The City of Sandwich, IL (pop. 7,420), is seeking a collaborative, resourceful, and dedicated professional to serve as its next City Administrator. The position is vacant due to the retirement of the most recent City Administrator. This is an exceptional professional opportunity to join a vibrant municipality with a strong commitment to high-quality public services and fiscal responsibility.

THE COMMUNITY - Located in northern Illinois, approximately 60 miles west of Chicago, the City of Sandwich is a welcoming and historic community known for beautiful and safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, a wide range of housing options, and an outstanding overall quality of life. Sandwich offers residents and businesses a balance of rural charm and economic opportunity, with convenient access to major regional transportation corridors and metropolitan amenities.

THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT - The City of Sandwich operates under the Mayor-Council form of government. The City is governed by a nine-member City Council, consisting of the Mayor and eight City Council members, elected from four wards (two per ward). The Mayor is elected at large to a four-year term. The City Council members are also elected to four-year terms on a staggered basis.

The City of Sandwich provides its residents with a full range of excellent public services, including police, street maintenance, economic development, emergency services, building inspection, code enforcement, engineering, water, and wastewater. Fire and EMS services are provided by the Sandwich Fire Protection District, and Parks & Recreation services are provided by the Sandwich Park District.

The City has a total annual budget of $14.15 million, with the General Fund accounting for roughly 46% of the total or $6.55 million. The major sources of funding for municipal operations include state and local sales taxes, real estate property taxes, state income taxes, water sales, and wastewater sewer fees. The City has a total of 35 full-time employees.

THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION - The City Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer of the municipality and is appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council. The Administrator oversees all day-to-day municipal operations to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of public services and the successful implementation of all policies adopted by the Mayor and City Council.

Key responsibilities of the City Administrator include:
• Preparation and administration of the annual operating and capital improvement budgets.
• Lead long-range planning initiatives, financial forecasting, and organizational development.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support department heads and administrative staff.
• Coordinate planning, zoning, and land development activities.
• Oversee capital improvement projects
• Support economic development, business retention, and community growth efforts.
• Represent the City in regional meetings, intergovernmental initiatives, and community events.

Desirable qualifications:
The Mayor and City Council are seeking candidates who are approachable and ethical leaders with demonstrated experience in municipal management, financial oversight, personnel administration, economic development, strategic planning, and community engagement.

The City hopes to attract candidates with a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, political science, urban planning, or another relevant field of study. A master’s degree in public administration is preferred. However, a strong background in local government administration could offset the need for the desirable educational achievements listed above. The City welcomes applicants with prior military service.
This ideal candidate for the City Administrator position will possess the following skills, experience, and attributes:

• Thorough understanding of all facets of municipal operations and service delivery
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills
• Capital project oversight experience
• Excellent supervisory and personnel management skills and experience
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with excellent relationship-building capacity
• Strategic planning and land use planning experience
• Understanding of relevant technologies and systems common to local government
• Committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership

COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY - The starting annual salary range for the position is $120,000 to $140,000 DOQ/E. The City of Sandwich will also provide the City Administrator with an attractive fringe benefits package. The City participates in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Interested candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com and submit a resume and cover letter by June 26, 2026. Please direct all confidential inquiries to Mark Peterson, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter at (309) 825-5091.

The City of Sandwich is an Equal Opportunity Employer