City Manager Jobs (No ghost jobs, direct from employers)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO | CALIFORNIA

CITY MANAGER - Lead with purpose. Honor a proud legacy. Shape San Fernando's future.

The City of San Fernando invites accomplished municipal executives to pursue an exceptional leadership opportunity in one of Southern California's most distinctive communities.

Known as the "First City of the Valley," San Fernando is an independent, close-knit municipality of approximately 23,500 residents, with a rich cultural heritage, strong civic identity, and a commitment to responsive local government.

The next City Manager will work closely with the City Council to advance San Fernando Vision 2031, a strategic plan focused on organizational leadership, workforce development, infrastructure modernization, financial sustainability, public safety, and community engagement.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City seeks an approachable, forward-thinking, and politically astute municipal executive who combines sound judgment and integrity with demonstrated accomplishments in:

• Building effective relationships with elected officials, employees, and the community.
• Strengthening organizational accountability, employee development, and service delivery.
• Advancing fiscal sustainability, infrastructure investment, and economic development.
• Leading collaborative initiatives and translating strategic priorities into measurable results.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field is required; a master's degree is preferred. Candidates should possess at least seven to ten years of municipal management and administrative experience, including five years at the department-head level or higher, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Prior City Manager or Assistant City Manager experience and bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish are highly desirable.

COMPENSATION

Annual salary: $277,568, with an employment agreement to be mutually negotiated based on qualifications. The City offers a comprehensive executive benefits package.

INTERIM CITY MANAGER - Experienced leadership. Immediate impact.

The City of San Fernando invites experienced municipal executives to serve as Interim City Manager while the City conducts its recruitment to fill the City Manager position. This short-term leadership opportunity is particularly well suited to retired City Managers and seasoned municipal executives in transition who are available to assume responsibility promptly.

Known as the "First City of the Valley," San Fernando is an independent, close-knit community with a rich cultural heritage, strong civic identity, and a commitment to responsive local government. The Interim City Manager will work with the City Council and department leadership to ensure continuity of operations and support progress on the City's San Fernando Vision 2031 priorities.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Successful experience as a City Manager, or comparable senior municipal executive leadership experience, preferably in California local government.
• Ability to build productive relationships with the City Council, staff, and community while exercising sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Strong municipal finance, budgeting, organizational management, and operational oversight capabilities.
• A steady, collaborative leadership style and the ability to quickly assess priorities, support department heads, and maintain organizational momentum.

APPOINTMENT & AVAILABILITY

The anticipated start date is late December 2026, or early January 2027. The assignment is temporary and will continue during the recruitment and transition to the new City Manager, subject to the terms of appointment.

CalPERS retired annuitants must be eligible for appointment under Government Code § 21221(h) and have sufficient hours remaining under the 960-hour fiscal-year limitation to fulfill the anticipated interim assignment. Candidates should identify their availability, the number of CalPERS retired-annuitant hours already worked during the current fiscal year, and any other anticipated CalPERS employment commitments.

COMPENSATION - $133.45 per hour - NO BENEFITS

The compensation is based on the City's published City Manager salary of $23,130.63 per month, converted to an hourly rate in accordance with applicable CalPERS requirements. The appointment is subject to Government Code § 21221(h), including retired-annuitant eligibility and work-hour limitations. No additional benefits, incentives, or compensation in lieu of benefits will be provided.

APPLICATION PERIOD | NOVEMBER 6-16, 2026

Submit a résumé and brief letter of interest outlining relevant executive experience and earliest availability in PDF format to Jobs@HRDPM.com no later than Monday, November 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

For additional information, contact:

Henry Garcia, Executive Recruiter | Henry@hrdpm.com

Rhonda Strout-Garcia, Executive Recruiter | Rhonda@hrdpm.com

HR Dynamics & Performance Management, Inc. | www.hrdpm.com

The City of San Fernando is an Equal Opportunity and ADA Employer.