Renowned for its outstanding quality of life and family-friendly small-town feel, the City of Whittier is seeking an accomplished executive to serve as its next City Manager. The City Council is looking for a candidate who would be a good fit for the community, a strong leader for City staff, and a successful partner with City Council. This top professional is expected to have exceptional leadership skills, effective interpersonal and communication skills, and a strong passion for public service. The selected City Manager will also need to have an inclusive management style combined with a hands-on approach to day-to-day operations. A thorough understanding of municipal finance, budgeting, community planning, public works, and policing is of high importance to the City Council. The City of Whittier is a full-service city with a total budget of $208 million including a CIP budget of $10.6M. Current staffing includes 514 benefited FTEs. Notably, the City is financially stable with over $100 million in General Fund reserves ($50 million in undesignated and $50 million in designated), and total reserves of $228 million in all funds.

A Bachelor’s degree in public, business administration, or other related field is required with a Master’s degree preferred. Any combination of experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a City Manager. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of five years of directly related experience at an administrative or management position in municipal government. Prior or current City Manager or Assistant City Manager experience in successfully leading an organization of comparable size and/or greater complexity will be expected.

The current annual salary for the City Manager is up to $306,648 but is negotiable dependent upon qualifications and track record of career success. The City Council will offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package that includes but is not limited to retirement benefits offered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System; comprehensive medical, dental and vision; paid holidays, vacation and sick leave; management leave; auto allowance; professional development expense allowance; and deferred compensation.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately and before the closing date of February 14, 2025. Electronic submittals are strongly preferred to apply@ralphandersen.com and should include a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume, and five professional references. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Top candidates will be invited for an on-site interview with the Mayor and City Council. Confidential inquires welcomed to Mr. Fred Wilson at (916) 630-4900. Detailed brochure available at www.ralphandersen.com.