City MANAGER
BIDDEFORD MAINE
Biddeford, located in York County along Maine’s southern coast, is Maine’s 6th largest city and is conveniently situated 15 miles south of Portland and 90 miles north of Boston. Just a few miles east of the City center lies a magnificent coastline with long stretches of sandy beaches framed by rocky promontories.
Biddeford, a major service center community with a rich manufacturing history, has developed into a diverse residential, commercial and industrial city meeting the challenges of the 21st century. Anchoring the City’s economic base are two dynamic institutions - MaineHealth Medical Center and the University of New England. It has a thriving downtown, including mixed use historic mills. Exceptional growth has also occurred along its Route 111 corridor with a diverse retail area of several shopping centers.
Biddeford is ideal for outdoor and recreational enthusiasts with its vast network of parks, trails, and activities for people of all ages. Combined with a strong sense of community, a rich cultural scene and unbeatable natural surroundings Biddeford is a great place to work, live and play.
Biddeford is a full-service community with a population of 22,300. It is Maine’s youngest community with a median age of 35 years old. The City has 244 full-time staff and 119 part-time/seasonal staff. Its FY 27 budget is $51million, excluding schools. The current City Charter requires an elected Mayor and a 9-member City Council, with 7 Ward Councilors , 2 At-Large Councilors with all having 2-year concurrent terms . The City Manager is nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. A Charter Commission of 9 elected and appointed members has just begun working on a review of the City Charter, which may suggest changes that would alter this structure.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
• A demonstrated and dynamic leader who is forward- thinking, fair-minded, transparent, thinks outside the box, plans for the long term and can help lead the community;
• An effective and experienced Administrator from an environment of similar complexity with proven organizational and professional skills;
• An individual who has strong skills in finance and capital planning, human resources, employee relations and unions, planning and community development;
• The ability to work positively and effectively with staff and promote positive morale and team-building in the organization and must be able to delegate to staff and hold staff accountable for the work to be performed;

• Leadership skills should include strong interpersonal, written, oral communication skills, and experience and passion for building strong relationships with elected officials, community organizations, state and federal agencies, citizens, and staff;

• A result-oriented approach is required with strong fiscal management skills and the ability to make effective/efficient use of available resources;

• Experience and a proven background in economic development as well as experience in collective bargaining and labor relations desired;

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with a record of handling a wide variety of projects at one time, and with the ability to be nimble in changing course or direction;

• Candidates must possess well-developed active listening and communication skills with the ability to give engaging public presentations as well as ensure that internal communications are effective and keep employees apprised of organizational initiatives;

• Have the ability to facilitate meaningful conversations with those who may have differing viewpoints and a true passion for public service with the desire to make a difference;

• Candidates must be approachable, with a genuine desire to connect with all stakeholders and residents and the ability to engage in conversations with compassion and empathy; approach life and public service with flexibility, humility, and integrity;

• Willing to engage and become part of the fabric of the community. Per the City Charter, the City Manager shall establish residency within the City of Biddeford within six months from the date of hire, unless otherwise approved by the City Council

The Mayor and City Council are seeking candidates with a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated municipal executive management experience or similar related private business experience.
Applicants will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration or a closely related field with a Masters preferred. Salary range is $185,000 to $215,000 with a comprehensive benefit package. Salary and benefits will be determined based on experience and qualifications.

For further information about Biddeford please go to www.biddefordmaine.org

The City of Biddeford is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness.

Submit cover letter, resume, salary requirements and five (5) references electronically by Monday August 24 , 2026 to:

Biddeford City Manager Search
Gerrish Municipal Consulting Services
Attn: Don Gerrish
51 Willow Grove
Brunswick, Maine 04011
Email: dhgerrish@yahoo.com
Telephone: 207-751-6828