City Manager

City of Kirksville, MO; Kirksville (MO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kirksville is inviting applications for a City Manager, reporting to the City Council. This executive role directs all administrative functions, guides staff, and implements Council policies to sustain a high quality of life for Kirksville’s residents.

The role requires strategic leadership, adept governance, and strong community engagement to balance daily operations with long-term goals for the city of ~17,500 people in northeast Missouri.

Qualifications

• Experience in local government management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to translate policy into action.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day municipal operations and ensure efficient service delivery.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and long-range planning.
• Direct and develop department heads while ensuring transparency with City Council.

Job description

Organization: City of Kirksville

Position Title: City Manager

Address: 201 S. Franklin St. Kirksville, MO 63501

First Review: October 2, 2026

Salary Range: $130,000 to $160,000

The City of Kirksville is seeking a City Manager for this vibrant community of approximately 17,500 residents in northeast Missouri. As the seat of Adair County, Kirksville plays an important role in the region for education, healthcare, government, and commerce, while retaining a welcoming small-town feel.

THE CITY OF KIRKSVILLE

Incorporated in 1857, the City of Kirksville is a third-class city, operating under the Council-Manager form of government with a five-member City Council. The City serves a population of 17,530 across more than 14 square miles with a $59.6 million annual budget ($39.7 million operating and $19.9 million capital) and a team of 167 FTEs across 10 departments. Municipal operations include Administration, Adair County Emergency Communication Center, Airport, Community & Economic Development and Codes & Planning, Public Works & Engineering, Finance, Fire, Missouri Rural Enterprise & Innovation Center, Parks & Recreation, Police, and Tourism.

THE CITY MANAGER

Reporting to the City Council, the City Manager serves as the administrative head of the City, with a primary responsibility to implement the Council’s vision by carrying out its policies and ordinances, overseeing day-to-day government operations, and appointing department managers. The City Manager directs all administrative functions while leading the development of strategic goals through a balance of hands-on management and effective delegation to key staff.

WHY APPLY

Kirksville, one of the hardest-working cities in Missouri, is seeking its next City Manager, as its current manager is retiring after 23 years of service in the role. Kirksville is the largest and most populous city in Adair County, Missouri, and is home to three institutions of higher education: Truman State University, A.T. Still University, and Moberly Area Community College. This community has a true sense of place, is financially sound, and firmly believes in partnerships to accomplish its goals. Kirksville has built a solid management team, and staff works exceedingly well with City Council. This is a community that provides a wonderful quality of life, continues to be poised for success, embraces collaboration, and believes everyone has a place in Kirksville.

The City of Kirksville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.