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Deputy City Manager
City of Decatur, IL
Decatur, IL, USA
Posted on Mar 23, 2026
Job Summary
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The City of Decatur seeks a collaborative and forward-thinking public sector leader with broad knowledge of municipal operations and a strong commitment to public service. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded local government generalist who understands the complexities of municipal service delivery and can translate strategic priorities into effective operational outcomes.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational leadership and the ability to coordinate initiatives across departments while maintaining a clear focus on community needs and council priorities. They will be comfortable navigating complex policy issues, managing competing priorities, and supporting organizational improvements that enhance efficiency and accountability. Experience working closely with elected officials and senior leadership in a dynamic public environment will be important.
Equally important, the ideal candidate will be an effective communicator who builds strong relationships with elected officials, department leaders, staff, community stakeholders, and external partners. Sound judgment, political awareness, and a collaborative leadership style will help ensure success in guiding initiatives, supporting development projects, and strengthening organizational performance while maintaining transparency and public trust.
For additional details, please review our brochure Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership & Executive Support
- Serve as chief of staff and key advisor to the City Manager, helping translate strategic priorities and City Council directives into actionable policies, programs, and organizational initiatives.
- Provide leadership and coordination across departments to ensure effective implementation of citywide priorities.
- Serve as Acting City Manager in the absence of the City Manager, maintaining continuity of leadership and operational oversight.
- Coordinate and oversee municipal service delivery to ensure efficient, responsive, and high-quality operations across departments.
- Strengthen administrative systems, policies, and internal procedures that support effective government operations.
- Monitor organizational performance and recommend improvements based on performance data and operational outcomes.
- Support positive labor relations and collaborative working relationships throughout the organization.
- Assist with development of the City’s annual operating budget and capital improvement program.
- Support long-range planning and organizational initiatives that align resources with community priorities.
- Lead cross-departmental initiatives special projects that advance strategic objectives.
- Work with developers and stakeholders to guide development proposals through review and approval processes.
- Represent the City in interactions with community organizations, partner agencies, and the media as directed by the City Manager.
- Support transparent communication regarding city services, initiatives, and policy matters.
Qualifications and Preferred Skills
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The ideal candidate should have:
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
- Seven to ten years of experience as an Assistant City Manager, senior-level staff member in a public agency, or executive-level leader in a nonprofit or private sector organization or a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience planning, directing, and organizing municipal programs and staff.
- Strong knowledge of municipal government operations, state laws, and local ordinances governing public sector activities.
- Familiarity with public sector labor relations and workforce management practices.
- Experience in policy development, interpretation, and implementation within a governmental environment.
- Skills in budgeting, financial management, and preparation of reports and legislative materials.
- Ability to plan and supervise complex studies and projects while coordinating the work of cross-functional teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, community stakeholders, and the public.
More Details
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Benefits
The City offers a robust benefits package; including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; relocation and tuition reimbursement programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and 14.5 paid holidays, including two flex days. The City also provides access to a dedicated employee health center.
In addition, the City offers a defined benefit pension plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), which includes an optional Voluntary Additional Contribution program. A deferred compensation plan is also available.Why Decatur?
Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers an outstanding balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:
- Affordable Living: Ranked the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. (2025–2026) byU.S. News & World Report, with low cost of living and attainable housing
- Central Location: Within easy reach of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis for day trips and regional travel
- Outdoor Recreation: Lake Decatur for fishing, boating and kayaking, plus more than 2,000 acres of parks
- Arts & Entertainment: Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater concerts, Millikin University performances, historic Lincoln Theatre, and public art throughout the community
- Family Activities: Splash Cove waterpark, Overlook Adventure Park, and Scovill Zoo
- Job Opportunities: Major employers like ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital provide diverse career opportunities
ResidencyApplication Process
If you are a seasoned public sector leader ready to step into a high-impact executive role, we invite you to bring your strategic vision and operational expertise to the City of Decatur as our next Deputy City Manager. This is a unique opportunity to serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, lead cross-departmental initiatives, and help shape the policies, priorities, and performance of a full-service municipal organization. Apply now to join a collaborative leadership team committed to delivering exceptional services, advancing community priorities, and ensuring strong, responsive local government for our residents.
Submit your application today and bring your experience to a community-focused organization where your leadership will help shape the City’s long-term financial strength and success. Application deadline is April 19, 2026. When submitting the application online, attach a résumé, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.
Residency within the corporate limits of Macon County within 12 months of appointment is required.
Sponsorship for Employment
The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status(e.g.,H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.
All candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check post-offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.