City Manager

Summary:

• The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City of Gautier. Under general policy guidance from the City Council, the City Manager plans, organizes, integrates, fiscally controls, directs, administers, reviews, and evaluates the activities, operations, programs, and services of the City of Gautier.
• This position is responsible for the successful overall direction, management, and coordination of all operations and functions of the City of Gautier in accordance with all applicable laws, as described in Mississippi Code § 21-9-25, 21-9-27, 21-9-29, 21-9-31, 21-9-33, and City of Gautier policies and procedures.
• The City Manager serves as the top appointed executive in the City, carrying out the policies and programs determined by the elected City Council (Council–Manager form of Government); ensuring development and execution of the City’s strategic plan and annual budget; and managing government operations and functions to effectively serve the community while complying with applicable laws and regulations.
• The City Manager is also responsible for advancing economic development initiatives, managing state and federal projects, and securing and administering grants that strengthen community infrastructure, resiliency, and growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Per Mississippi Code § 21-9-25 and § 21-9-29, the following duties are required of the City Manager, in addition to duties assigned by the Gautier City Council:
• Responsible to the Council for the entire administration of the City government.
• Prepare and recommend the annual budget to the Council.
• Administer and enforce all laws, ordinances, and regulations of the City.
• Appoint and remove all department heads and other employees of the City, except where state law requires Council appointment (City Attorney / Prosecutor, City Judge, City Clerk (optional), Public Defender, etc.).Supervise and control all department heads and employees and their subordinates.
• Negotiate contracts and make purchases for the City, subject to law and Council approval.
• Ensure compliance with public utility franchise agreements, contracts, and ordinances.
• Make reports and recommendations to the Council as needed, and submit annual written reports on the City’s financial and operational condition.
• Prepare City Council meeting agendas with the City Clerk and attend all Council meetings
• Direct analyses and recommendations on policy issues and long-range plans.
• Represent the City in dealings with boards, committees, agencies, businesses, and the public.
• Lead economic development efforts, including attraction and retention of businesses.
• Secure and administer grants from federal, state, and private sources.
• Oversee compliance, reporting, and management of grant-funded and federally supported projects.
• Coordinate with federal and state agencies on infrastructure, resiliency, and workforce initiatives.
• Oversee human resources systems, labor negotiations, and employee relations consistent with Council policy.
• Direct and oversee public relations, press releases, and communications.
• Promote cleanliness, beautification, and community pride initiatives.
• Oversee disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, and recovery planning.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Qualification Requirements

• Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
• Ability to plan, integrate, and direct municipal services and programs.
• Strong financial and analytical skills to evaluate alternatives and develop recommendations.
• Knowledge of economic development strategies, site development, redevelopment tools, and public-private partnerships.
• Experience securing and administering state, federal, and private grant funding, including HUD, CDBG, FEMA, and DOT.
• Ability to build relationships with government agencies, business leaders, and community organizations.
• Effective written/oral communication and public presentation skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in sensitive political/public matters.
• Maintain effective relationships with Council, employees, and the public.
• Must hold and maintain a valid Mississippi driver’s license.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Mississippi Code § 21-9-25): The City Manager shall be chosen based solely on the basis of experience and administrative qualifications. A high school diploma or its equivalent is the minimum required by state law.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Human
• Resources, Economic Development, or a closely related field is preferred.
• At least seven (7) to ten (10) years of executive-level municipal or public sector comparable management experience in a full-service city of similar size/complexity or company, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in economic development, grant administration, and managing state/federal
• projects.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.

Special Qualifications:

• Comprehensive knowledge of public administration, municipal management, budgeting, and human
• resources.
• Knowledge of Mississippi state law and municipal code.
• Ability to develop and administer both short- and long-range strategic plans.
• Must not engage in any other business or profession while holding office as City Manager if such business or profession conflicts with the office of City Manager. (per Mississippi law).

Language & Reasoning Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, laws, and regulations.
• Strong communication skills for conveying information one-on-one, in groups, and to the media.
• Ability to resolve complex issues in a professional manner while adhering to policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

Physical Demands:

• Work is largely sedentary, requiring periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Requires use of office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers.
• Must be able to communicate clearly, in person and by phone.

Work Environment

• Work is typically performed in a professional office setting with occasional visits to City worksites and projects.
• Stress levels are high due to workload and deadlines; evening and weekend work may be required.
• Travel (local, regional, state, national) may be necessary to represent the City.

Preferred Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is a consensus-builder with excellent communication, negotiating, financial management, and time-management skills. They will have a proven record of securing grants, managing large-scale infrastructure projects, and building strong partnerships to advance Gautier’s community and economic growth.

Resumes from interested candidates must be received by 5:00 PM on October 17, 2025.

Resumes can be faxed, mailed or dropped off at Gautier City Hall during business hours. If you have questions, you can contact us at hr@gautier-ms.gov or by calling 228-497-8000, ext. 308.

http://www.gautier-ms.gov/human-resources

Email Address: hr@gautier-ms.gov
Fax #: 228-497-8028
Mailing Address: 3330 Hwy 90, Gautier, MS 3955