culture and employee engagement.
  • Build organizational capacity that will support the City for years to come.

Strategic Priorities for the Next Director
The City is seeking a leader who is energized by the opportunity to strengthen and modernize a well-established human resources function while building on the expertise and dedication of an experienced HR team.
During the first 12 to 24 months, the next Director will have the opportunity to:
  • Establish a shared vision, clear priorities, and consistent service standards across all HR functions.
  • Strengthen collaboration, communication, and accountability within the Human Resources team to ensure a seamless customer experience for departments and employes.
  • Develop and document key HR processes and operating procedures to promote consistency, efficiency, knowledge transfer, and organizational resilience.
  • Enhance onboarding, training, and professional development programs for HR staff, supervisors, and employees.
  • Continue modernizing HR technology, workflows, and service delivery practices.
  • Partner closely with departments to better understand operational needs and deliver responsive, customer-focused HR solutions.
  • Advance recruitment, retention, succession planning, employee engagement, and workforce development initiatives that position the City for future success.
  • Success in this role will be measured not only by what gets accomplished, but by the systems, relationships, and culture established to sustain excellence long into the future.

Qualifications
Qualified candidates will possess:
  • A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
  • Eight or more years of progressively responsible human resources leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple HR disciplines, including labor relations, employee relations, recruitment, compensation and classification, benefits administration, workers' compensation, compliance, and organizational development.
  • Strong knowledge of employment laws, labor relations practices, and modern human resources management principles.
  • SHRM-SCP, SPHR, IPMA-SCP, or comparable professional certification is desirable.

Municipal or other public-sector experience is highly desirable; however, candidates from similarly complex organizations are encouraged to apply.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range is $155,507 to $233,261, with placement dependent upon qualifications and experience, and in most cases is no higher than the midpoint of the range.
The City offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, employee wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
Join Our Team
Great communities are built by great employees. The City of Evanston seeks a leader who understands the critical role Human Resources plays in attracting talent, developing people, supporting employees, and strengthening organizational performance.
If you are a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is passionate about public services and excited by the opportunity to build systems, develop people, and create lasting organizational impact, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Electronic submissions are required. To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org . The position will remain open until filled; however, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by the first review date of August 3, 2026 for optimal consideration.
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).