A quick guide for anyone whos ever wondered how to become a professional local government manager.
A city manager is the chief administrative officer of a city, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, implementing policies, and advising elected officials. It’s a complex leadership role requiring strong management, financial, and communication abilities.
If you’re interested in local government, urban planning, budgeting, and bringing positive change to your community, a career as a city manager may be very rewarding.
Follow this step-by-step guide to understand how to start on the path to become a city manager
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first educational step is a 4-year bachelor’s degree. While some cities may only require a bachelor’s, earning a master’s degree later on can make you a stronger candidate.
Majors like public administration, business, urban studies, political science, and finance provide a solid base of relevant skills and knowledge.
Some tips for undergrad success:
-
Maintain a high GPA – this demonstrates academic ability key for admission to a graduate program later.
-
Take part in extracurricular activities that showcase your leadership, communication, and ethical qualities.
-
Consider a municipal government internship to gain hands-on experience.
-
Build relationships with professors who may be future references.
Earn a Master’s Degree (Recommended)
Pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or related graduate degree after your bachelor’s can help boost your qualifications as a city manager applicant.
An MPA covers areas like financial management, human resources, policy analysis, and government operations – all highly applicable to the role.
Other worthwhile master’s options include public policy, urban planning, business administration, and nonprofit management.
Aim to attend a respected, accredited graduate program and maintain a high GPA.
Gain Relevant Work Experience
Because a city manager role requires extensive management experience, earning your degrees is just the first step.
After undergrad, take an entry-level professional role in a city department like budgeting, planning, economic development, or transportation.
From there, work your way up to supervisor, manager, and assistant director positions within your department. Seek assignments that let you gain experience across different city functions.
After 5-10 years moving up through a city’s ranks, you’ll have the necessary experience to competitively apply for city manager openings.
Obtain State or Professional Certification
Voluntarily earning a certification like the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Credentialed Manager shows your commitment to excellence.
It requires meeting standards in ethics, education, and experience and passing an exam. Some states may also require certification to serve as a city manager.
Certification signals your expertise and can improve your candidacy for top city management jobs.
Join Relevant Professional Associations
Professional groups like the ICMA and League of Women in Government provide important networking, career development, mentoring, and continuing education opportunities.
Joining these groups helps you build your reputation in the field and connect with other city managers who may know of job openings.
Gaining leadership roles in these associations also helps demonstrate your engagement.
Search for City Manager Job Openings
Check municipal government and professional association job boards regularly for open city manager positions. Network and stay in touch with other managers to hear about openings.
Tailor your cover letter and resume to each application, highlighting your most relevant experience and achievements.
Be prepared to interview and showcase your leadership presence, communication skills, analytical abilities, and eagerness to take on the challenges of municipal management.
Understand the Application and Hiring Process
The city manager hiring process often includes multiple interviews, written exercises, public meet-and-greets, background checks, and decisions by city councils.
It aims to thoroughly vet candidates for this critical leadership role overseeing all city operations and staff.
Be prepared to spend 6-12 months interviewing before landing your first city manager job. The right fit and timing are crucial.
Negotiate Your Employment Agreement
Once hired as city manager, you’ll negotiate a detailed employment agreement covering compensation, benefits, term length, duties, termination clauses, and more.
Most managers serve 3-5 year contracted terms after which the contract must be renewed by the city council. Don’t leave this important agreement to chance – work with a lawyer to protect your interests.
Develop as a Leader
Once in the city manager role, focus on building strong relationships with the mayor, council, and city staff. Set a vision for progress and engage employees to bring innovative ideas.
Continuously develop skills in areas like conflict resolution, communication, data-driven management, and strategic planning. Take professional development courses. Connect with a network of peer city managers to share best practices.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll understand how to pave your way to this highly rewarding public service career managing all aspects of a municipal government. The work is challenging but making a real difference in your city is incredibly fulfilling.
What Skills Do Professional Local Government Managers Bring to Their Communities?
Economically strong, high-quality-of-life communities don’t just happen. They require a vision, a lot of planning, and the professional execution of those plans. City, town, and county managers and administrators draw on a wealth of experience and a multitude of skills to get the job done, including
- Personnel administration: Providing direction and leadership to department heads and those who provide direct services to the community.
- Management of public funds: Ensuring the cost-effectiveness of programs, balancing budgets, and securing the financial health of the community.
- Program and policy implementation: Working with elected officials and community leaders to achieve common goals and objectives.
- Service delivery coordination: Anticipating and planning for a city, town, or county’s future needs.
Above all else, today’s professional city, town, and county managers and administrators bring to the communities they serve a commitment to maintaining the public trust and confidence in local government, achieving equity and social justice, affirming human dignity, and improving the quality of life for all.
Why Choose a Career as a Professional City, Town, or County Manager?
A career as a professional local government manager is challenging–but extremely rewarding. Few other careers offer the opportunity to have such a positive impact on your community.
As the needs of our cities, towns, and counties have become more complex, so has the job of professional local government managers and administrators. Back in the day, these individuals were recruited from the ranks of civil engineers, who were trained to build and maintain the community’s bridges, roads, and water systems. Today’s managers and administrators also possess the management “know-how” to build strong communities, if not from the ground up, then by ensuring the continuous improvement of community services.
How To Become A City Manager? – CountyOffice.org
FAQ
What does a manager of a city do?
What skills do you need to be a town manager?
Is a city manager the same as a mayor?
What do you need to be a city manager in Texas?
What skills do you need to be a city manager?
In addition to relevant experience, the City Manager should also possess strong leadership, organization and time-management skills combined with experience in team-building, people management, speech writing, speech delivery and training.
What degree does a city manager need?
Most city managers have advanced graduate degrees, usually a master’s degree. Common master’s programs for city managers include a Master of Public Administration or Master of Business Administration degree. Many aspiring public servants complete their master’s degrees part-time while continuing to work and develop their skills in their workplace.
How do I get a job as a city manager?
Using online job boards and your contacts can help you find and apply for a job as a City Manager. Earn a Bachelor’s degree. Some city manager positions only require a bachelor’s degree. However, if they require graduate degrees, you’ll still need to get your undergraduate degree first.
How much does a city manager make a year?
This experience allows them to become familiar with the inner workings of local government and prepares them for a smooth transition into a top-level management position. So, what’s the catch? No catch. On average, city, town, and county managers can earn between $90,000 and $110,000.
