The City seeks a City Administrator who can provide leadership and collaboration to deliver results. The next City Administrator should be professional, knowledgeable, and experienced in local government. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in financial management and local government, possess supervisory experience, demonstrate success in project management, and work well with the governing body, department heads, employees, and citizens to get things done. The City seeks a person who is grounded in high ethical standards and has demonstrated leadership abilities.
Candidates will find Lyons offers a high quality of life while providing a low cost of living, making it an affordable place to call home. Lyons is the county seat of Rice County, located in the heart of Kansas. Lyons is a small community with a lot of charm. Local shops offer an array of goods and services, from home décor and clothing to coffee shops and breweries. Residents can enjoy attending festivals and the farmer’s market. Lyons has excellent parks and recreation (including a waterpark and golf course), strong schools, local healthcare and hospital access, and a rich history. The local economy is growing, with a major industry set to add 250 jobs.

The community sits at a highway junction where US-56, K-96, and K-14 meet, making it a nearly equal distance of 30 miles to easy interstate access to both the north (I-70) and east (I-135). Hutchinson and McPherson are larger communities within a 30-mile radius, providing easy access and convenience to regional goods and services.

The next City Administrator will have a tremendous impact on the community of Lyons. Job growth, infrastructure upgrades, and housing expansion will be areas the Administrator will shape for decades.

Lyons operates under the Mayor/Council/Administrator form of government; the mayor is elected ‘at large’, and the eight council members are elected to overlapping terms. The 2024 general fund budget was $3.9 million, and utility fund revenues were $7.7 million. The current Administrator is retiring after a long career serving multiple cities in Kansas, including a one-year stay with the City of Lyons. Lyons has had three city administrators in the past 20 years. Lyons provides a full range of services with Administration, Police, Fire, Public Works (Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Streets), Parks and Recreation, Cemetery, and Compost. The City’s workforce includes 29 full-time staff, 31 seasonal staff, and 26 volunteer firefighters.

Successful candidates should send a resume and cover letter highlighting the City’s minimum and preferred qualifications.
Preferred qualifications: 1) Four years of experience in local government as manager or administrator, assistant manager or administrator, department head, or supervising manager; 2) master’s degree in public administrator or related field from an accredited university; 3) local government budgeting and finance experience; 4) project or process management experience; and 5) ICMA (International City and County Management Association) membership.
Minimum qualifications: 1) Three years of experience in public or private administration/management, including strong people skills and leadership experience; 2) bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field from an accredited university; or equivalent education and experience; 3) evidence of a stable, progressive employment history; and 4) an unblemished work record of performing with integrity.
See the full Recruitment Profile brochure at lyonsks.org.