The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Palmdale, responsible for implementing City Council policies, overseeing all City operations, and providing visionary leadership to ensure effective, transparent, and responsive municipal services. The City Manager directs the development and execution of programs, policies, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents, foster economic vitality, and promote efficient governance.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The City Manager is an executive-level position appointed by and accountable directly to the City Council. This position is distinguished by its broad scope of authority, policy-making influence, and responsibility for the overall administration and strategic direction of the City of Palmdale.

Provide overall leadership, direction, and coordination of all City departments, programs, and services.
Exercise broad administrative authority and discretion in implementing City Council policies and strategic objectives.
Distinct from department directors by having comprehensive oversight of the City’s entire organizational structure and operations.
Act as the primary link between the City Council, staff, and community, ensuring effective communication and policy execution.
Demonstrate strong political acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex governmental and community dynamics.
Emphasize strategic vision, innovation, and results-oriented management to advance City goals and community priorities.
Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Exhibit a high degree of professional integrity, ethical conduct, and commitment to public service excellence.
Balance visionary leadership with practical administrative management to ensure efficient and effective City operations.
Maintain a focus on equity, inclusion, and community engagement as guiding principles in governance and decision-making.
Ensure fiscal responsibility and long-term organizational sustainability in all City initiatives and programs.
Represent the City in intergovernmental, civic, and community settings, reflecting the values and priorities of the City of Palmdale.
Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of public administration, local government operations, and municipal management.
Budgeting, finance, and fiscal planning, including revenue forecasting and expenditure control.
Human resources management, labor relations, and organizational development.
Economic development, land use planning, and community development processes.
Public policy formulation and implementation within a political and community context.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and municipal codes.
Intergovernmental relations and collaboration with regional, state, and federal agencies.
Ability to:

Provide visionary and strategic leadership to a complex municipal organization.
Lead the development and coordination of long-term strategic planning efforts to guide the City’s future priorities and initiatives.
Interpret and implement City Council policies and translate them into effective programs and actions.
Build and maintain trusting relationships with City Council, employees, community leaders, and the public.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences, including the media and community stakeholders.
Foster a positive organizational culture, emphasizing accountability, innovation, collaboration, and teamwork across departments and with regional partners to achieve shared objectives.
Implement workforce development programs that strengthen employee capabilities, improve leadership readiness, and enhance long-term organizational sustainability for the City of Palmdale.
Exercise sound judgment and political sensitivity in navigating complex issues and diverse perspectives.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement effective courses of action.
Promote and model ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism in all aspects of City operations.
EXPERIENCE & TRAINING / LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:
Any combination equivalent to training, education, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline is highly desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in municipal government or a comparable public-sector organization, including a minimum of three (3) years in a City Manager or Assistant City Manager role.

Demonstrated experience in budget development and management, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and community engagement.
Experience working directly with an elected City Council or governing board, including providing policy recommendations and implementing City Council direction.
Proven record of effective leadership, organizational transformation, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of a valid California driver's license by time of appointment is required.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation, which may include:

Employment history verification
Criminal background check
Credit and financial responsibility review (as permitted by law)
Education and credential verification
Social Media check
Reference check

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands:
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional climbing, bending and squatting.
Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds.
Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.
Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasionally working alone.
Environmental: frequent exposure to noise
Work Environment:
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment.
The incumbent may be required to work during irregular business hours and travel on an occasional basis.

Revised:November2025
FLSA:Overtime Exempt