The City of Clinton, Iowa (population 24,469) is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to serve as its next City Administrator. This is an excellent opportunity to lead a historic Mississippi River community that values fiscal responsibility, transparent governance, and strong public services.

About Clinton
Located along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, Clinton is a community with deep industrial roots, a growing focus on redevelopment, and a strong commitment to quality of life. The City provides a full range of municipal services and operates under a Council–Administrator form of government. The City Administrator works closely with the Mayor and City Council to implement policy, manage daily operations, and guide the City’s long-term strategic goals.

Position Summary
Under the policy direction of the City Council, the City Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer of the City of Clinton and works closely with the Mayor and Council to implement adopted goals and policies.  The Administrator is responsible for the overall coordination and management of municipal operations, including budgeting, staff leadership, and major public projects, while ensuring responsive and effective delivery of City services. The position requires a strong understanding of municipal government structure, public finance, and community and economic development practices, including significant expertise with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and its strategic application.

The City Administrator works collaboratively with elected officials, department directors, employees, residents, community organizations, and regional, state, and federal partners to implement City Council policy, advance strategic priorities, and foster positive intergovernmental relationships. The Administrator provides professional leadership, promotes sound fiscal management, supports community development and redevelopment initiatives, and maintains transparent and effective communication across all levels of the organization and the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the daily operations of all City departments.
• Serve as the chief advisor to the Mayor and City Council, providing professional recommendations on policy, operations, and long-range planning
• Prepare and administer the annual operating and capital budgets totaling $40 million; ensure sound financial management and long-term fiscal sustainability
• Implement City Council policies and ordinances efficiently and transparently
• Foster collaborative relationships with elected officials, City staff, residents, labor groups, neighboring jurisdictions, and regional partners
• Work collaboratively with GROW Clinton and other economic development partners to support economic development, redevelopment, and community revitalization initiatives consistent with City Council priorities.
• Represent the City in intergovernmental, regional, and community meetings
• Promote a positive organizational culture focused on accountability, performance, and customer service
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible senior management experience in municipal or local government administration
• Strong background in municipal budgeting, personnel management, labor relations, and policy implementation
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with an elected governing body
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

 
Compensation and Benefits
The City of Clinton offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with an excellent benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.
Salary negotiable DOQ. Current salary range is $160,000.00 to $195,000.00
Generous benefit package including: paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) contributions, and group health/dental/life insurance.  Ability to purchase through payroll deduct vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, and flexible health/dependent care spending plan contributions.

Residency:
At the time of the appointment, the appointee need not be a resident of the city or state, but during tenure of office, the City Administrator shall reside within the City of Clinton, IA.

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
City of Clinton
Attn: Mayor and City Council
611 South 3^rd Street
PO Box 2958
Clinton, IA 52733-2958
 
Or email your cover letter and resume to HR@cityofclintoniowa.gov
 
Applications will be accepted until May 5, 2026. Applications will be reviewed following the close of the application period. The City reserves the right to continue the recruitment process as needed.  Professional references will be requested from those selected to   advance in the recruitment process.

Applicants requiring ADA accommodations during the application or interview process should reach out to HR at HR@cityofclintoniowa.gov.

The City of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and considers applicants for any posted position without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.