City Manager

City Manager Opportunity in Nevada, Missouri

OMNI is honored to be retained by the City of Nevada, Missouri in the recruitment of their next City Manager. This is an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative and relationship-driven leader who values community engagement, inspires trust, and is committed to advancing organizational excellence while preserving the character of a thriving small-town community.

The City of Nevada, Missouri, established in 1855 with a rich history rooted in resilience, was rebuilt after the Civil War, and grew into a regional center through the arrival of the Katy and Missouri Pacific railroads. Today, Nevada is a vibrant community that blends the values of small-town living with a commitment to growth, innovation, and regional leadership. Located in Vernon County along Interstate 49 in southwest Missouri, Nevada serves as the county seat and regional hub for commerce, healthcare, education, and industry. Positioned approximately 90 miles south of Kansas City, 95 miles northwest of Springfield, and 45 miles north of Joplin, Nevada offers convenient access to metropolitan amenities while maintaining the affordability, accessibility, and close-knit culture that make it a desirable place to live and work.

In 1979, the City of Nevada adopted a home-rule charter form of government with a Council/Manager and five elected officials serving the community at large and for three-year terms. The Council chooses one member to serve as Mayor; the mayor chairs the council meetings and acts as public spokesperson.

Now home to approximately 8,200 residents, the community serves a broader regional population throughout western Missouri and the Four-State area. Residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life characterized by affordable housing, low crime rates, access to healthcare with the Nevada Regional Medical Center, abundant recreational opportunities, short commute times, and a strong sense of community. Families are attracted to Nevada's strong schools, active civic organizations, local events, and opportunities for engagement. Outdoor recreation is a way of life, with convenient access to golf, fishing, boating, and area lakes, all contributing to a lifestyle that combines small-town comfort with ample opportunities for leisure and adventure. The City's welcoming culture fosters meaningful relationships among residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions, creating a community that values collaboration and civic involvement.

The historic downtown square remains the heart of the community and reflects Nevada's commitment to preservation and reinvestment. Through the leadership of the Nevada Main Street Alliance, community stakeholders are actively working to revitalize downtown, support local businesses, preserve historic buildings, and create vibrant gathering spaces that strengthen economic activity and community pride. These efforts complement the work of the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce and other community partners dedicated to advancing economic development and enhancing quality of life throughout the region.

With its strategic location, strong community partnerships, rich history, and vision for the future, Nevada is well-positioned for continued success. The City offers an exceptional opportunity for a City Manager who values servant leadership, community engagement, organizational excellence, and strategic planning to help guide Nevada through its next chapter of growth and prosperity.

As the City's chief administrative officer, the City Manager will lead municipal operations, implement City Council priorities, oversee organizational performance, and ensure the delivery of high-quality public services. As the primary advisor to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager will play a visible role throughout the organization and community. This individual will have the opportunity to support economic development, advance strategic initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and help position Nevada for continued success while preserving the character and values that make it a great place to live, work, and visit.

The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in municipal administration, financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Nevada seeks a leader who communicates effectively, provides sound advice to elected officials, and can successfully balance day-to-day operations with long-term community goals. The ideal candidate will be politically astute, solutions-oriented, and committed to fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The City of Nevada currently employs 92 employees across City Clerk, Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Finance, Community Development, Public Works, Wastewater, Water and administrative including Assistant City Manager, Facilities Maintenance, Human Resources and Planning & Zoning. The City has a FY26 budget of $40M which includes $28M in expenditure for Water & Sewer upgrades. Additional community services include Aquatics Center, Municipal Airport, Animal Shelter, and Municipal Golf Course.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the City's chief administrative officer, providing leadership and direction for all City operations, departments, and personnel.
• Advise and support the Mayor and City Council through objective analysis, policy recommendations, strategic guidance, and regular communication ensuring transparency and accuracy.
• Implement City Council priorities and ensure City policies, ordinances, and applicable laws are administered effectively and consistently.
• Prepare, present, administer, and monitor the City's annual operating budget and capital improvement program in collaboration with budget team, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead strategic planning efforts, establish operational priorities, and align resources with community needs and Council objectives.
• Evaluate City goals and objectives annually to ensure progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and evaluate department directors and staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the City in public meetings, community events, media engagements, and interactions with local, regional, state, and federal partners advocating for Nevada's priorities and funding opportunities.
• Facilitate the distribution of the community newsletter.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, surrounding municipalities, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support economic development initiatives, infrastructure planning, community development projects, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Provide oversight of City services and departmental performance, ensuring efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery.
• Conducts monthly one-on-one meetings with departmental directors to review progress and provide guidance.
• Facilitates bi-monthly staff meetings to ensure open communication, alignment and accountability.
• Promote transparent communication and community engagement while maintaining visibility and accessibility throughout the organization and community.
• Identify emerging challenges and opportunities, recommend innovative solutions, and lead initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and community well-being.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business management/administration or related field is required.
• Master's degree in public administration or related field is strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible municipal government or related public sector leadership experience.
• 5+ years of executive or senior management experience with responsibility for organizational leadership, budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial management, capital planning, and resource allocation.
• Experience advising elected officials and successfully navigating complex political and community issues with professionalism and integrity.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and organizational development skills, with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with elected officials, staff, residents, businesses, community organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Knowledge of economic development, infrastructure planning, community development, and intergovernmental relations.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and exceptional public service.
• Residency within the city limits of Nevada is required.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $114,751-156,394, commensurate with qualifications and experience. A generous benefits program, including health, dental, life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave are provided and fringe benefit package. The city participates in the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (MOLAGERS).

First application review will be September 25, 2026. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity.

Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal including cover letter & resume.

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Stacey Cowan, Senior Search Consultant, Practice Leader – Local Government

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OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.