Farmer City, IL (1,805) — The City of Farmer City is seeking a talented, resourceful, and dedicated leader to serve as its next City Manager. Farmer City is located in DeWitt County in central Illinois and is roughly 30 minutes from the major population centers of Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, and Decatur.
The Municipal Government
The City of Farmer City operates under a Council/Mayor/City Manager form of government. The City’s governing board consists of the Mayor, elected at-large to a four-year term, and four City Council Members, each elected at-large to four-year and two-year staggered terms.
The City Manager
The City Manager serves as the municipality’s chief executive officer and oversees all municipal operations, including hiring and supervising all department directors. The City Manager prepares and administers the annual operating and capital budget that is approved by the City Council and is responsible for implementing City Council policy decisions and directives.
In Farmer City, the City Manager is also highly involved in economic development activities, grant procurement and administration, communication/public relations, management of the City-owned public utilities, and intergovernmental relations. The person in this position must have a thorough working knowledge of all aspects of municipal government operations.
Required and Desirable Qualifications
The City Council is seeking applicants with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, planning, economic development, or a related field of study. A master’s degree is desirable but not required. Applicants should also have at least four (4) years of professional experience in a leadership position, preferably with a municipality and preferably as a city administrator or assistant city administrator. A master’s degree could substitute for some work experience.
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following skills, knowledge, traits, and personal attributes:
- Excellent communicator – Can communicate complex information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to all people.
- Relationship builder – Can establish and maintain productive and harmonious working relationships with all community stakeholders.
- Grant experience – Is adept at procuring state and federal grants.
- Economic development and project management – Is skilled in attracting new business investment into the community.
- Accepts criticism with maturity – Does not inappropriately react to negative comments.
- Objective and analytical – Does not allow personal views to influence policy recommendations.
- Active, visible, and approachable – Plays an active role in the community.
- Innovative and creative – A strategic problem-solver who seeks new methods to benefit citizens.
- Decisive and consistent – Makes professional recommendations on policy matters without favoritism.
- Excellent listener – Listens carefully and considers the points of view of others.
- Direct and firm – Can deal with conflict directly and effectively.
Compensation and How to Apply
The annual starting salary range for the position is $92,500 to $110,000 DOQ/E. The City of Farmer City will provide the successful candidate with a generous benefits package. Please apply online at with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by October 25, 2024.
The City of Farmer City is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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