The City of Van Meter, Iowa (ACS 2024 estimate 1,628) seeks an innovative leader with outstanding communication, economic development, and organizational development capabilities for its next
City Administrator. Van Meter is a growing community located on the western edge of the Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan area and enjoys a prime location on I-80 with desirable transportation
access supporting its continued economic expansion. Van Meter’s growth, economic foundation, stable finances and tenured leadership offer an amazing professional opportunity in an organization
with dedicated staff ready to support the community’s further success. The City Administrator will be active and visible throughout the community and a mentor to staff. Candidates should possess a four year degree (Master’s preferred) in public administration or a related field and significant experience in municipal management or leadership. The City offers a competitive benefits package and a starting salary range between $90-120K DOQ. City residency preferred. Relocation allowance is negotiable.

Van Meter is a Mayor-Council/ form of government. The City is governed by a Mayor and a five-member City Council elected to alternative, four-year terms. The City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. respectively. The Mayor and Council are assisted by citizen boards and commissions including Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Parks & Recreation Commission, and the Library Board. The City employs a full-time staff of 12, supported by part-time staff members and seasonal support. The total budget is $23,292,610, including transfers, with a general fund of $2,998,465 and levy rate of $14.16402. The City police force consists of 3 full-time sworn positions. Fire protection and Emergency Medical services are provided by a part-time Fire Chief, supported by Paid Per Call department members.

The City is working with a globally recognized brand that is developing a data center. The new City Administrator will work with representatives on a development agreement. The City also has additional industrial ground available, 430 acres of which was recently purchased for another data center. The City is working on a water treatment plant, the funding plan for which will be a priority for the next administrator. The City is also currently involved in upgrading water mains in the older part of town. Sewer lagoon improvements are needed in the next 3 to 5 years. A new municipal building (City Hall, Library, Police, and Fire) goes to bid in June. The City is working on the first phase of a major trail project, anticipated for summer construction. The City Administrator will need to finalize a recent annexation.

Candidates should possess a four year degree (Master’s preferred) in public administration or a related field and significant experience in municipal management or leadership. The new Administrator should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as exceptional financial management, planning, and economic and organizational development capabilities. Additional qualifications: Experience in budgeting, staff and project
management, and intergovernmental relations. Strong understanding of municipal government structure, finance, and community development practices preferred. Significant expertise and understanding of Tax
Increment Financing.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with
elected officials, staff, community members,
and external partners.