City Manager

AAME; Abilene (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Abilene, Kansas, seeks an experienced municipal leader to serve as City Manager, guiding operations, budgeting, capital planning and economic development. The successful candidate will work closely with the Mayor and City Commission to align governance with administration and to advance community priorities.

Responsibilities include building relationships with residents, businesses, advisory boards and regional partners, plus emergency operations planning and interdepartmental

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration or related field.
• 5 Years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead as chief administrative officer overseeing municipal operations, personnel, budgeting and financial management, capital planning, infrastructure and economic development.
• Foster open, timely communication with Mayor and City Commission to clarify governance vs. administration responsibilities.
• Build strong relationships with residents, businesses, advisory boards, and regional partners; lead emergency preparedness and interdepartmental coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's in political science, public administration or related field

Master's degree in political science, public administration, or related field

Job description

The Position

The City Manager serves as Abilene's chief administrative officer, providing leadership across municipal operations, personnel, budgeting and financial management, capital planning, infrastructure, economic development, and community partnerships.

A key priority will be building strong, professional relationships with the Mayor and City Commission through open, timely communication and a clear understanding of the respective roles of governance and administration. The City Manager will also lead an experienced workforce, respecting institutional knowledge while strengthening expectations, accountability, communication, and coordination across departments.

As a visible community leader, the City Manager will work closely with residents, businesses, civic organizations, economic development and tourism partners, advisory boards, and other governmental agencies.

Emergency preparedness is another important responsibility. The next manager will help complete and implement the City's emergency operations planning while providing leadership and coordination during significant incidents and working closely with Dickinson County Emergency Management.

The Ideal Candidate

Abilene is seeking an experienced municipal professional who combines strong management capabilities with sound judgment, integrity and the interpersonal skills necessary to lead a full-service municipal organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's in political science, public administration or related field.
• 5 Years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in political science, public administration, or related field.
• 10 Years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience

Residency

The selected City Manager will be required to establish residency within the City of Abilene.