City Administrator

Salary: $168,492.00 - $251,184.00 Annually
Location : 625 52nd Street, Room 300, Kenosha, WI
Job Type: Regular - Full Time
Job Number: 202601073
Department: City Administration
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 4:30 PM Central


General Overview of Position
Community Profile:
The City of Kenosha, Wisconsin is conveniently located between Chicago (55 miles to the south) and Milwaukee (36 miles to the north) on the southwest shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. Because of its proximity between two major metropolitan areas, Kenosha has become an ideal destination for many people seeking relatively lower housing costs in a safe, friendly and prosperous environment. With easy access to the Interstate 94 corridor, international airports at Chicago and Milwaukee, and the Metra rail line from Kenosha to Chicago, residents are able to choose from an extensive list of amenities, educational resources and career opportunities available within the commuting area.

The population of Kenosha is roughly 100,000, making Kenosha the fourth largest city in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Administration estimates that the number of residents within our community will continue to grow steadily because of the influence of the nearby metropolitan areas.

Kenosha community websites - , , ,
City Government & Employment:
The City of Kenosha is governed by a full-time Mayor with a 4-year term and a part-time Council comprised of 17 Alderpersons elected by district every two years. A full-time City Administrator assists the Mayor in the management of City operations. Other than those with differing statutory reporting requirements, City Department Heads report directly to the administrator. The working atmosphere is collaborative and inclusive.

The City employs over 780 full-time with an additional 250 seasonal employees who work primarily during the summer construction and recreation season.

City of Kenosha website -


Position Profile:
Under administrative direction of the Mayor, the incumbent will provide organizational leadership that inspires, motivates, and empowers City employees to achieve the Mayor's and Common Council's goals through the direction, coordination, and control of the general business and staff functions of the City. The incumbent implements the directives of the Mayor and Common Council and recommends policies and procedures.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership:

• Work with internal and external strategic partners to develop and maintain effective organization design and alignment, building effective teams, designing and developing the City's leadership strategy, and deploying City strategies into the organization that establishes, lead and implement a framework for proficiency change within the organization.
• Under the direction of the Mayor, oversee the analysis, design, development, and implementation of City strategic plan initiatives.
• Actively promotes City government as open, transparent and approachable and strives to achieve effective and efficient service delivery with a strategic approach to fiscal well-being.
• Oversee a culture of employee engagement and learning to optimize knowledge-building, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and appropriate levels of decision-making throughout the City.
• Lead an organizational culture that is capable of measuring effectiveness to drive results.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on departmental organization and procedures at all levels of the organization, including but not limited to promoting interdepartmental cooperation, in order to achieve, and maintain greater effectiveness in City government.

General Administrative:

• Monitors operations to prevent problems from occurring or mitigates their occurrence; oversees the implementation of more efficient methods of City department outcomes.
• Provides a forum for the resolution of interdepartmental and interagency problems and disputes.
• Facilitates cooperation between governments; confers with other governmental agencies and functions as a lead negotiator with the State and municipal governments as appropriate.
• Develops short and long-range policies to implement change within the organization and responds to change in the community.
• Provides leadership, advice, and counsel to department heads and staff; attends meetings and resolves issues with alderpersons, department heads, and Mayor.
• Evaluates the annual job performance of all direct report department heads.
• Speaks before civic groups.
• Conducts field review of City operations.
• Recommends policy to Mayor and provides policy guidance to department heads.
• Confers with individuals and representatives of public and private organizations desiring information on City services, activities, plans and programs.
• Holds memberships and attend meetings of official government groups or associations as directed and approved by the Mayor.
• Embraces modern technology systems as a tool to minimize operational costs while enhancing internal and external services.

Staff Responsibilities to the Mayor and Common Council:

• Effectuates actions of the Common Council and implements administrative matters as directed by the Mayor.
• Assesses the broad and long term impact of trends in local government, including issues related to City growth and development and relevant actions of other units of government and formulate solutions and recommendations for consideration and action by the Common Council and Mayor.
• Regularly informs the Mayor and Common Council on departmental operations, services and as necessary, to make recommendations to accomplish the efficient and economical delivery of City programs and services.
• May have other related duties and responsibilities as defined by the Mayor and Common Council.

Budget and Financial

• Manages the annual executive budget through participatory oversight for submission to the Mayor and Common Council for their consideration and action.
• Supervises the development and implementation of the "Capital Improvement Program."
• Supervises the development of a long-range financial plan.
• Confers with and advises City officials, department heads and others on City financial matters.
• Researches the availability, and informs appropriate stakeholders of county, state, federal and private grant opportunities appropriate for the City and administers the procurement of such grants as directed by the Mayor and Common Council.
• Provides overall financial direction in the acquisition and use of financial resources through the operating and capital improvement budgeting process; reviews and recommends modifications to the annual operating budget and capital improvement plan.

