City Manager
Does the idea of overseeing the activities of a city excite you? Do you enjoy improving your community? As a City Manager, you would have the opportunity to change your city the way you've always wanted.
Why it's cool
- You are in charge of hiring and dismissing city staff.
- The opportunity to make positive changes in your community.
- In charge of the city's money through the yearly budget.
- Responsible for planning, directing and supervising the activities of city employees.
- Assist with special projects assigned by the city council.
Requirements for the Job
- Ability to manage a large staff in a hectic work environment.
- Communicating well with others to effectively convey information, whether it be through written work or verbally.
- Critical Thinking and the ability to identify and solve problems.
- Good Judgment and decision making skills.
- Active listening skills.
- Coordinating groups of individuals to accomplish tasks.
Education/Training
To become a City Manager you must obtain a Bachelor's degree or higher, plus relevant work experience. You do not have to follow a specific educational direction. Many current City Managers have explored various pathways and yet share the same career. A few options to be considered are as follows:
- Business Administration and Management, General
- Community Organization, Resources and Services
- Enterprise Management and Operation, General
- International Business
- Public Administration
- Public Administration and Services, Other
- Public Policy Analysis
Career Path/Average Salaries
A City Manager's salary ranges between $45,000 and $146,000. Salary often depends on the size of the city and the city manager's experience.
Related Occupations
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary
- Treasurers, Controllers, and Chief Financial Officers
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
- Food Service Managers
- Instructional Coordinators
- First-Line Supervisors, Administrative Support
- Human Resource Managers
- Natural Sciences Managers
JVIS Report
- You should consider this job if you score above average on the following Basic Interest Scales: Finance, Business, Office Work, Supervision, and Human Relations Management.
- Your JVIS Report should show one or all of the following occupation groups under your Top 3: Occupations in Law and Politics, Administrative and Related Occupations, Personnel/Human Management, or Occupations in Accounting, Banking, and Finance.
For more information contact:
- The International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
777 North Capitol St., NE, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20002
Website: http://icma.org - The United States Conference of Mayors
J.Thomas Cochran, Executive Director
1620 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Website: www.usmayors.org - ASPA National Office
1120 G Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Website: www.aspanet.org/public