The City of Manchester, Iowa (5,065) seeks a dynamic and progressive, collaborative leader who is a great listener and who has outstanding communication, financial management, and economic development capabilities for its next City Manager. Manchester is a growing community
located in the northeastern quadrant of Iowa and enjoys an enviable location of being between Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, and Cedar Falls/Waterloo. Manchester’s growth, impressive amenities, and closely-knit charm offer an outstanding professional opportunity in an organization with tenured and talented staff and stable community leadership. The City Manager will be active and visible throughout the community.
The City offers a competitive benefits package and a starting salary between $125-$135K DOQ. City residency required. Relocation allowance is negotiable.
The Position
The City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City and is responsible for the general supervision and direction of the administration of the city government in accordance with codes, ordinances, resolutions and directives from the city council.
Specific Duties Include:
- Supervise all City departments and plan, direct, review and participate in activities and projects of such departments.
- Assist the City in securing specialized and professional services as necessary.
- Represent the City in negotiations properly entered into in accordance with law or ordinance and represent the City at various
meetings and conferences. - Hire and terminate employees in accordance with policies established by the Council.
- Maintain employee files; prepare and administer special employment programs.
- Assist in the preparation of special studies or projects such as:
- Revision of the Code of Ordinances;
- Preparation of Capital Improvement Plans;
- Preparation of Employee Personnel Policies, Job Descriptions, and Appraisal Format and Pay Plan.
- Recommend policies, procedures, resolutions, and ordinances for Council consideration.
- Coordinate activities of City government with the Police Department and other agencies.
- Serve as consultant for State or federally financed programs, prepare applications, carry out community information programs, assemble data on housing needs, analyze probable program results, and advise other members of the staff on program requirements.
- Complete or supervise the completion of various State and federal reports and forms.
- Assist in the analysis and application of standards and in formulating all phases of a comprehensive plan as assigned; assist in analyzing and applying census data.
- Attend Council meetings, make oral and written reports on City activities, and receive instruction from the Council.
- Attend meetings of various City committees, boards and commissions.
- Assist in preparation of annual City budget and preparation of other financial documents.
- Assist Manchester Enterprises, the Delaware County Economic Development Commission, the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and any other agency or group in efforts to obtain and maintain economic development.
- Perform such other duties as specified by the Council.
This position requires a high degree of information sharing between the administration staff, department heads and other city team members, library, City Council, and the public. Communication, economic development, financial management, and project management are critical skillsets for this position. Candidates should also have strong planning and development
skills, including a good working understanding of Tax Increment Financing. The City Manager is expected to be highly visible and active throughout the community.
The former City Manager left after 20 years for an opportunity in a larger community in the Des Moines metropolitan area. The City’s tenured and knowledgeable staff work well as a team.
The City has infrastructure that has been well-maintained and is currently
developing a new comprehensive plan. Manchester has enjoyed recent
growth in housing and is working to facilitate the development of recently vacated downtown space.
Qualifications
Candidates should possess a four year degree (Master’s preferred) in public administration or a related field and experience in municipal management or leadership. The new Manager should also possess strong communication and
interpersonal skills as well as exceptional financial management, planning, personnel management, and economic development capabilities.
Additional qualifications:
- Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, staff management, and intergovernmental relations.
- Strong understanding of municipal government structure, finance, and community development practices preferred.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, staff, community members, and external partners.
- Must be bondable.
- Keep the council informed in a timely manner.
- Work closely with community partners, including the Vitality Endowment Fund members, Chamber of Commerce, school
representatives, board and commission members, etc. - “Open door” policy, listen and follow through.
- Assist the city council to stay on task and move forward with direction.
- Promote coordination and emphasize communications among department’s staff.
- Establish expectations for staff performance and track results.
- Be a community booster and actively participate in service clubs.
- Create and maintain an open and respectful work environment. Set up the framework for a cohesive, team-driven city hall staff.
The next City Manager will be a caring, energetic, and committed leader who communicates effectively and provides strong direction for strategic actions to achieve the community’s vision. The City Manager will become involved in the community and promote an atmosphere of quality constituent service and collaboration.
The successful candidate should also possess a great sense of humor and be a good listener with a positive and progressive attitude, as well as a strong customer service and staff support orientation.
Recruitment Timeline
It is the City’s intent to conclude the search process as expediently as possible. Therefore, candidates are urged to tentatively mark the following dates on their schedules:
Application materials due by: February 6, 2026, 4:30 p.m. CT
Semifinalists notified: February 9, 2026
Zoom Interviews for Candidates: February 11, 2026
Finalist interviews: February 27 & 28, including community tours and public meet and greet
Employment Agreement approval: March 9, 2026
Start of Employment: 30-45 days post employment agreement approval
To read the full profile in detail click here:
To Apply
To apply, submit resume, cover letter, and five references by February 6, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Central Time to theiamanagementconsulting@gmail.com. Inquiries can be directed to Theia Management Consulting, LLC at 515.322.6597.