City Manager

CITY MANAGER

City of Royal Oak, Michigan
Population: 58,211

About Royal Oak

Royal Oak, Michigan is a dynamic and vibrant community that offers the amenities of a larger city while maintaining the character and accessibility of a close-knit town. Incorporated in 1921, the City spans 12 square miles and is known for strong neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and a thriving business, cultural, and entertainment environment.

Government Structure

Royal Oak operates under the council-manager form of government. The City Commission consists of six commissioners and a mayor elected at large on a nonpartisan ballot during odd-numbered years (most recently November 2025). The City Manager, appointed by the commission, serves as the City's chief administrative officer and is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and executing all municipal operations.

Organizational Overview
- Approximately 360 full-time employees represented by nine labor units
- 150-200 part-time employees
- Total all-fund budget: approximately $275 million
- Stable financial position with well-funded pension and OPEB obligations

Position Overview

Royal Oak is committed to its council-manager form of government. While the City has experienced recent leadership transitions, it also has a history shaped by a long-serving City Manager and is seeking its next manager with the goal of establishing a stable, successful, and long-term partnership with the governing body, staff, and community.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership of municipal operations, with an emphasis on customer service, teamwork, and collaboration. The position is accountable for operations across all departments, promoting open communication and dialogue, fostering organizational alignment, and advancing collaborative engagement both internally and externally.

The City Manager must be able to work effectively with a highly engaged City Commission, listen thoughtfully to individual perspectives, support informed policy decisions, and reinforce appropriate roles to ensure effective governance and professional administration.

Qualifications

Required:
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or related field

Preferred:
- MBA, MPA, or related Master's degree
- Chief administrative officer experience in local government
- Experience in a local government of similar complexity and size to Royal Oak
- ICMA membership and credentialed manager status, or equivalent professional certification

Compensation

Salary: $186,459.79 to $212,484.58+ (Dependent on Qualifications and Experience)
- $10,000 supplement pay
- Comprehensive benefits package

Royal Oak is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.