The City of Oakdale, MN (30,000+). Located on the eastern edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the City of Oakdale is a vibrant and growing suburb in Washington County known for its strong neighborhoods, accessible location, and commitment to high-quality public services. With a population of over 30,000, Oakdale expects to surpass 35,000 within the next three to five years. The City’s location is one of its defining strengths. Only 12 miles from downtown St. Paul and 19 miles from MSP International Airport, it is bordered by Highway 120 to the west, Washington County Road 13 to the east, Interstate 694 to the north, and Interstate 94 to the south. Proximity to these major regional transportation routes positions Oakdale as a desirable location for employers seeking access to the Twin Cities workforce and market.

Oakdale also benefits from access to the new METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which provides frequent, fast, all-day transit service to Downtown St. Paul with an extension planned to Minneapolis. The two stations in Oakdale have spurred significant investments in transit-oriented development. Additionally, Oakdale has 32 parks and more than 52 miles of sidewalks and trails for walking and biking.

Oakdale is a statutory city (Plan A) under Minnesota law. The City Council is made up of five members: a mayor and four council members, each of whom are elected at-large and serve four-year, staggered terms. The City Administrator, appointed by the City Council, is responsible for overseeing the operations, programs, and personnel of all City departments. The City Administrator manages all operations, develops and implements the administrative rules and procedures necessary to ensure the effective functioning of each department and carries out all duties and responsibilities assigned by law and City Ordinances.

The City is organized into seven primary departments and employs more than 140 full-time and part-time staff across Administration, Community Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Police, Public Works. The Oakdale Fire Department operates a full-service department providing fire protection, emergency medical services, and ambulance transport to the community. The City’s workforce is represented by five distinct bargaining units.

The City of Oakdale maintains a strong financial position, supported by a 2026 General Fund budget of $25 million and total expenditures of $136 million, and is further reinforced by a very strong Moody’s credit (bond) rating of Aa1.

Candidate Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field.
• 10 years of progressively responsible public sector or non-profit experience.
• 5+ years of executive or senior leadership experience
o Assistant City Manager /Administrator
o Department Director
o Comparable executive role in public sector or closely related organization
• Strong fiscal background, including management of complex, multi-million-dollar budgets, long-term financial planning and capital improvement budgets.

Desired Experience
• Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of executive level experience
o City Manager/Administrator experience
o Executive Director or comparable executive role in public sector or closely related organization

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The 2026 salary range is $185,211 – $231,514. Starting salary DOQ. The City of Oakdale provides a comprehensive benefits package including City contributions to a defined benefit plan (PERA), medical insurance, life insurance, sick and vacation accruals. Voluntary benefits include long- and short-term disability, dental, vision, supplemental life, 457 and tuition reimbursement. Residency is not required.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted through the end of the day February 6, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ellen Hiniker, Tel: (651) 338-0531, an MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter. Interviews with the City of Oakdale are expected to occur late March to early April. The City of Oakdale, MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.