CITY MANAGER

The Opportunity - City Manager

The City of Franklin, Kentucky, invites an accomplished, forward‑thinking public sector executive to serve as its next City Manager. This is a rare opportunity to lead in a growing, high‑service community with an engaged Commission, strong departmental leadership, and a culture committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement. The City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer and is appointed by the Mayor and City Commissioners to execute policy, oversee all city operations, and champion high‑quality service delivery.

Franklin is an established and steadily developing city with more than 70 dedicated employees delivering essential services in Public Works, Water/Wastewater, Police, Finance, Administration, and community‑focused programs. The City is recognized for fostering a high‑quality work culture, strong customer service values, and responsiveness to community needs.

• Strategic Leadership and Planning
  • Develops, implements and monitors long‑term strategic plans that support growth, community development, and high‑quality public services.
• Oversee municipal initiatives, including planning and zoning, land‑use policies, capital improvement programs, and the maintenance and development of city infrastructure such as roads, utilities, public facilities and parks.
• Administrative & Operational Management
  • Directs all city departments and administrative functions, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Optimizes organizational structure to improve operational performance and service delivery.
• Continuous Process Improvement
  • Leads initiatives to streamline workflows, modernize systems, and implement best practices that enhance efficiency, accountability, and customer service.
• Conflict Resolution & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serves as a neutral facilitator in resolving internal and external conflicts, promoting collaboration among departments, elected officials, community members and partner organizations.
• Works with the Finance Department to develop and manage the city budget, ensure fiscal responsibility and support financial planning that aligns with community priorities.
• Policy Implementation & Governance Support
  • Advises the Mayor and the Commission, provides data‑driven recommendations, and ensures the effective implementation of approved policies and programs.
• Operational Leadership
  • Builds a high‑performance culture across all city departments through mentorship, clear communication, and accountability. Ensure rapid and effective response to community needs, emergencies and operational changes.

• Extensive experience in municipal planning, public administration or local government leadership
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, and process improvement
• Strong proficiency in infrastructure and capital project management
• Proven ability to manage conflict constructively and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills

• Minimum bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred but not required.

Must have a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a top management position, preferably within the local government or public sector.

• Ability to communicate effectively and prepare reports requiring writing, reading, mental reasoning and interpretation abilities.
• Ability to access a computer, typically using hands and fingers.
• Ability to lift 25-50 pounds as required.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting at a desk or table with intermittent standing or stooping.
• Outdoor onsite visits are occasionally required to inspect projects and construction progress.

Salary Range Competitive and commensurate with experience.

• Health Insurance:
  Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life & AD&D Insurance:
  Employer‑provided coverage for full‑time employees.
• Retirement Plan:
  City‑sponsored retirement…