City Manager​/Ketchikan Public Utilities General Manager - Ketchikan, AK

Overview

Are you a strategic, community-driven leader who can oversee complex municipal operations while guiding long-term utility planning and development? If so, apply to be the City of Ketchikan’s next City Manager / Ketchikan Public Utilities General Manager. We’re looking for an exceptional, engaged executive who is:

• Experienced in public administration and revenue-supported utility operations
• Skilled in strategic planning, budgeting, and infrastructure management
• A strong communicator and relationship-builder across agencies and communities

Ketchikan, Alaska, is a close-knit island community of roughly 8,150 residents known for its stunning natural surroundings, rich cultural heritage, and strong sense of place. As Alaska’s First City and the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan is a hub for tourism, outdoor adventure, and Native arts. Located on Revillagigedo Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest — about 680 air miles north of Seattle — Ketchikan is only accessible by air or sea, but it’s far from disconnected.

Ketchikan operates under a council-manager form of government with a Mayor and six Council members. The City Manager/Ketchikan Public Utilities General Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing the daily operations of all departments and the municipal utility systems.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned municipal executive who combines broad, full-service city management expertise with deep knowledge of revenue-supported utilities and enterprise operations, particularly seaport or cruise‑ship facilities.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible local government experience in a full-service city or similar organization
• A minimum of four years in a senior administrative or executive position with responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, and managing the finances of a diverse work program.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master of Public Administration (MPA), ICMA-CM, and/or CPM credentials
• Experience in managing utility operations or enterprise-funded services
• Advanced degrees or certifications in related fields

The starting salary for this position is $223,000, with potential for negotiation based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Residency within the City limits is required; however, a charter amendment is included on the October 2025 ballot to expand the residency area throughout the road system of Revillagigedo Island.

Please apply online at:

For more information on this position, contact:

Clay J. Pearson, Senior Vice President

clayp