Salary: $155,629.24 - $278,705.18 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: City Manager's Office
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 9/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Deputy City Manager
The Opportunity

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and facilitate the success of major areas of service to include assistance in prioritizing and assigning work, performance development, and talent management of direct reports and various teams;
• Provide oversight of complex programs, initiatives, and high-level special projects that are large-scale, multi-year and have a significant impact on the community; Maintain positive relationships and effectively communicate with elected officials, City Manager, other Deputy City Managers, and the Executive Team to keep them up to date on complex municipal and community issues under their span of control. Confer with the Executive Team and staff to review, plan, and discuss policies, programs, and strategies;
• Meet and correspond with various citizens, professional, business, and other groups and answer questions and secure their support in carrying out various programs;
• Research, analyze, and develop recommendations on City-wide issues, public policy issues, pending legislation, and other administrative issues. Review results of major studies and coordinate the preparation of reports and recommendations; Maintain close contact with residents and community leaders, as well as other regional stakeholders;
• Serve as Acting City Manager in the City Manager's absence-must be capable of executing the City Manager's duties;
• Serve as Deputy Chief Executive for the City government, supplementing and acting for the City Manager as required, and directly supervises a grouping of departments and offices designated by the City Manager;
• Assist the City Manager in directing the day-to-day operation of the City government;
• Participate in long-range operational plans;
• Exercise general supervision over all functions and activities of the City government when acting for the City Manager.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced leader and teambuilder capable of innovation, problem-solving, and directing the services of this organization. The ideal candidate has the ability to build relationships, be flexible, and work in a team-oriented matrix organization. Exceptional public speaking and written communication skills are needed as the DCM will be called upon to make presentations clearly and credibly before employee groups, citizen groups, committees, councils, media, and management staff at all levels. In addition, the successful DCM recognizes and adapts to the audience to ensure that concepts are easily understood and visualized. An individual who knows when to take an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving is preferred. A hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example are required.

The ideal candidate will be of the highest integrity and genuinely committed to respecting employees, responsive to organizational needs, and open and honest in all internal and external relationships. The desired candidate will have a well-established track record for using proactive, forward-thinking, and creative methods in local government leadership.

The selected candidate must be capable of managing a team responsible for highly complex issues and be curious and action-oriented. The successful candidate will ensure inclusiveness and tactfulness when presenting their opinions. This position requires a person with curiosity and enthusiasm, capable of operating with independence and initiative while remaining aligned with the policy direction of the City Manager. The ideal candidate must exhibit a great deal of political savvy and sensitivity.

Review and Evaluation of Qualifications
The City of Alexandria will give serious consideration to all qualified candidates that apply who have considerable supervisory experience, a solid understanding of technology, and a proven track record of success. The review and evaluation of qualifications will be at the discretion of the City, based on the most appropriate combination of experience, curiosity, and education that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by the position and that fits the needs of the City of Alexandria.
Compensation and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive salary with an excellent executive benefit package. The anticipated hiring range is up to $278,000 annually, dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. In addition, benefits are provided, which include: annual leave, holidays, and sick leave; a retirement plan; health insurance, dental plan, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance; optional deferred compensation; credit union membership; sick leave bank; and an employee assistance program.
Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four Year College Degree; five years experience at a Department Head or Office Director level in a local or state government; substantial knowledge of multiple areas of local governmental programs, policies and procedures and experience in engaging multiple stakeholders in problem solving and negotiating solutions to issues.
Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree; seven years of experience at a Deputy City or Deputy County Manager level, or in a similar local government position that required a high level of knowledge and management of various local government programs; substantial experience in project management or in leading policy or program development; extensive experience in engaging multiple stakeholders including the general public in problem-solving and negotiating solutions to issues; substantial knowledge of the theories and practices of local government management, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Notes

Apply Online with resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Electronic submissions are required. Candidates may be asked to complete a series of written responses for further evaluation and presentation and submit a summary of career accomplishments as part of the final steps of the selection process.

Interested individuals should be aware that the City will fully ensure confidentiality to the extent possible. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

If you have questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, contact Alyssa Williamson, CHRO, at [email protected]. Residency in the City of Alexandria is not required.

Deputy City Manager Brochure