City Manager

About the role

The City of Farmington Hills is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking City Manager to lead the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation. The ideal candidate will bring a bias for action, strong financial acumen, and a deep understanding of community needs to guide the City through its next phase of development.

Responsibilities

• Direct, manage, and supervise the day-to-day administration of the City.
• Guide a highly professional workforce and ensure rigorous fiscal oversight, including the administration of a $90 million general fund budget.
• Ensure the City Council is prepared to make timely, data-driven decisions by providing comprehensive, objective information and clear professional recommendations.
• Execute the $35-40 million replacement for the aging Costick Center, including data-driven analysis, transparent communication, and project management skills.
• Sustain and advance a high-performing public safety culture, including support for data-informed, accreditation-driven policing practices and mental health response training.
• Bridge differing perspectives and build strong, functional consensus among the City Council, municipal staff, and a diverse public.
• Maintain a highly visible, authentic presence both within City Hall and throughout the broader community.

Requirements

• Direct experience within the council-manager form of government, serving successfully as a city manager, assistant/deputy city manager, or a senior department director in a comparably sized or larger full-service community.
• Extensive expertise managing complex, multi-fund municipal budgets, navigating long-term pension and retiree healthcare (OPEB) obligations, and maintaining structural stability to protect a AAA bond rating.
• Familiarity with Michigan municipal finance laws, Headlee Amendment restrictions, and Proposal A frameworks.
• Understanding of modern market demands, planning, zoning, and building processes, as well as a history of leveraging public-private partnerships to drive commercial revitalization.
• Proven competence in union labor negotiations and a track record of active grant-seeking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, with at least five years of demonstrated leadership experience as a city manager, assistant city manager, or department head.
• Experience in a comparably sized, diverse community is preferred.
• A valid Michigan driver's license (or the ability to obtain one upon appointment).

Skills

• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strategic thinking and project management skills.
• Ability to navigate complex, multi-fund municipal budgets.
• Experience with public-private partnerships and community development.
• Proven competence in union labor negotiations and grant-seeking.
• Ability to build trust and foster collaboration within the City Council and community.

Benefits

• Council-manager form of government structure.
• Competitive compensation package and robust benefits.
• Highly professional, supportive, and family-oriented workplace culture.
• Access to a significant fund balance (approximately 73% of the General Fund).
• Opportunity to deploy excess reserves toward vital capital investments, particularly infrastructure and community facilities.

Pay

Compensation details are confidential and will be shared during the interview process.

Schedule

The City of Farmington Hills operates on a standard 40-hour workweek schedule.