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City Manager Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Birmingham, MI

Assistant City Manager

Birmingham, MI

Under the general direction of the City Manager, provides assistance and support to the City Manager including analyzing and implementing policies, programs and procedures; serves as staff liaison ...

New

City of Sterling Heights

Fire Chief

Sterling Heights, MI

$152K - $178K/yr

Position Summary Under the executive direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is in charge of the Fire Department. Responsible for establishing and administering policy and planning for the Fire ...

Royal Oak, City of (MI)

Finance Director

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

The Finance Director reports directly to the City Manager and serves as the City's chief financial advisor and a key member of the executive leadership team. The position provides leadership for the ...

City of Sterling Heights

Fire Chief

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$152K - $178K/yr

Position Summary Under the executive direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is in charge of the Fire Department. Responsible for establishing and administering policy and planning for the Fire ...

City of Royal Oak, MI

Finance Director

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

The Finance Director reports directly to the City Manager and serves as the City's chief financial advisor and a key member of the executive leadership team. The position provides leadership for the ...

destinationone Consulting

City Clerk

Detroit, MI · On-site

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 ...

City Year

Local Recruitment Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Active City Year Staff members must login to Workday to apply internally. Number of Positions: 1 ... The Local Recruitment Manager is responsible for building and sustaining a strong pipeline of ...

Saia LTL Freight

Local City Driver

Warren, MI · On-site

$30.90 - $35.30/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 ...

City Year

Impact Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

Active City Year Staff members must login to Workday to apply internally. Position Overview Impact Managers (IMs) lead and develop teams of full-time student success coaches as team of idealistic ...

City Year

Senior Impact Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

Active City Year Staff members must login to Workday to apply internally. Position Overview Senior Impact Managers (SIMs) lead and develop teams of full-time student success coaches as team of ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCity JobsCity Manager JobsCity Manager Jobs in Rochester, MI

City Manager information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$24.4K

$106.2K

$205.7K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in Rochester, MI is $106,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,700.00 and $138,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 much do city managers make?

In Michigan, city managers typically earn an average annual salary between $80,000 and $130,000, depending on the size of the municipality and experience. Larger cities tend to offer higher compensation, and the role often requires strong leadership, budgeting skills, and knowledge of local government operations.

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 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 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 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.

How much do city managers get paid?

City managers typically earn a median annual salary between $90,000 and $150,000, depending on the size of the city and region. Larger cities or those with more complex administrative needs tend to offer higher compensation, and many city managers hold advanced degrees and certifications in public administration or related fields.

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.

More about City Manager jobs
What job categories do people searching City Manager jobs in Rochester, MI look for? The top searched job categories for City Manager jobs in Rochester, MI are:
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for City Manager jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most City Manager job openings:
City Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in Rochester, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,225 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Assistant City Manager

City of Birmingham, Michigan

Birmingham, MI • On-site

$114K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE:
Under the general direction of the City Manager, provides assistance and support to the City Manager including analyzing and implementing policies, programs and procedures; serves as staff liaison for a variety of boards and commissions. Leads assigned municipal functions, services and activities while working closely with the City Manager; responds to and resolves public inquiries and complaints; and provides responsible staff assistance to the City Manager, City Commission and department heads.
Reporting to the City Manager, work is performed under general direction according to City policies and ordinances. Acts on behalf of the City Manager to relieve the Manager of administrative and operational matters, and may represent the Manager in intergovernmental meetings and community activities. Duties are carried out with considerable independence and latitude with the Manager being consulted on unusual situations. Work is evaluated through review of reports and activity summaries, conferences, and assessment of City operations effectiveness and efficiency. Performs a variety of special projects assigned by the Manager
FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(This list is not to be treated as all inclusive.)
  • Assist the City Manager in directing the daily operations of municipal government, ensuring exceptional service delivery and organizational excellence.
  • Serve as Acting City Manager in the City Manager's absence, providing executive leadership and continuity of operations.
  • Oversee multiple municipal departments, providing strategic leadership, operational guidance, and performance management.
  • Direct and coordinate the City management team in activities involving inter-departmental work processes and citizen services.
  • Lead complex, cross-departmental projects, including capital improvements, infrastructure planning and organizational initiatives.
  • Develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life and maintain the community's high standards.
  • Serve as project manager for a variety of special projects; facilitate project activities and resolve problems; develop and submit project reports to the City Manager.
  • Negotiate contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and partnerships to achieve strategic objectives.
  • Assist in the preparation of operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Champion strategic planning initiatives that align municipal services with the City's long-term vision and priorities.
  • Evaluate organization performance using data-driven metrics and implement continuous process improvements.
  • Assist with employee development, organizational culture initiatives and succession planning.
  • Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical governance throughout the organization.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with residents, business, developers, regional agencies and community organizations.
  • Respond to citizen concerns with professionalism, diplomacy and a commitment to customer service.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Possession of an MPA, M.S., M.A., or MBA in Management, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 8 years of progressively more responsible municipal management experience, with at least 5 years of responsible experience as a municipal Department Director.
  • ICMA credentialed status preferred.
  • Valid Michigan Driver's License or ability to obtain one.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to deal with difficult situations; analyze complex situations, factors and information, and devise logical and sufficient plans and strategies. Ability to demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, inventiveness and independent judgment in the performance of duties.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize routine, specialized and complex assignments and problems utilizing knowledge acquired through prior education, training, and professional experience.
  • Ability to work independently under general policy direction, and direct and coordinate the activities of staff. Ability to conduct and manage effective and productive meetings of diverse groups.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse audiences. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of officials, staff, outside agency personnel, community members, the media and general public.
  • Ability to keep management and designated staff fully and accurately informed via accurate records and reports.
  • Ability to foster innovation through the implementation of technology, digital services, and best practices in municipal government.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, electronic mail and Adobe products. Ability to master other software as needed, and operate office equipment.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to work evening and weekend hours as required

TOTAL REWARDS:
  • Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(a) and Retirement Health Savings

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED:
  • Office space including desk, computer, and phone
  • City laptop
  • City keys
  • City cell phone

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