To learn more about this opportunity review: City Manager Recruitment Brochure
The Opportunity
The City of Fort Worth, Texas presents an exciting and unique opportunity for the next City Manager. The city of Fort Worth is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as our next City Manager. The next City Manager will have the pivotal role of leading one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S. with nearly 1,000,000 residents. With a budget of $2.79 billion for Fiscal Year 2025 and 8,214 authorized positions, this role offers the chance to shape the future of a dynamic and rapidly expanding city.
City Government
The City of Fort Worth operates under a council-manager form of government. The City Council comprises the mayor, elected at-large, and ten City Council members who represent single-member districts, all serving two-year terms. The City Council adopts municipal ordinances and resolutions, makes proclamations, sets the tax rate, and approves the budget. Positions appointed by the Council include the City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, City Auditor, municipal court judges, and City board and commission members.
The longest-tenured City Manager, David Cooke, served for over 10 years before retiring.
There are six core values that guide our employees as they go about this work. They are:
- Exceptional Customer Experience
- Accountability
- Ethical Behavior
- Diversity
- Mutual Respect
- Continuous Improvement
As Fort Worth continues to grow and change, these principles help keep employees on point, providing the best service to residents, businesses and fellow employees.
The Position
As the City Manager, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of Fort Worth by leading the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. Your leadership will ensure that City services are delivered efficiently and effectively, with a focus on achieving the highest standards of performance across all service areas.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Direct and oversee the planning and execution of City department initiatives, ensuring alignment with City policies and strategic objectives. You will also establish appropriate service levels and staffing to optimize resource allocation.
- Operational Excellence: Coordinate the work of City departments through collaboration with the Deputy City Manager and the Assistant City Managers. You will review, evaluate, and refine work methods and procedures, addressing challenges and driving continuous improvement.
- Interagency Collaboration: Represent the City in dealings with outside agencies, cities, and counties. You will coordinate City activities with external organizations to achieve common goals and foster strong relationships.
- Support to City Leadership: Provide expert staff assistance to the Mayor and City Council, preparing reports and correspondence that inform decision-making. You will also offer support to various boards and commissions.
- Community Engagement: Respond to complex inquiries and resolve sensitive issues with professionalism and care, ensuring that the needs and concerns of residents and stakeholders are addressed effectively.
- Special Projects and Innovation: Manage and oversee special projects, task forces, and initiatives that advance the City’s goals. You will also stay informed about emerging trends in city management, bringing innovative solutions to Fort Worth.
- Fiscal Stewardship: Ensure the budget is prepared and executed as approved by the City Council, using a process that aligns with Council expectations. Control costs efficiently, manage the City’s finances in compliance with state and federal laws, and recommend policies to maintain long-term financial stability. Additionally, provide oversight on all financial matters and keeps the Council informed about the City’s financial condition and key issues.
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic, growing city and make a lasting impact on its future. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for public service, we invite you to apply and join us in shaping the future of Fort Worth.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the City Manager position will be a visionary leader who embodies accountability and demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical judgment and integrity. They will possess a deep understanding of public administration and policy, coupled with exceptional financial acumen, enabling them to make strategic decisions that drive the city’s growth and prosperity.
This leader will be skilled in change management, with the resilience to navigate complex challenges and the ability to inspire confidence during times of crisis. They will have a focus on innovation, continuously seeking out new ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of city services.
Effective communication will be a hallmark of the ideal candidate, enabling them to engage with the community, articulate the City’s vision, and advocate for policies that benefit residents. With a people-centric leadership style, they will prioritize the well-being and development of the City’s employees while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Political savvy and stakeholder management skills will be critical, allowing the ideal candidate to navigate the complexities of local government and build strong relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and external partners. They will also have a keen understanding of policy leadership, ensuring that the City’s initiatives align with broader goals and priorities.
Above all, the ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with the ability to make sound decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term objectives, ensuring that Fort Worth continues to thrive as a dynamic and forward-looking city.
Qualifications
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration or a closely related field and twelve years of progressive executive management experience in public government, including four years senior executive level management experience in preferably, but not limited to, a comparable size community.
- Preferred certifications: Certified Public Manager (CCM), International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Credential Manager, Certified Public Manager (CPM), National Certified Public Manager Program (NCPMP), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Project Management Professional (PMP)
- City Manager is required to live within Fort Worth city limits as stated in the city ordinance.
- Valid driver’s license.
Salary & Benefits
The City of Fort Worth is offering a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition, the City provides a benefits plan than includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, a pension plan (Fort Worth Employees’ Retirement Fund), and a 457 deferred compensation plan. Partnering with Southwestern Health Resources, the City provides access to four employee health centers exclusive to Fort Worth employees, retirees, and their enrolled dependents.
Application & Selection Process
To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé online no later than October 16, 2024.
Direct inquiries are welcome to:
Victor Escobedo
victor.escobedo@fortworthtexas.gov
817-392-7778