The Position
The City of Fairfax is seeking a strategic City Manager to develop and lead a high-performing team that works to implement City Council goals and community priorities. The city has a long history of stable and effective city government and sound financial management, together with well-educated and engaged residents that seek greater public involvement. The city has earned Aaa/AAA general obligation credit ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, respectively.

Pursuant to the City Charter, the City Manager not only serves at the pleasure of but also directly reports to and is responsible to the City Council. The Manager is the Executive Officer of the city, overseeing the city’s day-to-day operations and providing leadership and supervision to all departments. This role evaluates the effectiveness and future needs of city operations and ensures alignment with Council goals and operational capacities. The Manager also guides major departmental initiatives, coordinates cross-departmental efforts, and oversees research and policy development and analysis. In addition to offering informed and actionable recommendations to the Council, the Manager leads the senior leadership team in implementing Council adopted policies. This position ensures that all city activities support the organization’s overall goals. The Manager further regularly collaborates with department leaders on strategy, staffing, organizational structure, function, capacities, public involvement, and community problem-solving.

The Manager actively connects with the community, city employees, and elected government officials to translate the city's vision and goals into action plans. The Manager represents the city’s interests and policy positions before legislative and regulatory authorities at all levels of government. Additionally, in coordination with the Council and Mayor, the Manager serves as a representative to the public as well as to external agencies, ensuring effective communication and advocacy. The Manager serves as a visible and active representative of the city, attending public meetings and press conferences and representing the city in official capacities through personal engagements with citizen groups, community organizations, and the public. By engaging the community, the Manager develops positive external relationships and advises the city on partnerships and other cooperative efforts.

Further, the Manager promotes and implements the policies and governance set by the Council. The Manager ensures the timely resolution of operational issues, proactively identifies and mitigates potential challenges, and formulates strategies to reduce their impact. The Manager attends all Council meetings, makes reports and recommendations, responds to Council information requests, communications, and other support needs, and keeps the Council well-informed on matters affecting the city. In addition, the Manager advises the Council of the city's financial condition and needs, establishes guidelines for the annual budget process, prepares and submits a proposed budget, and oversees the administration of the adopted budget.

Qualifications
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in government, public administration, business administration, science, or related field and progressively responsible work experience in a senior-level position in local government or government focused nongovernmental institution, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, ICMA-CM designation, significant project management, policy development, science translation, public involvement, community problem solving, and capital project design and delivery experience. Additionally, experience in budget development and financial management, strategic thinking and planning, analysis, and implementation, economic development and redevelopment, sustainability and resilience, intergovernmental relations, business and community engagement, and providing exceptional customer service is preferred.

Residency within the city limits within a reasonable time after appointment is required.

Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $275,000 - $295,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package and relocation assistance. Benefits offered include the following: generous annual, holiday, sick, and family leave; medical, dental, vision, life, short-term accident and sickness insurance, and long-term disability insurance; flexible benefit accounts; worker’s compensation and deferred compensation; Employee Assistance Program; tuition assistance; and employees participate in two defined benefit pension plan systems, a primary plan (Virginia Retirement System or VRS), administered by the state, and a supplemental plan (City of Fairfax Supplemental Retirement Plan), created and operated by the city.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com/portal/Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning July 24, 2025.