The City of Aberdeen is seeking a visionary leader to serve as its next City Manager. The ideal candidate will assume responsibility in a tradition of quality public service, innovative solutions, community focused leadership, and a track record of accomplishments. The successful candidate will proactively engage with the City Council to develop and provide progressive and innovative initiatives for the City Council’s discussion and consideration to meet the changing needs of the community. The next City Manager will have a reputation of being a confident leader with a proven track record of fostering professional relationships within the community.

Salary: $155,185.46 – $189,078.41 (28A-28I) Competitive and negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for directing and supervising the operations of the City of Aberdeen.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides general leadership for the City of Aberdeen; oversees plans for the future development, growth, maintenance, and expansion of public services.
Attends City Council meetings and, when appropriate, prepares and introduces ordinances or resolutions and presents information and recommendations to aid in the decision process.
Makes recommendations including written reports to the City Council concerning the affairs and operations of the city.
Directs the planning, administration, direction, enforcement, and review of programs, policies, and services for all employees and departments.
Prepares and submits the annual budget and five-year capital program to the City Council.
Keeps the City Council fully advised as to the city's financial condition and future needs; monitors and oversees all budgetary execution and control; signs all warrants, vouchers, and contracts for payment.
Plans, directs, supervises, organizes, manages, coordinates, hires, evaluates, and considers discipline measures for all assigned city staff.
Supervises the administration of city affairs.
Ensures the compliance and enforcement of all applicable laws, ordinances, and contracts.
Attends community functions and works with outside agencies and community organizations.
Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of public administration principles and practices.
Knowledge of management principles and practices.
Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, local ordinances, and city rules and regulations.
Knowledge of budget preparation and finance.
Knowledge of the functions and operations of city departments.
Knowledge of the city’s demographic and economic profile.
Knowledge of public relations principles.
Skill in project management.
Skill in strategic planning.
Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
Skill in employee management and supervision.
Skill in problem solving.
Skill in interpersonal relations.
Skill in dealing with the public.
Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and the City Council. The Mayor and City Council established priorities in terms of city goals and objectives. Performance is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of city activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city and departmental policies and procedures; city codes and ordinances; and other federal, state and local laws. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops city guidelines.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of varied management duties. The variety of city operations contributes to the complexity of the work.
The purpose of this position is to direct city operations. Successful performance ensures the effective and efficient operation of the city government and affects the quality of life for city residents and visitors.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, vendors, developers, attorneys, elected and appointed officials, representatives of other government agencies, and members of the general public.
Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.
The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over Airport/Transportation Director (1), Fire Chief (1), Human Resources Director (1), Library Director (1), Police Chief (1), Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director (1), Public Works Director/City Engineer (1), Community Development Director (1), Economic Development Manager & Public Information Office (1), and Executive Assistant (1).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, finance, or related field.
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a master’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field or ICMA Credentialed Manager preferred.
Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the city in order to direct and supervise work within the city, requiring three plus years of local government management experience or experience in a similar leadership role(s).
Proven executive experience in budgeting, personnel, and planning.
The City Council reserves the right to select any combination of experience, education, and work history that will provide the highest level of service to the City Council, the organization, and the community.

RESIDENCY

All new hires must reside within the Aberdeen, SD city limits unless specifically approved by the Governing Body.

OPENING DATE: June 20, 2025

CLOSING DATE: July 31, 2025

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Please include a cover letter explaining your interest in the role, a current resume highlighting your relevant experience, contact information for at least three professional references, and complete the application. This information may be submitted by emailing it to hr@aberdeen.sd.us or can be delivered to the Human Resources office in City Hall.

City Manager Recruitment Brochure

City of Aberdeen Municipal Government jobs

City Manager