City Manager

Overview

The City of Manzanita, Oregon is recruiting its next City Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and skilled manager who can prioritize implementation, promote organizational stability, and execute long‑term strategy.

The City of Manzanita (population 657) is located on the northern Oregon coast in Tillamook County. The community consists of full‑time residents, second homeowners, and visitors, and the local economy is largely driven by tourism. Manzanita boasts seven miles of beaches, ample outdoor recreation opportunities, and a welcoming, tight‑knit community. The City is governed under a Council‑Manager form of government with a Mayor and four Councilors, and operates with a regular staff of 18 FTE employees.

Its 2026‑2027 budget is approximately $16.5 million.

The City Manager is responsible for managing the day‑to‑day operations of the City and ensuring that the City Council, staff, and advisory bodies operate efficiently and effectively. The City Manager should be a skilled, forward‑thinking leader who can foster a collaborative relationship with the City Council, serve as an effective messenger of the City’s priorities and actions, engage the community, and support public finance, public works, growth and tourism management, housing and short‑term policy, intergovernmental coordination, and emergency preparedness.

They also appreciate and embrace Manzanita’s close‑knit, vibrant, and welcoming small‑town atmosphere.

A bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field and at least three years of upper‑level local government management experience is required. An advanced degree or five years or more experience as a City Manager is preferred. Membership in relevant professional organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and experience working in a Council‑Manager form of government is attractive.

Familiarity with coastal, small, or prominent vacation‑destination municipalities is desirable. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

$130,000 to $170,000 (DOE).

The City of Manzanita is an Equal Opportunity Employer.