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City Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City Manager

Atwater, CA

$167K - $213K/yr

Definition Under the administrative direction of the City Council, to plan, organize, manage, and direct the functions of City government; to represent City Council policies and programs with City ...

City Manager

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$202K - $246K/yr

City Manager's Office Opening Date: 05/07/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: MGMT CONF The Position Appointed by the City Council, the City Manager serves as the chief ...

As a City Manager, you will be the chief executive officer of the city, responsible for overseeing all city operations, implementing policies set by the city council, and ensuring the effective ...

The City Manager serves as a business partner, leading, managing and developing an assigned district to operational success and financial profitability across functional areas such as of operations ...

The next City Manager will guide the community through its continued evolution while honoring the values and character that make the City of Falls Church a special place to live, work, and raise a ...

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 ...

The next City Manager will guide the community through its continued evolution while honoring the values and character that make the City of Falls Church a special place to live, work, and raise a ...

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 ...

The City Manager serves as a business partner, leading, managing and developing an assigned district to operational success and financial profitability across functional areas such as of operations ...

The City Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the fleet services function with respect to the servicing, vehicle damagerepairand in-fleeting/de-fleeting of rental vehicles to ...

New

The primary focus of the City Manager, Boston, is to ensure excellence and consistency in local market operations across a number of metropolitan areas within a defined region. This includes ...

The primary focus of the City Manager, Boston, is to ensure excellence and consistency in local market operations across a number of metropolitan areas within a defined region. This includes ...

The primary focus of the City Manager, Boston, is to ensure excellence and consistency in local market operations across a number of metropolitan areas within a defined region. This includes ...

The City of Vista is seeking a Deputy City Manager who will help lead key strategic initiatives, foster organizational excellence, and partner with departments across the organization to advance the ...

Deputy City Manager

Vista, CA · On-site +1

$192K - $258K/yr

City Manager Opening Date: 07/07/2026 Closing Date: 8/4/2026 5:30 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit: DH Position Do you have a background in municipal leadership, strategic planning, or organizational ...

The Cynch City Manager will be responsible for all aspect of day-to-day operations including, but not limited to, managing day to day delivery operations, customer account management, personnel ...

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City Manager information

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$26.5K

$115.4K

$223.5K

How much do city manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for city manager in the United States is $115,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $150,000.00 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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Several high-paying jobs can offer $4,000 or more per week without requiring a college degree, including roles such as commercial pilot, real estate broker, sales manager, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers with experience. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, or licenses, and may involve working long hours or in high-pressure environments.

Is being a city manager stressful?

Being a city manager can be stressful due to the high level of responsibility for city operations, budgeting, and public relations. The role often involves managing conflicts, tight deadlines, and complex decision-making, which can contribute to work-related stress. Strong leadership, communication skills, and stress management are important for success in this position.

What does a manager of a city do?

A city manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a city government, implementing policies set by the city council, and managing departments such as public safety, public works, and finance. They coordinate staff, prepare budgets, and ensure city services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

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.

What is the average pay for a city manager?

The average salary for a city manager in the United States typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the size of the city and region. Larger cities and those with more complex administrative needs tend to offer higher compensation, and many city managers hold advanced degrees and certifications such as ICMA credentials.

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 City Managers?

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 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.

What cities are hiring for City Manager jobs? Cities with the most City Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of City jobs? The most popular types of City jobs are:
What states have the most City Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for City Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various City Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,406 per year, or $55.5 per hour.
City Manager

$167K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Definition Under the administrative direction of the City Council, to plan, organize, manage, and direct the functions of City government; to represent City Council policies and programs with City staff, community organizations, other agencies, and the public; to review City departments' annual budget requests and develop final expenditure recommendations for presentation to the City Council; to be responsible for employer-employee relations; and to do related work as required. Serves as Disaster Service Worker. FLSA Status: Exempt.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This single position class serves as Chief Executive Officer for the operation of City government and the providing of public services. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the City Council. REPORTS TO The City Council.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED Department Heads. Essential Functions Serves as Chief Executive Officer for the City of Atwater; provides the City Council and management with advice and consultation on the development of City services and policies; coordinates the agenda for City Council meetings; directs special studies and surveys to determine the effectiveness of City government; keeps City Council members informed of the activities and potential problems of City services; represents City Council policies with employees, other government agencies, the public, and community organizations; reviews department budget requests, overseeing preparation of the annual budget and developing recommendations on final expenditure levels for presentation to the City Council; oversees expenditure controls for the adopted budget; maintains a continued awareness of administrative practices and recommends changes to the City Council; has responsibility for City employer-employee relations; reviews the operations of City departments for conformance with appropriate work standards; selects, directs, and evaluates executive management staff; coordinates City functions with other government agencies; oversees the preparation and administration of grant applications; responds to the most sensitive citizen information requests and complaints; serves as the Executive Director of the Fire District, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Building Official, Executive Director of Redevelopment Agency, and Executive Director of the Housing Authority. Attend night and weekend meetings.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Work is normally performed in an office environment; frequent driving to different locations throughout the City; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public administration including administrative analysis, fiscal planning, and control, policy, and program development.

Laws, rules, ordinances, and legislative processes controlling municipal government services and operations. Organization, problems, and functions of municipal government. Research and evaluation methods.

Personnel, employer-employee relations, and equal employment opportunity programs, procedures, and requirements. Principles of management, supervision, training, and employee evaluation. Personal computers, and software applications related to City management and administration.

Ability to: Plan, organize, manage, coordinate, and supervise the functions and services of the City to achieve efficient operations and achieve program goals. Prepare and administer the City budget and oversee fiscal records. Coordinate the preparation of the City Council agenda.

Direct the gathering, organization, analysis, and presentation of a variety of data and information. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports. Evaluate, formulate, and develop recommendations on improvements to City operations, programs, and services.

Provide advice and consultation to the City Council on the development of ordinances, regulations, programs, and policies. Communicate well during public presentations. Exercise supervisory and management authority tactfully and effectively.

Effectively represent the City's policies, programs, and services with the public, community organizations, City staff, and other government agencies. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS Work is normally performed in an office environment; frequent driving to different locations throughout the City; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

Minimum Qualification Training and Experience: Five (5) years of broad and extensive management, supervisory, and administrative experience, preferably including work in a public agency involving development and administration of programs, budgets, and public services. Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field. Education requirements may be substituted with equivalent public administration and/or local government experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS A Master's degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS None. License: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Supplemental Information https://www.atwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/City-Manager-Recruitment-Flyer-6.23.26.pdf