The City of Manzanita, Oregon is recruiting its next City Manager!
This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and skilled manager with the skills to effectively prioritize implementation, organizational stability, and long-term strategic execution to take the helm in the next exciting chapter of City leadership.
The City of Manzanita (population 657) is located on the northern Oregon coast in Tillamook County. The community is made up of a blend of full-time residents, second homeowners, and visitors, and the City’s local economy is largely driven by tourism. Manzanita boasts seven miles of beaches, ample outdoor recreation opportunities, and is home to a welcoming and tight-knit community. The City is governed under a Council-Manager form of government with a Mayor and four Councilors, and operates with a regular staff of 18 FTE employees. Its 2026-2027 budget is approximately $16.5 million.
The City Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the City and helping to ensure that the City Council, staff, and advisory bodies are all operating efficiently and effectively. The City Manager should be a skilled, forward-thinking, and well-rounded leader that can foster a collaborative relationship with the City Council; serve as an effective messenger of the City’s priorities and actions; engage the community; support public finance, public works, growth and tourism management, housing and short term policy, intergovernmental coordination, and emergency preparedness; and appreciates and embraces Manzanita’s close-knit, vibrant, and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
A bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field and at least three years of upper-level local government management experience is required. An advanced degree in public administration or a related field and/or five years or more experience as a City Manager is preferred. Membership with relevant professional organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), experience working in the Council-Manager form of government, as well as familiarity with the unique aspects of coastal, small, and/or prominent vacation destination municipalities is attractive. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Compensation is $130,000 to $170,000 (DOQ).
Candidates are encouraged to review additional information on the following link: www.jensenstrategies.com/recruitment/manzanitacitymanager
To be considered, candidates must email the following applications materials to emily@jensenstrategies.com no later than Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(1) concise cover letter summarizing relevant background and qualifications for the position in PDF or Word format;
(2) resume in PDF or Word format;
(3) a Supplemental Application Form* in PDF or Word format;
and, if applicable,
(4) a completed and signed Oregon Veteran’s Preference form* in PDF or Word format, with supporting documentation.
* Forms available at www.jensenstrategies.com/recruitment/manzanitacitymanager
Questions may be directed to:
Emily Rehder
(503) 477-5615
emily@jensenstrategies.com
The City of Manzanita is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
