Assistant City Manager

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Assistant City Manager - Economic Development

Cottonwood Heights, Utah "The City Between the Canyons"

Salary: $75.00 - $93.00 per hour. Depending on experience, education, and certifications.


Status: Full-Time | Exempt

Closing Date: Open Until Filled. First application review on 08/03/2026

Help Build the Next Chapter of Cottonwood Heights

Cottonwood Heights isn't just another city, it's one of Utah's most desirable communities, nestled between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and serving as the gateway to world-renowned ski resorts, outdoor recreation, and a thriving regional economy.

We're looking for an innovative, strategic leader to become our first Assistant City Manager with a strong focus on Economic Development.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a city that is poised for transformational growth.

Working directly with the City Manager, Mayor, and City Council, you'll lead some of the most exciting economic development initiatives in the state, including development of the City's Towne Center, redevelopment of a gravel pit at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, regional transportation and canyon access improvements, and preparations for opportunities surrounding the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

If you're energized by turning vision into reality, building partnerships, solving complex challenges, and leaving a lasting legacy, we want to hear from you.

Why Cottonwood Heights?

Cottonwood Heights offers the unique combination of small-city leadership with big-city impact.

As Assistant City Manager, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead transformative redevelopment projects that will define the City's future.
• Work directly with elected officials and executive leadership on high-profile strategic initiatives.
• Help secure needed grants and innovative funding opportunities.
• Build partnerships with developers, business leaders, state agencies, and regional organizations.
• Influence land use, infrastructure, finance, and economic development decisions that will benefit generations to come.
• Be part of an executive leadership team that values innovation, collaboration, and getting things done.

About the Position

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager serves as a member of the City's executive leadership team and is responsible for advancing Cottonwood Heights' economic vitality through strategic planning and implementation.

This position is focused on implementation, not simply planning.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the City's economic development strategy
• Managing catalytic redevelopment projects including Towne Center and the Gravel Pit
• Preparing the City for opportunities associated with the 2034 Winter Olympics
• Negotiating development agreements and public-private partnerships
• Identifying and securing grant funding and other external resources
• Coordinating major initiatives across Finance, Community Development, Public Works, and other departments
• Advising executive leadership and elected officials on complex financial and development strategies
• Building strong relationships with developers, investors, regional organizations, and government agencies

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced executive who can think strategically while delivering measurable results.

The ideal candidate is:

• An accomplished leader with a passion for community building
• Experienced in municipal administration, economic development, redevelopment, or public finance
• Skilled in negotiating complex projects and partnerships
• Comfortable working with elected officials, developers, and community stakeholders
• Collaborative, innovative, and action-oriented
• Able to balance long-term vision with practical implementation

What We Offer

At Cottonwood Heights City, we believe that investing in our employees creates a stronger organization and a better community. We are proud to offer a competitive total compensation package that supports your professional success and personal well-being, including:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and retirement benefits
• Employer retirement contribution with a 401(k) plan and up to a 6.2% employer match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual
• Front Loaded Personal Leave
• Eleven (11) paid holidays each year
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Short-Term Medical Leave with retirement cash-out options
• Four-day workweek (Monday through Thursday), promoting work-life balance
• Employee Wellness Program
• A collaborative executive leadership team dedicated to serving the community with excellence

How to Apply

To view the complete job description and submit an application, please visit the City's employment portal.

The City provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants during the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, please notify Human Resources when submitting your application.

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug screening and comprehensive background investigation.

Recruitment Process

Cottonwood Heights City reserves the right to reject any or all applications, waive any requirement contained in this announcement, modify or suspend the recruitment process, or make a hiring decision determined to be in the City's best interest, consistent with applicable law. Participation in this recruitment does not guarantee employment, and applicants assume all costs associated with the application process.

Cottonwood Heights City is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.