City Manager
City of Gresham, OR
Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity in Oregon's fourth largest city. Home to approximately 115,000 residents, Gresham reflects a strong sense of pride rooted in its agricultural and homesteading heritage, while continuing to grow as a dynamic and forward-looking urban center. Ideally situated in eastern Multnomah County, Gresham offers exceptional regional access. The city lies just minutes from Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, as well as downtown Portland and the Portland International Airport. This location provides residents and businesses with convenient access to major employment centers, transportation corridors, and some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic outdoor destinations.
The City of Gresham operates under a Council/Manager form of government. The governing body consists of a Mayor and six Councilors, all elected at large, who establish policy, adopt ordinances, and approve the City’s budget. The City Manager and City Attorney are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Council. The City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer and is supported by two Assistant City Managers. One oversees the portfolio of Environmental and City Services, and the other oversees the portfolio of Community and Civic Life. The City Manager’s Office, known as the Office of Governance and Management, also includes support for the Mayor and Council, Government Affairs, Emergency Management, the City Recorder’s Office, a DEIB Business Partner, and the Public Information Officer. Gresham operates with a 2025/2026 total budget of $897 million and 704 FTEs. City services are provided through departments that include Fire & Emergency Services, Police, Community Development, Environmental Services, Budget & Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, City Attorney’s Office, Parks, and Urban Renewal, among others.
Reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager provides executive oversight of City departments and services, ensuring operations are efficient, compliant, and aligned with adopted policies and priorities. Working closely with the City Council, the City Manager turns policy direction into actionable plans and supports the development and implementation of the Council’s strategic work plan. The City Manager provides leadership and direction to department directors and the City’s workforce, coordinating complex initiatives, evaluating performance, and aligning resources with organizational priorities. The City Manager oversees financial operations, plays a key role in budget development and administration, and supports long-range financial planning, including forecasting staffing and resource needs to maintain fiscal stability. The City Manager represents the City in the community and with external partners, fostering strong relationships with residents, other governments, and public and private organizations. The position may also convene task forces or special initiatives to address strategic priorities and community needs.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field, ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, and at least seven (7) years of administrative or executive-level leadership responsibility is strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties of the City Manager will be considered.
For a complete position profile, benefits overview, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Gresham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by March 1, 2026. (Open until filled.)