City Manager

The Position

The City Manager serves as the City’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for leading City operations in accordance with the City Charter, Municipal Code, and policies established by the City Council. The manager coordinates City services, keeps the Council informed about the City’s financial condition and future needs, and leads personnel administration, including recruitment, hiring, and employee management.

The next City Manager will help staff and elected officials navigate ongoing leadership transitions, establish productive working relationships, and maintain focus on City operations. Working with staff, Council, and residents, the manager will help develop a shared direction, identify achievable priorities, and build progress through clear communication and consistent follow-through.

The manager will lead a dedicated staff committed to public service and have the opportunity to help shape the leadership team by recruiting and hiring a Finance Director, Planning Director, and Public Works Director. Supporting existing employees, developing staff, and bringing new leaders into the organization will be important parts of the role.

Opportunities and Challenges

Build and support the City team: Recruit and hire a Finance Director, Planning Director, and Public Works Director while supporting the dedicated employees who have continued to provide quality public services. Bring strong management and motivational skills to staff development and help employees succeed in their work.

Develop working relationships and a shared direction: Help the City navigate leadership changes and establish effective working relationships among elected officials, staff, and the community. Listen to differing perspectives, identify areas of agreement, and help translate shared priorities into achievable steps forward.

Help North Plains realize its potential: Work with the Council, staff, and community to plan for the future while retaining the City’s small rural atmosphere. Bring an understanding of Oregon municipal government and land use laws to decisions about development, infrastructure, and services.

Advance urban renewal and business support: Work with the City’s consulting firm and Urban Renewal Agency to advance strategic planning, reinvigorate the small business grant program, and support preparation and marketing of the five-acre development site.

Support community recreation and public services: Support the staff member overseeing development of a community recreation program while maintaining attention to quality municipal services. Apply experience in capital improvements, utilities, and grant administration to help meet community needs.

The Ideal Candidate

The City of North Plains seeks an experienced leader who sees the community’s potential and brings the skills to help realize it. The ideal candidate will appreciate the City’s small rural atmosphere, take an active interest in the community, and work with diverse groups to develop a common focus for its future.

A good listener with strong management and motivational skills, the next City Manager will build productive relationships with staff, elected officials, and residents. This person will recognize the dedication of existing employees, support their development, and bring a positive approach to building and leading the City team.

The ideal candidate will bring patience, resilience, and a willingness to tackle difficult challenges while helping others succeed. They will remain steady amid uncertainty, work constructively with differing viewpoints, and understand that trust and progress take time. North Plains seeks someone who sees the community’s potential, values its character, and is motivated to invest in the sustained work of moving it forward.

Education & Experience

A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science, finance, or a related field, and at least five years of progressively responsible local government experience are required.

Candidates should bring experience managing municipal water and wastewater services, knowledge of Oregon municipal government and land use laws, and experience with capital improvements, planning, urban renewal, and grant administration. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff, along with strong listening, communication, and relationship-building skills. Experience working with diverse groups to establish shared priorities and achieve results is essential.

Compensation & Benefits

• $150,000 - $180,000 DOQ
• City-paid employee medical coverage, with dependent coverage available at a shared cost.
• Dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• Oregon PERS retirement participation.
• Paid time off starting at 128 hours annually, increasing to 176 hours after the first anniversary, with additional increases based on service.
• Option to sell back up to 80 hours of PTO annually after one year, subject to minimum balance requirements.
• Eleven (11) paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and covered dependents.
• In good faith, the City of North Plains is pleased to offer an initial severance provision of twelve (12) months, subject to confirmation in the employment agreement. This provision will be reviewed as part of the annual evaluation process.