City Manager

City of Palm Springs, CA

• $120K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of executive leadership experience in municipal government
  • Strong understanding of California local government operations
  • Proven track record in budget development and implementation
  • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Experience with collective bargaining and working with employee unions
  • Excellent communication and public relations skills

Responsibilities

  • Administer the city’s operations in alignment with City Council priorities
  • Oversee enforcement of city laws and ordinances
  • Supervise and manage all city departments
  • Foster communication and meet with employee bargaining units
  • Create a participatory environment for resident input
  • Establish management relationships with external agencies and organizations
  • Provide timely information to public and media about city activities

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Retiree Health Savings Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Retirement Plan through CalPERS
Full Job Description
Location : City of Palm Springs, CA
Job Type: Full Time - Regular
Job Number: CM - 0926
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 09/28/2026

Position Summary
The City Manager serves as Chief Executive Officer of the City and advises the City Council on policy and programs impacting the community and the City organization. The City Manager appoints the City's department heads and is responsible for ensuring that city services are performed to the highest standard in line with City Council priorities. The City Manager is responsible for the submission and implementation of the City's budget in addition to the following:

  • Administer the affairs of the City and direct staff in the implementation of the City Council's priorities.
  • Oversee the proper application and enforcement of City laws and ordinances.
  • Provide overall daily supervision, management, and direction to City departments.
  • Build and maintain relationships with City employees, as well as meet and confer with the six established employee bargaining units.
  • Create an open environment that encourages residents and business input on City operations and programs.
  • Establish effective management relationships with the surrounding city, special districts, county, state, and federal agencies.
  • Coordinate and provide timely and accurate information to the public and media regarding City events and activities.
  • Maintain communication with the City's 50 plus neighborhood organizations.


Details regarding this Executive Confidential Recruitment will be available within 2-3 weeks. To find out more about the position of City Manager, visit or contact Valerie Phillips at (916) 784-9080. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to be considered for this opportunity.

INTERIM CITY MANAGER OPPORTUNITY!

The City is also seeking an experienced municipal executive to serve as Interim City Manager while the permanent recruitment is underway. The ideal interim candidate will have significant California local government executive experience and the ability to provide steady organizational leadership, support the City Council and executive team, maintain continuity of City operations, and advance key priorities during the transition. To be considered for this interim assignment, please submit a current resume to by Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The City of Palm Springs provides a comprehensive benefit program for employees including:
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Retiree Health Savings Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability Plan
  • Employee paid Supplemental Insurance Programs
  • Employee paid Deferred Compensation Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Retirement Plan through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Benefit program details vary by work unit and bargaining contracts. Click to view additional information and bargaining unit contracts.
  • The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution for all regular positions.

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