The City of Sheldon, Iowa (population 5,512) seeks a strong, innovative leader with outstanding economic development, communication, and organizational development capabilities for its next City Manager. Sheldon is looking for a knowledgeable, assertive, and active leader who can support the elected officials in their policy-making efforts. Sheldon is located in northwest Iowa in O'Brien and Sioux counties. It is the largest city in O'Brien County, just 65 miles from Sioux City, IA and 70 miles from Sioux Falls, SD. Sheldon is at the crossroads of 4-lane Iowa Highway 60 and U.S. Highway 18, providing unique economic development opportunities and enjoying stable growth and community leadership. The City Manager will be active and visible throughout the community and a mentor to staff.

The City has seen steady population growth since the 2010 census, with new housing starts. Sheldon is home to Northwest Iowa Community College with approximately 1,500 students on campus. The City partners with the college in the use of the Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center on campus. Dordt University and Northwestern College are also located nearby. The Sheldon Community School District serves the Sheldon, Matlock, Ashton, and Archer communities and has a student enrollment of 1,200+. There is also Sheldon Christian School. The City combines a strong sense of community building on its enviable location to guide growth strategically. The city constructed a state of the art 14,500 square foot events center in 2016, Crossroads Pavilion, to host community activities, performances, conferences, and trade shows. Sheldon’s location has supported strategic and steady growth, with the City acquiring and developing Floyd Industrial Park and Sheldon Crossing. The City works to put infrastructure in place to support the community’s growth, as evidenced by the recently-constructed water tower and the connection to the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. The City partners closely with the Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation on economic development initiatives.

It is preferred that candidates possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, or related field. Candidates should also have three to five years of managerial and administrative experience within local government and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible municipal management or equivalent leadership experience. Demonstrated experience in budgeting, personnel management, and community relations is also required. ICMA membership or willingness to obtain such membership preferred. The new Manager should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as exceptional financial management, planning, and economic and organizational development capabilities. Additional qualifications: Strong leadership, management, interpersonal, and team-building skills with the ability to motivate staff and volunteers; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment; Ability to prepare and present effective oral and written reports; Knowledge of government budgeting practices and methodology; Proven sales, customer service, and conflict resolution skills; Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; and Familiarity with organization and functions of City government, City contracts for public services, budget, and finance. Sheldon Public Library is a hub for community connection and activity. The next City Manager will be an outgoing and community-oriented leader who communicates effectively and provides strong direction for strategic actions to achieve the community's vision. The successful candidate must have a significant knowledge base to support effective policy making and provide excellent counsel to elected officials. The City Manager will be involved in the community and promote an atmosphere of quality service and collaboration, with a keen talent for mentoring staff. The successful candidate should also possess excellent character and top-notch listening skills combined with a strategic outlook and the ability to communicate this outlook to staff and Council.

Some upcoming projects that the new City Manager will need to focus on include: Review the aesthetics of the west, east, and south gateway corridors and prepare an improvement plan. Conduct an analysis of emergency services, including coverage areas, operational funding, facilities, equipment and compensation and create a long-range plan. Evaluate the condition of the Sheldon park system and park playground equipment, park maintenance levels, and create an improvement plan. Analyze daycare service options or expansion opportunities and consider partnering with Children’s World to reduce the cost for parents who want to return to work and partnering with large businesses on the cost of daycare for their employees. Budget under the new legislative requirements; Implement new financial management software; Manage a bond issuance for a number of TIF projects; Oversee the residential land development on the south side of town on ground recently purchased by the City (to be developed in phases); Collaborate with the school district for parking lot and pickleball court renovation; Evaluate storage needs for the pavilion and develop funding plan for addressing those needs; Evaluate lift station condition and develop replacement plan; and Complete a listening tour of elected officials, staff members, and community leadership.

The City of Sheldon, Iowa (population 5,512) seeks a strong, innovative leader with outstanding economic development, communication, and organizational development capabilities for its next City Manager. Sheldon is looking for a knowledgeable, assertive, and active leader who can support the elected officials in their policy-making efforts. Sheldon is located northwest Iowa in O'Brien and Sioux counties and is the largest city in O'Brien County, just 65 miles from Sioux City, IA and 70 miles from Sioux Falls, SD. Sheldon is at the crossroads of 4-lane Iowa Highway 60 and U.S. Highway 18 providing unique economic development opportunities and enjoying stable growth and community leadership. The City Manager will be active and visible throughout the community and a mentor to staff. It is preferred that candidates possess a Bachelor’s Degree 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 $105 - 150K DOQ. City residency required. Relocation allowance is negotiable. To apply, submit resume, cover letter, and five references by September 21, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Central Time to theiamanagementconsulting@gmail.com. Inquiries can be directed to Theia Management Consulting, LLC at 515.322.6597.

It is the City’s intent to conclude the search process as expediently as possible. Therefore, candidates are urged to tentatively mark the following dates on their schedules: Application Deadline: September 21, 2026, 4:30 PM Semifinalists Notified: September 23, 2026 Virtual Interviews: September 26, 2026 Finalist Interviews: October 9-10, 2026 Employment Agreement Approval: by October 14, 2026 Employment Start: 30-45 days after approval/