Overview
The City of Hilliard is seeking a visionary, creative City Manager to lead a growing, dynamic community at a pivotal moment during its evolution. This is an opportunity to guide a city that is financially stable, highly innovative, and deeply committed to exceptional service, while overseeing major capital projects, economic growth initiatives, and strategic planning efforts. The next City Manager will have the chance to shape Hilliard’s long‑term trajectory, strengthening both the community and its governance, while building on a culture of collaboration, high‑performing staff, and innovative problem‑solving. This will be the City’s second City Manager after transitioning to Council‑Manager government in 2020.
The City Manager serves as the chief executive officer, appointed by and reporting directly to the seven‑member City Council. In this role, the Manager oversees all administrative functions across the City’s departments, including Public Safety, Community Development, Recreation & Parks, Finance, Human Resources, IT/CityLab, and Operations/Facilities. Key responsibilities include guiding strategic growth, managing complex land use and infrastructure projects, maintaining operational excellence, and navigating high‑profile legal and political matters. The Manager is expected to deliver results on economic development, asset management, zoning implementation, and community engagement, while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and innovation.
The City Manager is supported by a Senior Leadership Team, anchored by two Assistant City Managers—one overseeing Community Development and the other overseeing Public Service and Recreation and Parks. In addition to the two Assistant City Managers, the City Manager’s other direct reports include the Police Chief, Law Director (contract), and the Directors of Community Relations, Economic Development, Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology. This structure ensures strong internal collaboration and allows the Manager to leverage staff expertise to advance citywide priorities. The City has cultivated a strong healthy organizational and community culture and has focused this on strategic planning and internal organizational development.
The Manager also maintains close collaborative relationships with regional partners, including the School Superintendent, Norwich Township Trustees, and regional transit authorities, helping to shape policy and pursue initiatives that benefit both the City and the surrounding region. The City has had a strong track record in both innovation and cutting‑edge initiatives. Hilliard City Lab is an incubator which provides support for businesses and entrepreneurs with resources and grants to transform ideas into business growth.
The City Manager role in Hilliard is both highly visible and highly impactful, requiring a leader who can build consensus among Councilmembers, resolve complex issues around growth and development, long‑term economic and environmental sustainability, and drive innovative projects that improve the quality of life for residents and businesses alike in Hilliard.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of local government experience with demonstrated leadership as a manager, assistant manager, or department director.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, ICMA‑CM, and demonstrated success in economic development, building strong intergovernmental partnerships, technology improvements, and strategic planning and implementation. Experience working in the council‑manager form of government is also preferred. Residency after appointment is preferred but not required.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range for the City Manager is $210,000 – $275,000, depending on qualifications. The City of Hilliard offers a competitive benefits package that includes participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), twelve (12) paid holidays, two (2) personal days, and tuition reimbursement. Additional benefits include generous vacation and sick leave accruals, health and dental insurance, and access to professional development opportunities. Reasonable relocation expenses, if applicable, will be included.
Hiring Process
Virtual interviews will be conducted in the coming months to screen initial candidates. Once newly elected City Council members take office in January, Council will start interviewing candidates.
Finalists will also participate in a public reception in February, offering residents an opportunity to engage with potential candidates before a final decision is made. Details about the reception will be shared as the date approaches.
The new City Manager is expected to begin by spring 2026.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can view the job posting and apply here.
175 South Third Street, Suite 510
Columbus, Ohio 43215
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