Are you a dynamic, community-focused leader ready to help shape the future of a vibrant and growing city? The City of Warrensburg, Missouri is seeking a dedicated and collaborative City Manager to join our forward-thinking team. This is a unique opportunity to lead a welcoming, strategically located community with a strong economy, rich history, and a diverse cultural landscape.

Why Warrensburg?

Warrensburg isn’t just a place to work - it’s a place to belong. With our strong sense of community, diverse cultural offerings, and convenient location, Warrensburg is the perfect setting for a City Manager who wants to make a lasting impact. You'll be joining a team that’s passionate about progress and excited to continue building a bright future.

As a community, Warrensburg (pop. 20,000) offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. We are home to the University of Central Missouri (UCM) and Whiteman Air Force Base, creating a dynamic and thriving local economy. Whether you’re exploring our vibrant downtown, hiking the scenic parks, or engaging with the university and military community, you’ll quickly see why Warrensburg is a special place to live and work. Warrensburg is conveniently located near Lee’s Summit (35 minutes), downtown Kansas City (60 minutes) and Columbia (90 minutes).  

Warrensburg’s engaged and energized City team is excited about the progress already made and is looking for a leader who can continue to guide us forward. As the City Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the community’s future, including participating in a visioning process planned for 2025, and helping us deliver on the important work that’s already begun.

What We’re Looking For:

The ideal candidate is a caring leader who thrives on building and nurturing strong relationships both inside City Hall and within the broader community, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared goals. We are looking for someone who is:

• A Strong Communicator: You’re comfortable engaging with both internal teams and external stakeholders, utilizing both traditional and emerging media to keep the community informed and connected.
• Team-Oriented: You have a proven track record of building, developing, and leading strong, collaborative teams, and you value input from all levels of the organization.
• Community-Focused: You’re not just an administrator-you’re a part of the community. You enjoy attending local events, engaging with citizens, and working alongside community members to create positive change.
• Forward-Thinking: You’re excited about the opportunity to help develop a long-term vision for the city, guiding us through key projects and future growth.

• Lead and manage the city's operations, including overseeing all municipal departments, including specific oversight of Police, Fire, Public Works, and Community Development.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the City Council, city staff, and the community.
• Collaborate with key community partners including UCM, Whiteman Air Force Base, Johnson County Economic Development Corporation, Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, the Visitor’s Bureau, and local businesses to ensure the success and growth of the city.
• Act as the city’s representative in external meetings, media relations, and with state and federal agencies.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, ensuring the city’s financial health and long-term sustainability.
• Drive the city’s economic development initiatives, working to attract and retain businesses that align with Warrensburg’s values and goals.
• Manage special projects, including the Rethink-Rebuild-Revive Maguire corridor project.

• Extensive Local Government Experience: A minimum of seven years in progressively responsible roles within local government is required. While experience as a City Manager or Assistant City Manager is preferred, a demonstrated ability to lead at a senior level in a municipal organization is essential.
• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, or a closely related field is required; master’s degree preferred.
• ICMA Credentialed Manager (or equivalent top-tier professional certification) preferred. Additional leadership development or specialized certifications in municipal management are a plus.
• Collaborative Leadership: Proven experience in building and leading high-performing teams. You possess a passion for fostering collaboration and strong relationships among stakeholders including elected officials, employees, and citizens.
• Innovative Problem-Solver: You stay ahead of emerging trends in municipal governance and are proactive in implementing innovative solutions to challenges. Your ability to adapt and drive change ensures that the city remains forward-thinking.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: You excel in public speaking and can effectively engage with a variety of audiences, including city staff, council members, community groups, and the media. Your communication style builds trust and transparency.
• Tech-Savvy Leader: You embrace technology and promote its use to enhance efficiency and transparency within the city. You stay informed of emerging tools and trends in municipal operations, from digital services to data-driven decision-making.

Position Requirements

You must hold a valid Missouri driver’s license throughout your tenure with the City.  You will also be required to establish residency within City limits within one year from start date. 

Compensation

The City is offering a hiring salary range of $137,000 to $175,000 for this position, depending on experience and qualifications.  Warrensburg offers a generous benefits package and participates in the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System.

Apply Today

If you’re ready to be a part of a team that values leadership, collaboration, and community, we invite you to apply and help lead Warrensburg into its next chapter! Applications are due by November 21 at 5 p.m.   

We appreciate your suggestions or referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity.  Formal applications accepted online or direct all inquiries to:

EverStrive Solutions

Meredith Hauck, Partner – mhauck@everstrivesolutions.com

The City of Warrensburg, Missouri, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. Applicants selected as finalists will be subject to a comprehensive background check.