CITY MANAGER at City of National City – National City, California

The City of National City is looking for a new City Manager.

National City is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and collaborative City Manager to lead the organization and guide the community’s continued growth and success. This is an exceptional opportunity for a public-sector executive who excels in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and building strong relationships with elected officials, staff, partner agencies, and the community.

THE CITY:

The City of National City is a full-service, general law city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. The City takes great pride in its rich history, strong bi-national relationships, and deep commitment to its residents, schools, neighborhoods, and thriving business districts.

As San Diego County’s second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City’s competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.–Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, providing convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the region and into Mexico. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which serve National City seven days a week.

For more information on the City please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov.

Connect with us on social media: National City Facebook | National City Instagram

THE POSITION:

The City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer of the City, responsible for carrying out the policies and direction of the City Council and ensuring the effective, efficient delivery of municipal services. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in municipal management, a commitment to transparency and accountability, and the ability to foster a culture of innovation and high performance.

The following duties and responsibilities are representative of those typically performed by positions assigned to this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these duties and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enforce and administer the provisions of City laws, ordinances, and policies.
• Provide leadership, coordination, and overall direction to all City departments.
• Advise the City Council on legislative matters, major issues, and emerging needs affecting the community.
• Prepare and recommend ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and policy initiatives.
• Implement programs and policy decisions adopted by the City Council.
• Review departmental reports and materials to ensure completeness and readiness for Council consideration.
• Develop and present the annual budget, ensuring balanced revenues and expenditures.
• Oversee the administration of approved budgets, programs, and capital improvement projects.
• Conduct organizational studies to improve efficiency, service delivery, and fiscal stewardship.
• Represent the City at meetings, community events, and regional forums.
• Collaborate with governmental agencies, private organizations, and community groups to address local and regional issues.
• Provide guidance to City boards and commissions.
• Assess organizational and community needs and prepare recommendations to support long-term planning and operational effectiveness.
• Approve personnel actions, purchasing decisions, and general fiscal operations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, and a skilled administrator who demonstrates:

• Experience at the City Management Level
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A collaborative, community-focused approach
• Sound judgment and integrity
• Experience managing complex budgets and municipal operations
• The ability to navigate intergovernmental relationships and represent the City effectively

• A Bachelor's Degree in public administration from an accredited college or university; extensive responsible administrative experience in the planning, coordination, and financing of varied municipal activities.
• A Master’s degree in public administration or a related field is desirable.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience as a public sector executive working with an elected Council or Board.

Experience working within a multi-cultural community environment is desirable.

To be considered, please submit your resume and cover letter electronically via the online portal (NEOGOV).

For additional information or questions, please contact Alicia Hicks, Director of Human Resources.

The City of National City is an equal opportunity employer, values workforce diversity and seeks to create an environment and culture that embraces employee differences. All qualified applicants are considered.