City Manager

City of Marathon, Florida

The City of Marathon, located in the heart of the Florida Keys, is seeking an accomplished, forward‑thinking municipal executive to serve as City Manager. This is a rare opportunity to lead a full‑service coastal municipality within an Area of Critical State Concern, balancing environmental stewardship, resiliency, infrastructure investment, and community vitality.

The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the City Council and acts as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, providing professional leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence.

Department: City Manager

Salary: Minimum Starting Salary of $200,000. Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Reports to: City Council

Supervises: City Staff

Position: Full-Time, FLSA Exempt

The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Marathon and is responsible for the effective, efficient, and lawful administration of all City operations in accordance with the policies, ordinances, and direction established by the City Council. The City Manager implements the Council’s vision and strategic priorities while preserving the unique environmental, cultural, and economic character of Marathon and the Florida Keys.

Serves at the pleasure of the City Council.

The City Manager provides professional leadership to a full‑service municipality located within an Area of Critical State Concern, requiring exceptional expertise in growth management, environmental regulation, resiliency, infrastructure planning, fiscal stewardship, and intergovernmental coordination.

Executive Leadership & Governance

• Serves as principal advisor to the City Council, providing professional recommendations, policy analysis, and implementation strategies.
• Executes and administers all laws, ordinances, resolutions, and policies adopted by the City Council.
• Prepares and coordinates City Council agendas; ensures Council members are fully informed on municipal operations, policy decisions, and community impacts.
• Represents the City before local, state, and federal agencies, regional organizations, and the public.
• Maintains transparent, ethical, and professional governance consistent with Florida Sunshine Law and Public Records requirements.

Organizational & Departmental Management

• Directs and oversees all City departments, with exception of the City Attorney.
• Establishes organizational goals, performance measures, and operational standards to ensure service excellence.
• Leads, mentors, and evaluates department directors; fosters collaboration and accountability across departments.
• Oversees recruitment, retention, training, and succession planning for a diverse municipal workforce.
• Carries out other responsibilities as assigned by City Council.

Financial Management & Budget Administration

• Prepares and administers the City’s annual operating and capital budgets with a focus on fiscal sustainability and accountability.
• Manages enterprise funds, grants, and special revenue sources while ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Identifies revenue diversification opportunities, including fee structures and enterprise services, to reduce reliance on ad valorem taxation.
• Oversees procurement, contract negotiation, and financial controls to protect public assets.

Planning, Growth Management & Environmental Stewardship

• Ensures compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Regulations, and the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern requirements.
• Provides leadership on long‑range planning initiatives, code updates, and land development policy.
• Oversees permitting, development review, floodplain management, and enforcement functions.
• Guides environmentally responsible decision‑making balancing resiliency, housing, tourism, and economic vitality.
• Leads climate adaptation and resiliency initiatives, including flood mitigation, evacuation modeling, CRS participation, and FEMA coordination.

Infrastructure & Capital Program Oversight

• Oversees planning, design, funding, and construction of municipal infrastructure projects, including transportation, utilities,…