Description
The Position
The City of Centerville is seeking a visionary, community-oriented executive ready to lead one of the Miami Valley’s most respected and financially stable communities. The City Manager of Centerville inherits a remarkable foundation: an organization that has maintained the second-lowest municipal property tax rate in Montgomery County for 46 years, a General Fund balance exceeding 90% of annual expenditures, a Moody's "Aa2" bond rating, and a community that has consistently invested in its future through strategic capital programs and deliberate, resident-focused planning. This is an opportunity to build on genuine momentum in a City that is deeply connected to the people it serves.
The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the City of Centerville and is responsible for the full administration and management of City affairs. Appointed by and accountable to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager carries out Council policies, directs day-to-day operations across all City departments, and serves as the primary advisor to the elected body on organizational, financial, and strategic matters. The City Manager prepares and submits the annual budget and capital program, oversees execution of those plans, and delivers annual reports covering the City's finances, administration, and inventory. The position requires attentiveness to fiscal performance across the City's 26 separate funds — including the General Fund, Golf Course Operations Fund, and Waste Collection Fund — and ongoing accountability to Council on outcomes.
The City Manager works with a high-performing Leadership Team. The City Manager’s direct reports include the Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, Development Director, Police Chief, and Public Works Director. The City Manager also oversees the Law Director, who is a contract employee. The Assistant City Manager oversees other key department heads including Communications/General Manager of Yankee Trace and Benham’s Grove, Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology. The City has a highly engaged staff of approximately 180 full- and part-time staff members.
The City Manager works closely with the City's Law Director on preparing contracts, franchises, and agreements and partners with department directors to appoint and develop staff at all levels. The role requires sustained engagement with regional, state, and federal partners on planning, grant programs, and infrastructure investment. The City Manager is also a visible public presence, responsible for maintaining productive relationships with the business community, residents, peer governments in the Montgomery County region, and professional organizations such as ICMA and OCMA. Internally, the City Manager fosters alignment across departments on the City's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, translating four broad goals — Service Delivery and Stewardship, Quality of Life, Development, and Workforce — into operational priorities, measurable outcomes, and accountable work plans. A key ongoing expectation is ensuring the City's financial sustainability through disciplined budget management, continued capital program delivery, and proactive long-range planning for population growth and service expansion.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $210,000 – $260,000 depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning July 1, 2026.
Please be aware that under Ohio law, all application materials submitted for this position are considered public records immediately upon receipt and are subject to disclosure should a public records request be received by the City.
Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree and ten years of local government experience, including five years of management/supervision. Experience in a complex local government serving as manager, assistant, or in another key leadership role is also required.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, ICMA-CM designation, and union experience. A proven track record in economic development and redevelopment, financial stewardship, strategic planning and implementation, high-performing team leadership, civic and business engagement, strong intergovernmental relationships, and community partnerships are also preferred. Membership and active engagement with ICMA, OCMA and other state or professional associations are highly valued.
Residency is not required but full engagement in the community and quick availability during emergencies is.
