What are the responsibilities and job description for the City Manager position at City of Wayzata?
City of Wayzata, MN (pop. 4,363). The City of Wayzata, a vibrant lakeside community just 11 miles west of Minneapolis, seeks a strategic, collaborative, and responsive leader to serve as its next City Manager. Situated along the northern shoreline of Lake Minnetonka and adjacent to two major regional multi-use trails, Wayzata offers an exceptional quality of life supported by robust amenities, strong civic engagement, and well-maintained public assets. The community is further distinguished by a thriving downtown business district, high-quality commercial and residential development, and established neighborhoods that contribute to its enduring appeal. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating complex municipal issues while effectively engaging with a highly involved and well-informed community.
The City of Wayzata is a home rule charter city operating under the council–manager form of government. The mayor and four-member city council appoint the city manager who serves as the chief administrative officer for the city and oversees all daily operations of Administrative Services, Community Development, Fire, Police, Public Works, Wine & Spirits, and the Bar & Grill; there are 176 staff total, a number that increases to approximately 200–210 with the addition of seasonal employees and staff at the Bar & Grill. This workforce is represented by three collective bargaining units.
The Administrative Services Department, led by the Deputy City Manager, includes Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and Motor Vehicle services. The Fire Department operates as a fully paid-on-call department with 27 members currently serving.
The city maintains a strong financial position with a proposed 2026 general fund budget of $9.18 million, all funds totaling $24.03 million. The city maintains "AAA" ratings by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”).
Candidate Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or related field; master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of public sector or non-profit administrative and managerial experience
- Minimum of 4 years as a city manager or administrator or as an assistant in a larger community
- Strong fiscal background including management of complex, multimillion-dollar budgets, long- term financial planning, and capital improvement budgets
- Exceptional communication skills
Desired Experience and Traits
- Experience in redevelopment, strategic planning and enterprise funds
- Strong financial acumen
- Forward-thinking with the ability to anticipate community needs and emerging trends.
- Adept at navigating a highly engaged community; responsive and accessible.
- Proven capacity to foster positive, collaborative relationships with the city council, staff and key stakeholders.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The 2025 salary range is $142,978 - $182,485, (salary range is under review - city is engaging in a class and comp study to be completed in 2026). The City of Wayzata provides a comprehensive benefits package including City contribution to a defined benefit plan (PERA), medical insurance, life insurance, sick and vacation accruals. Voluntary benefits include: long- and short-term disability, dental, vision, supplemental life and 457 and tuition reimbursement. Residency is not required.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted through the end of the day on January 4, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references. Confidential inquiries may be directed to either Pam Dmytrenko, Tel: (612) 747-7714 or Ellen Hiniker, Tel: (651) 338-0531, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiters. Interviews with the City of Wayzata are anticipated for mid-February 2026. The City of Wayzata, MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary : $142,978 - $182,485