Ottawa, KS – City Manager

About the Position

Are you ready to engage and involve yourself into a positive community of 12,500 that’s in an ideal location in the Kansas City/Lawrence/Topeka metro area? If so, apply to be the City of Ottawa’s next City Manager! Are you ready to engage and become involved in a great community? We are looking for an exceptional relationship-builder and results-driven administrator who is:

• Skilled in municipal operations and finance
• Experienced in cross-departmental leadership
• Committed to transparency, service, and community engagement

Ottawa is less than an hour from Kansas City, just 20 minutes from Lawrence. With strong access to multiple airports and major highways, Ottawa is positioned for convenience and growth, a perfect home base for living and working.

The City of Ottawa operates under the Commission–Manager form of government. The ideal candidate is an experienced, forward-thinking municipal leader who thrives in collaborative environments and exemplifies service, integrity, stewardship, flexibility, and dignity.

Required minimum qualifications for this position include:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Management, or a related field
• 10 years of progressively responsible municipal, public agency, or executive administrative experience demonstrated as local government executive or closely related
• Knowledge of municipal finance, human resources, public works, public safety, and community development

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in a full-service municipal organization
• Leadership experience in strategic planning, economic development, and community engagement
• Advanced degrees or additional management certifications
• ICMA-CM certification

The salary range is $175,000 – $195,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more information on this position, contact:

Clay J. Pearson, Senior Vice President

[email protected]

713-816-8639