City Manager

City Manager City of Williams Arizona Council– Manager Government

The City of Williams seeks an experienced, approachable municipal leader to serve as its next City Manager. Reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the successful candidate will translate Council priorities into effective daily operations, support employees across departments, and earn the confidence of residents and businesses through fair decisions and clear communication. Current City Manager Tim Pettit will retire on June 4, 2027, following 30 years of service to the City of Williams.

Located in Northern Arizona along Historic Route 66, Williams, known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." Surrounded by the Kaibab National Forest and its expansive ponderosa pine forests, Williams offers four distinct seasons, scenic mountain views, and opportunities for camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing. A public golf course, municipal airport, and major attractions—including the Grand Canyon Railway, Bearizona, and Canyon Coaster—complement the community's historic charm and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Williams is a full-service municipality providing water, wastewater, sanitation, and electric utilities, along with public works, parks and recreation, library services, community events, and tourism marketing. Public safety services are provided by the Williams Police Department and a combination fire department staffed by a full-time fire chief, three full-time captains, and more than 20 volunteers.

The ideal candidate will listen carefully, welcome employee concerns, and build a culture of teamwork, respect, and accountability. This individual must be accessible to employees at every level, address difficult issues fairly, and maintain clear, regular communication with the Mayor and City Council while respecting the Council's policymaking role. Success requires sound judgment, financial discipline, professional integrity, and a strong commitment to Williams, its residents, and its historic character.

The City Manager serves as the City's chief administrative officer, directing employees under the Manager's supervision and coordinating with officials who report directly to the Mayor and Council. Key responsibilities include:

• Implement Council direction and administer City policies and procedures; provide timely, accurate information and explain technical matters clearly.
• Lead department heads, coordinate work across departments, resolve conflicts, and maintain effective working relationships throughout the organization.
• Oversee preparation and administration of the annual budget, monitor expenditures, and maintain responsible financial practices.
• Guide municipal projects, capital planning, and strategic initiatives; research administrative issues and present practical recommendations.
• Respond to public inquiries and concerns, ensure appropriate follow-up, and represent the City at Council meetings and other required meetings.
• Maintain productive relationships with other governments, community organizations, schools, and state and federal agencies.

Qualifications:

• An educational background in public administration, business administration, finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressively responsible municipal management experience, including three years as a City Manager, Assistant or Deputy City Manager, or department director with comparable responsibilities. The three years of leadership experience count toward the five-year total.
• Demonstrated success in municipal budgeting, capital planning, public works or utility oversight, employee leadership, and Council and community relations.
• Professional integrity, clear communication skills, and a collaborative, responsive approach to public service.

Annual salary range: $123,800–$158,000. Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance are employee-paid, with optional additional policies available at employee expense.