NOTE: The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed by persons in positions covered by this classification specification. This list is not all-inclusive. The omission of a particular job duty does not mean that the duty is not one of the essential functions of the position. Management reserves the right to assign employees in this classification to duties not listed above if the duties are fairly within the scope of responsibilities applicable to the level of work performed by employees in positions covered by this classification specification. This classification specification does not create an employment contract between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the need may arise.
Requirements
Training and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, engineering, planning, or a related field, supplemented by at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in the public sector or a similarly complex organization, including a minimum of three (3) years of executive-level management overseeing senior-level managers; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in change management.
• Demonstrated experience in the relocation of organizational operations is highly desired.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern City management.
• Knowledge of budgetary development, administration, and control, municipal budget experience preferred
• Knowledge of personnel rules and regulations.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with citizen and business groups, alderpersons, and employees.
• Ability to formulate plans, budgets, and related policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize and coordinate a wide variety of public services, to initiate and install administrative procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness.
• Ability to identify, research, and recommend creative public-private partnerships, grant opportunities, economic development opportunities, and operational strategies.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in developing and interpreting administrative policies and procedures.
• Decisive, forward thinker with excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain a cohesive, talented, and engaged staff.
• Innovative with a strong commitment toward customer service.

Physical Requirements:

• The task is essentially sedentary, with occasional walking, bending, light lifting, or other restricted physical activities.

Environmental Requirements:

• The task is regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires highly efficient oral communications ability.

Additional Requirements :

• Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record. May be required to provide a personal vehicle for use on the job.

Method of Selection
Applicant's education, training, and experience will be analyzed. Written, oral and/or proficiency exams may be required to establish eligibility. Appointment to the position will be in accordance with City policy and the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The City reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the City.
Why the City of Kenosha?
We offer a full benefit package, annual pay increases, generous paid time off and employee and community engagement opportunities for general full-time employees!

The City of Kenosha is taking on many exciting projects in the areas of large scale developments and technological advancements to keep Kenosha the vibrant and growing community we love -- Join us!

Most positions are included in a 17 step compensation plan. Most employees receive annual salary increases of 2.5% based on the current compensation plan. Additional across-the-board pay increases may occur annually.


Insurance
The City offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) to eligible employees and their qualifying dependent(s) as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. All employees are required to pay a five percent (5%) monthly health insurance premium, which will be waived if the employee participates in an annual Health Risk Appraisal (HRA). Employees and qualifying dependents are responsible for any deductibles, co-payments, or other out-of-pocket costs associated with care received under the provisions of the plan(s).


The City offers dental insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. There are two options for Dental Insurance: CarePlus (Dental Associates) and Delta Dental. CarePlus (Dental Associates) monthly premiums are paid for by the City. Employees are responsible for monthly premiums if enrolling in Delta Dental. Only one dental plan may be selected if enrolling.


The City offers vision insurance to eligible employees as of the first of the month following 30 days of full-time employment. This plan provides benefits (after applicable co-pay) including a comprehensive exam, eye glasses with standard single vision, etc.


The City holds an open enrollment period each calendar year. If the employee waives coverage of health and/or dental insurance upon hire, they must experience a qualifying life event as prescribed by the Plan's summary plan description in order to enroll for either health or dental insurance at any other time during the plan year. Employees who do not experience a qualifying life event must wait for the open enrollment period to elect coverage. Insurance benefits are subject to unilateral changes by the City.


We participate in the This is a pension plan. We match the employee contribution amount monthly for general employees. The current contribution rate for general and teacher employees can be found


Term group life insurance coverage is provided to employees who participate in the WRS through the The premium for Basic Plan coverage is paid by the City for active employees.


Employees may elect to defer part of their income into a 457(b) retirement plan through , or the


Employees enjoy numerous types of paid time off.


Employees earn up to 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave can be carried over year after year & never expires during employment.


Paid Vacation - available for use on January 1 each year! (pro-rated your first year of employment)


Years of Service Days/Hours per Year
Less than 1 year 12 days (96 hours)
After 1-5 years 15 days (120 hours)
After 6-10 years 17 days (136 hours)
After 11-15 years 19 days (152 hours)
After 16-20 years 21 days (160 hours)
After 20 years 25 days (200 hours)


Employees may carry over eighty (80) hours of unused vacation leave into the next calendar year.


We observe 12 paid holidays & additional paid floating holidays!


New Year's Day Independence Day (July 4th) Christmas Eve Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Labor Day Christmas Day
Friday before Easter Thanksgiving Day New Year's Eve Day
Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving
Juneteenth


Employees receive at least two (2) paid floating holidays per year . Holiday observance schedule may vary by department.

Duty-Related Death Benefit
One year's salary is paid to the named beneficiary of an eligible employee who is killed in the line of duty.


Health and Wellness Clinic - Employees (and covered spouses) who elect health insurance coverage and complete the annual HRA may utilize the City's onsite Health and Wellness Clinic, which is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse. Services provided by the Clinic may be subject to a co-payment, as prescribed by City policy and IRS guidelines.


Health Savings Account - The health insurance plan offered by the City qualifies for a Health Savings Account (HSA) as defined by the IRS. Johnson Bank has waived the fees normally associated with opening and maintaining an HSA for all City employees who are enrolled in a qualifying insurance plan. Payroll deduction (pre-taxed) is only available to those employees who hold their HSA with Johnson Bank. Enrollment for this benefit is administered by the Finance Department.


Critical Illness, Accident & Universal Life/Long-Term Care Insurances - Supplemental policies for Critical Illness, Accident and Life/Long-Term Care Insurance are offered to current eligible employees during the City's annual open enrollment period.


Tuition Reimbursement Program - Regular full-time employees who have completed their probationary period may be reimbursed for 80% of tuition up to $3,000 per calendar year for satisfactory completion (a grade of "B" or greater) of approved courses through an accredited institution in the pursuance of an Associate, Bachelor or Master Degree. Please refer to the City's Personnel Policies and Regulations for program information.


*Benefit offerings are based on eligibility, reviewed annually and are subject to change.
01


The following supplemental questions may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided on your application. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during a hiring interview. By completing this supplemental evaluation you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal.

• Yes and I understand and agree
• No I disagree

02


A person is not qualified for initial employment ONLY if the person would be immediately supervised by a relative. For purposes of this rule, "Relative" includes any member of your immediate household or any person whose relationship by blood or marriage is as close as or closer than first cousin, grandparent or grandchild, including step relationships. Based upon this definition of "relative", do you have any relatives employed with the City?

• Yes
• No

03


If you answered yes to the question above, please list the name(s) and relationship(s) of your City-employed relative(s).
04


Do you possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you able to provide a personal vehicle (which is insured) for use on the job?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you able to work a full-time schedule that includes hours between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday with attendance at required meetings in the evenings and weekends?

• Yes
• No

07


What is the highest level of education you have achieved? Be sure to list your college degrees in the "Education" section of the application.

• Some High School
• High School Diploma/GED/HSED
• Some College
• Associate Degree from an accredited school or university
• Bachelor Degree from an accredited school or university
• Masters Degree from an accredited school or university
• Doctorate (PHD) from an accredited school or university
• None of the Above

08


If you indicated that you have an accredited degree, is the degree in business, public administration or a related field of study?

• Yes
• No
• I do not have a college degree

09


What are the most employees that you've directly managed at any given time? Be sure to list your experience in the "Work History" section of the application.

• Less than 10 employees
• 10 to 19 employees
• 20 to 29 employees
• 30 to 39 employees
• 40 or more employees
• I did not directly manage employees

10


How many years of professional (on the job) experience do you have working with labor unions?

• Less than 5 years
• 5 years or more, but less than 9 years
• 10 years or more, but less than 15 years
• 15 years or more
• I do not have this experience

11


If you have municipal government experience, what is the population of the community that you serve or previously served in your last job?

• Less than 50,000 taxpayers
• 50,000 - 99,999 taxpayers
• 100,000 - 199,999 taxpayers
• 200,000+ taxpayers
• I do not have municipal government experience

12


If you do not have municipal government experience, what is the customer/client base of the organization/company that you serve or previously served in your last job?

• Less than 50,000 customers/clients
• 50,000 - 99,999 customers/clients
• 100,000 - 199,999 customers/clients
• 200,000+ customers/clients
• I do not have

13


How many years of professional (on the job) experience do you have in budget development and management, strategic planning, forecasting, and program/process analysis and/or evaluation?

• Less than 5 years
• 5 years or more, but less than 10 years
• 10 years or more, but less than 15 years
• 15 years or more
• I do not have this I do not have this experience

14


What is the current or former size of the operating budget that you currently oversee or previously managed?

• Less than $25 million
• Between $25 million but less than $50 million
• Between $50 million but less than $75 million
• Between $75 million but less than $100 million
• $100 million or more
• I do not have experience overseeing or managing an operating budget

15


What is the current or former size of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget you oversee or previously managed?

• Less than $25 million
• Between $25 million but less than $50 million
• Between $50 million but less than $75 million
• Between $75 million but less than $100 million
• $100 million or more
• I do not have experience overseeing or managing a CIP budget

Required Question