City Manager

Overview

Are you ready for the opportunity to lead the team behind one of Chicagoland’s most desirable communities? The City of Wheaton is seeking a skilled City Manager who is ready to contribute to an outstanding community that residents are proud to call home.

The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer and administrative head of the City of Wheaton. This high-level position is responsible for the efficient administration and oversight of all municipal departments and services. The City Manager will plan, develop, implement, and manage city programs, policies, and services, ensuring compliance with city ordinances and statutes. This role involves supervising municipal staff, managing budgets, and working closely with the City Council to advance city objectives.

The City has a total of 270 employees and four labor unions. Wheaton’s 2026 total budget is approximately $135 million. Thanks to decades of fiscally responsible, forward-thinking leadership, the City of Wheaton boasts an “AAA” rating by Standard and Poors with a strong economy and outstanding budgetary performance. The City has received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 24 consecutive years.

• Illustrates the ability to work collaboratively with key community partners, citizens and other community groups to achieve strategic goals and address collective concerns impacting the city.
• Exemplifies leadership through engagement and accessibility, while empowering department heads to manage their teams, with a focus on ensuring accountability for performance standards and driving results.
• Demonstrates strong fiscal and budgetary management, with a commitment to innovation and being proactive, while being responsive.
• Strong capabilities in team building, consensus building and executive leadership collaboration.
• Experience effectively engaging elected officials in a way that merges perspectives, fosters strategic planning and problem solving.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of municipal management, accounting principles, strategic planning and personnel management.
• Driven by a servant leadership philosophy that supports the municipal employees while holding them accountable for achieving goals and objectives, understanding when and how to effectively coach performance.
• Shows strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate and build relationships.
• Has familiarity with pending legislation, city ordinances, grants and emergency response procedures.
• Has exceptional decision-making, problem-solving, analytical, leadership, and public relations skills.
• Has the ability to delegate effectively, analyze and solve complex problems, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Appreciates the dynamics labor unions present to organizations.
• Exhibits capability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and engage in public speaking.

A master’s degree in public administration, city or regional planning, or a related field is required, along with at least eight years of municipal government management experience, including a minimum of five years in a supervisory capacity.

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, apply online with resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by the first resume review date of March 20, 2026 to the attention of Katy Rush, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter at  Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ms. Rush at  x. 122. This position is open until filled. Candidates are also required to complete a City of Wheaton employment application to careers.us

by the first resume review date of March 20, 2026.

Resumes will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the job posting. The process will include consultant held screening interviews for the most highly qualified candidates followed by an interview with City department leadership, followed by an interview with the Mayor and City Council.

The final candidate(s) will meet with the Mayor and City Council a final time before an offer is extended. The final candidate will be required to complete a background check and drug screen.

The City of Wheaton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• City of Wheaton
  303 W Wesley Street
  Wheaton, IL
  Phone: