Portland, OR – City Administrator

City Administrator

Are you a visionary, collaborative, and transparent executive leader who can oversee citywide operations, implement important Council-adopted policies, and drive strategic initiatives in one of the nation’s most dynamic cities? If so, apply to be Portland’s next City Administrator under a brand new City Charter that has restructured the City government! We’re looking for an exceptional leader who is:

Skilled in managing large, complex public organizations in politically dynamic environments
Experienced in advancing equity, inclusion, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility
Adept at building consensus and fostering collaborative relationships across government and in the community
Experienced working collaboratively and effectively with labor unions representing employees
Demonstrated experience in infrastructure reinvestment in a constrained budget environment

With an estimated population of 650,000, Portland is Oregon’s largest city and the centerpiece of a vibrant metropolitan area of over 2.5 million people. Located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is celebrated for its natural beauty, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. The city offers a unique blend of bustling urban neighborhoods, lush green spaces, and an extensive network of bike lanes and public transit.

Portland operates under a Mayor-Administrator-Council form of government adopted January 1, 2025. The Mayor serves as the City’s chief executive, while the 12-member City Council acts as the legislative body. Reporting to the Mayor, the City Administrator serves as Portland’s chief administrative officer, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. This Charter-designated position is responsible for the proper and efficient administration of all City affairs, overseeing 9,000 employees across more than two dozen bureaus and offices.

Required qualifications for this position include:

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)
10+ years of progressively responsible administration experience, including 7 years of executive-level leadership
Demonstrated experience in known systems of process improvement and accountability metrics with staff
Demonstrated success in organizational transformation and change management
Experience managing large municipal operations, strategic planning, budgeting, and intergovernmental relations
Proven track record in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate action initiatives

Preferred qualifications include: