Recruiting Firm

City of St Joseph; Chelsea (MI); Remote; USD 20,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chelsea, Michigan is seeking proposals from qualified executive search firms for City Manager recruitment. Candidates should have extensive public sector recruitment experience and success in similar municipal roles, particularly across multiple states. The selected firm will be tasked with developing recruitment strategies, conducting outreach, and providing comprehensive candidate vetting. Proposals must demonstrate understanding of the City of Chelsea's governance and community needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in executive-level public sector recruitment.
• Proven success in city manager recruitment across multiple states.

Responsibilities

• Develop a recruitment timeline and strategy in coordination with the City Council.
• Design outreach plans targeting qualified candidates nationwide.
• Provide pre-screening services including reference checks and background evaluations.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement for input and consultation.
• Facilitate interview design and evaluation tools.

Skills

Executive recruitment

Public sector experience

Candidate vetting

Community engagement

Stakeholder management

Job description

EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT
Issue Date: July 16, 2025

Proposal Due Date:

I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Chelsea, Michigan, is seeking proposals from qualified executive search firms to assist in the recruitment of a new City Manager. The City desires a professional recruitment partner with demonstrated success in municipal executive searches across multiple states and a clear understanding of the diverse operational, regulatory, and community contexts that impact such roles.

II. BACKGROUND
Chelsea is a vibrant, progressive city located in Washtenaw County with a population of approximately 5,500. The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government and values community engagement, transparency, and strategic leadership.

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES
§ Develop a recruitment timeline and strategy in coordination with the City Council and Human Resources.

§ Design an outreach plan targeting qualified candidates nationwide, with a focus on those with experience in similar-sized or complex municipal environments.

§ Identify and contact candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, including underrepresented populations.

§ Provide pre-screening services including reference checks, background evaluations, and preliminary interviews.

§ Coordinate and facilitate with the City on stakeholder engagement (e.g., public input, staff consultation).

§ Coordinate with the City on interview design, evaluation tools, and compensation benchmarks.

§ Present a recommended slate of finalists and support the City Council through the final selection process.

IV. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
§ At least five (5) years of experience conducting executive-level public sector recruitment.

§ Proven success in city manager recruitment for municipalities in multiple states.

§ Capacity to provide full-service candidate vetting, community engagement facilitation, and Council support while working in conjunction with the City’s Transition Team.

V. REQUIRED PROPOSAL CONTENT
FIRM BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

§ Describe your firm’s structure, history, and areas of specialization.

§ Detail your experience with city manager recruitments across different U.S. states.

§ Highlight any placements in Michigan or similarly governed municipalities.

Recruitment Approach and Timeline

§ Describe your methodology for identifying and attracting qualified candidates.

§ Explain how you customize searches for different state laws, municipal charters, or political environments.

Project Team

§ Identify the personnel who will work on this project.

§ Include résumés, qualifications, and each individual’s experience with multi-state city manager searches.

References

§ Provide at least three municipal references, including at least one in a state other than Michigan, where your firm successfully placed a city manager in the last 5 years.

Cost Proposal

§ Provide a breakdown of fees, including optional services, travel, and candidate expenses.

Supplemental Questions

§ How does your firm ensure compliance with differing legal and procedural requirements in multi-state city manager searches?

§ What challenges have you encountered in recruiting across jurisdictions, and how were they resolved?

§ How do you adjust your candidate evaluation criteria when working with municipalities in various regional or governance contexts?

VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA
§ Demonstrated success in multi-state municipal executive searches (25%)

§ Proposed methodology and timeline (20%)

§ Qualifications of assigned personnel (20%)

§ Understanding of Chelsea’s needs and governance model (15%)

§ Cost effectiveness (10%)

§ Responses to supplemental questions (10%)

VII. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
§ Deadline: Proposals must be submitted electronically or in hard copy by July 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

§ Email: [e-mail]

§ Mail: City of Chelsea – Human Resources, 305 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Chelsea, MI 48118

VIII. QUESTIONS
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted via email by to [e-mail]:

Contact: Lyn Sebestyen, Clerk
Email: [e-mail]