City Manager

The City of National City is looking for a new City Manager.

National City is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and collaborative City Manager to lead the organization and guide the community's continued growth and success. This is an exceptional opportunity for a public-sector executive who excels in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and building strong relationships with elected officials, staff, partner agencies, and the community.

THE CITY:

The City of National City is a full-service, general law city serving a vibrant and socioeconomically diverse community. Its diverse population, mild climate, and central location make National City a great place to live, work, play, and do business. As San Diego County's second-oldest city, National City is truly at the center of it all. Located within a dynamic bi-national region of more than five million consumers, the City's competitive advantage lies in its central location, robust transportation network, and diverse business industry. National City is just minutes from downtown San Diego, local beaches, San Diego International Airport, the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities.

National City is served by Interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54. Public transit options are readily available through the San Diego Trolley and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

THE POSITION:

The City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer of the City, responsible for carrying out the policies and direction of the City Council and ensuring the effective, efficient delivery of municipal services. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in municipal management, a commitment to transparency and accountability, and the ability to foster a culture of innovation and high performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Enforce and administer the provisions of City laws, ordinances, and policies.
- Provide leadership, coordination, and overall direction to all City departments.
- Advise the City Council on legislative matters, major issues, and emerging needs.
- Prepare and recommend ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and policy initiatives.
- Implement programs and policy decisions adopted by the City Council.
- Develop and present the annual budget, ensuring balanced revenues and expenditures.
- Oversee the administration of approved budgets, programs, and capital improvement projects.
- Represent the City at meetings, community events, and regional forums.
- Collaborate with governmental agencies, private organizations, and community groups.
- Assess organizational and community needs and prepare recommendations for long-term planning.
- Approve personnel actions, purchasing decisions, and general fiscal operations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker and skilled administrator who demonstrates:
- Experience at the City Management Level
- Strong leadership and team-building abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A collaborative, community-focused approach
- Sound judgment and integrity
- Experience managing complex budgets and municipal operations
- The ability to navigate intergovernmental relationships and represent the City effectively

QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor's Degree in public administration from an accredited college or university; extensive responsible administrative experience in the planning, coordination, and financing of varied municipal activities.
- A Master's degree in public administration or a related field is desirable.
- Five (5) years of supervisory experience.
- Experience as a public sector executive working with an elected Council or Board.
- Experience working within a multi-cultural community environment is desirable.

Job Type: Full-Time/At-Will
Job Number: 26-060
Closing Date: April 2, 2026 6:00 PM Pacific