City Manager

City of Zeeland; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Zeeland is seeking an experienced municipal executive to serve as City Manager. This is a high-impact role reporting to the Mayor and Council, providing leadership over operations, personnel, finance, development, and services.

The City Manager will balance strategic priorities with daily needs while maintaining strong intergovernmental relationships. Ideal candidates bring strategic vision, practical management experience, and a track record of public service, transparency, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible municipal management experience.
• Strong knowledge of municipal laws, budgeting, public information, and administrative practices.
• Knowledge of municipal financial and personnel management, contract negotiation, economic development, and public relations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse programs and services, evaluate complex information, develop recommendations, and communicate effectively.
• A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate City departments and municipal activities, promoting efficient operations, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Advise the City Council on policy, programs, ordinances, and operational matters; implement Council direction and provide timely, comprehensive information to support informed decisions.
• Oversee budget development, financial planning, budget administration, capital improvement programming, and evaluation of financing strategies for major projects.
• Lead the City’s workforce through effective recruitment, development, performance management, organizational planning, and personnel administration.
• Represent the City with residents, governmental agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and other partners while serving as a professional and credible spokesperson for the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Public administration

Communication

Collaboration

Ethical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field

Job description

An Opportunity to Lead. A Community to Serve.

The City of Zeeland invites applications from experienced and accomplished municipal professionals to serve as its next City Manager. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative, strategic, and community-minded leader to guide municipal operations and help shape the continued success of a vibrant West Michigan community.

Reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager serves as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, providing leadership and oversight for City operations, personnel, financial administration, community development, and the delivery of municipal services. The position oversees all City departments with the exception of the Board of Public Works and also fulfills the responsibilities of City Superintendent.

The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor to the City Council, an effective organizational leader, and a visible representative of the City who understands the importance of responsive government, fiscal stewardship, operational excellence, and strong community relationships.

THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The City Manager provides broad executive leadership in a municipality where effective administration, thoughtful planning, and strong intergovernmental relationships are essential to serving the community. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with elected officials, department leaders, employees, residents, regional partners, and community stakeholders to advance City priorities and maintain high-quality municipal services.Key areas of responsibility include:

• Organizational Leadership: Direct and coordinate City departments and municipal activities, promoting efficient operations, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Council Relations & Policy Implementation: Advise the City Council on policy, programs, ordinances, and operational matters; implement Council direction and provide timely, comprehensive information to support informed decisions.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee budget development, financial planning, budget administration, capital improvement programming, and evaluation of financing strategies for major projects.
• People & Culture: Lead the City’s workforce through effective recruitment, development, performance management, organizational planning, and personnel administration.
• Community & Government Relations: Represent the City with residents, governmental agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and other partners while serving as a professional and credible spokesperson for the organization.
• Planning & Economic Development: Support long-range planning, zoning and master plan initiatives, economic development activities, and grant opportunities that contribute to the community’s future.
• Operational Excellence: Address complex municipal challenges, evaluate service delivery, respond to community concerns, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and City policies.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City of Zeeland is seeking a municipal executive who combines strategic vision with practical management experience and who is comfortable leading across a broad range of municipal functions. The ideal candidate will be:

• A collaborative and ethical leader who builds trust with elected officials, employees, and the community.
• An experienced municipal professional with a strong understanding of local government operations and public-sector administration.
• A thoughtful advisor who can present complex issues clearly and provide sound, objective recommendations.
• A financially responsible manager who understands budgeting, capital planning, and long-term organizational sustainability.
• An approachable and effective communicator who values transparency, responsiveness, and public engagement.
• A decisive yet inclusive leader who can navigate competing priorities and challenging situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• A champion of organizational effectiveness, employee development, and high-quality public service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible municipal management experience.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal laws, ordinances, budgeting, public information, and administrative practices.
• Knowledge of municipal financial and personnel management, contract negotiation, economic development, and public relations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse programs and services, evaluate complex information, develop recommendations, and communicate effectively.
• A valid driver’s license.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered where appropriate.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a high-impact executive position responsible for translating policy direction into effective municipal administration while maintaining a strong focus on community needs and organizational performance.

The City Manager must be capable of balancing long-term strategic priorities with immediate operational demands, fostering productive relationships across the organization, and representing the City with professionalism and integrity.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a community that values effective local government, engaged leadership, and exceptional public service. The next City Manager will play an important role in guiding the organization, supporting the City Council’s vision, and helping position Zeeland for continued success.

The City of Zeeland is an equal opportunity employer.