Description

The City of Davis seeks a dynamic and forward-thinking City Manager who embodies the principles of equity, inclusion, and transparency. The ideal candidate will be an approachable team player who values collaboration and consensus-building as key elements of effective leadership. They must also be highly adaptable with the ability to facilitate dynamic situations. With a proven track record of establishing strong working relationships and maintaining open lines of communication across all organizational levels, this individual will work closely with the City Council and Executive Team to align city initiatives with community values and goals.

A visible and engaged leader, the successful candidate will understand and appreciate the work of staff, be present in the field, and serve as a model for integrity, responsiveness, and loyalty. A strong foundation in municipal administration is essential, including deep knowledge of public financing, budgeting, and legislative processes at both local and state levels. One area of opportunity will be to further leverage the talent pool and intellectual resources generated by UC Davis to advance the City’s economic resiliency objectives.

The ideal candidate will be a resourceful and politically astute professional who brings experience working with diverse communities and navigating complex social, economic, and political landscapes. This individual will possess the ability to assess municipal operations critically, think creatively in problem-solving, and project the impact of various decisions. They will approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, encouraging interdepartmental collaboration and innovation, particularly in the use of technology to enhance service delivery and efficiency.

Leadership style is key—this individual must be both a mentor and a team leader who inspires trust, listens well, and leads with empathy and accountability. They will hold staff to high standards while ensuring they have the tools and support needed to succeed. The ideal candidate will assess needs before implementing new initiatives and confidently make tough decisions. With a balance of decisiveness and approachability, this leader will foster a cohesive, forward-thinking organization that is well-positioned to serve the City of Davis today and into the future.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred. Experience: Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible public agency management and/or administrative experience as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or in a similar senior management/executive level capacity.

This recruitment is being conducted by Bob Murray and Associates on behalf of the City. To view the the full brochure and to submit an application please click here

CITY OF DAVIS

Health and Welfare Benefits for this At-Will, Executive Management position follow that of the Individual General Management Employees

Leave Time

15 to 28 days of Vacation per year to start (increases with years of service)
- Up to 5 years of vacation accrual rate service credit for verified years of previous public service
10 days of Management Leave per year (added into vacation accrual)
2 Floating Holidays (added into vacation accrual)
Vacation cash out options available
13 paid Holidays
Sick Leave: Accrual of 8 hours per month / 12 days per year.
Parental Leave - 2 Months Paid Parental Leave Available After 1 Year of Employment.

Health Dental and Vision

125 Cafeteria Plan.
- The monthly City contribution for Medical insurance for 2025 is $2,304.91
- The city contributes the premium for the family rate of the City’s self-funded dental plan
  - 2025 monthly premium for family is $210.00
Up to $500 Cash-in-lieu Per Month if Opting Out of Medical & Dental
Option to purchase Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

100k Employer Paid
Voluntary/Supplemental Coverage Available for Purchase
- The new hire guarantee issue amount is $120,000

Retirement

CalPERS Pension
- 2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS Members
- 2% at 62 for PEPRA Members (membership date of 1/1/2013 or later)
The City participates in Medicare (1.45% employee deduction).
The City does not participate in Social Security
Survivor Benefit
- The city contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System for the 1959 Survivor Benefit Level Four (4).

Other Benefits

Longevity Pay
- 2.5% at 10 years of service
- 2.5% at 20 years of service for a maximum of 5%.
Retiree Health Contribution
Medical and Dependent Care Flexible spending accounts available
City paid long term disability program
Access to purchase supplemental benefits including short term disability insurance, accident insurance, and additional life insurance products, etc.
457 Deferred Compensation plans available, including Roth options
City paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Bicycle and Computer Loan Programs Available (upon successful completion of probation)
Cellphone Stipend available (up to $65/month)

Individual Management MOU

Individual General Management MOU 7.1.23 to 12.31.24

Unrepresented Employee Resolution

Unrepresented Employee Resolution

City of Davis

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City Manager