The City of Humboldt, Iowa (4,792) seeks a dynamic and progressive, collaborative leader who is a great listener and who has outstanding communication, financial management, and economic development capabilities for its next City Administrator. Humboldt is a scenic community with steady growth located in north central Iowa and enjoys an enviable location of a beautiful rural setting with quick access to larger city amenities. Humboldt is known for a safe, family-friendly atmosphere, well￾maintained and abundant parks, and strong local industry. Humboldt is an outstanding professional opportunity in an organization with outstanding staff and stable community leadership.
Recruitment Timeline
Application materials due
by: August 9, 2026, 4:30 p.m. CT
Virtual Interviews for Candidates: August 12
Finalist interviews: August 28 & 29, including community tours and public meet and greet
Employment Start: 30-45 days post employment agreement approval

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

Keep the council informed in a timely manner. Work closely with community partners.“Open door” policy, listen and follow through,and effective team building. Assist the city council to stay on task and move
forward with direction. Promote coordination and emphasize communications among department’s staff. Establish expectations for staff performance and track results. Be a community booster and actively participate in service clubs. Create and maintain an open and respectful work environment.

The next City Administrator will be a caring, dynamic, and dedicated leader who communicates effectively and provides strong direction for strategic actions to achieve the community's vision. The City Administrator will become involved in the community and promote an atmosphere of quality constituent service and collaboration. The successful candidate should also possess a great sense of humor and be a good listener with a positive and progressive attitude, as well as a strong customer service and staff support orientation.

Humboldt is in Humboldt County, Iowa and enjoys an exceptional quality of life. The community holds a unique legacy in professional wrestling as the hometown of Frank Gotch, with a bronze statue and history display located in Bicknell Park. Humboldt boasts a vibrant downtown that has been recently revitalized through public and private investment. Humboldt maintains diverse local employment with major companies like Hog Slat and Hy-Capacity, alongside a progressive, pro￾development attitude that supports new businesses.

The city is home to a dozen well-maintained parks (including Taft and Joe Sheldon Parks), walking trails, and the 70,000-square-foot Humboldt Recreation Center. The housing market is notably affordable, with home ownership rates around 70% and a median property value historically hovering in the mid-$100,000s. Humboldt is also celebrated for its historic Carnegie Humboldt Public Library, built of native limestone in 1908 and enrolled to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Humboldt enjoys an enviable location of a beautiful rural setting with quick access to larger city amenities. The City Administrator will be a reliable community partner and highly visible throughout the community. The City offers a competitive benefits package and a starting salary between $115-125K DOQ. City residency required. Relocation allowance is negotiable.

To apply, submit resume, cover letter, and five references by August 9, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Central Time to theiamanagementconsulting@gmail.com. Inquiries can be directed to Theia Management Consulting LLC at 515.322.6597.