City Manager

City of Tacoma, Washington

Salary: $309,566 - $376,500 DOQ

Tacoma, Washington, is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia, and is home to the Port of Tacoma, one of the largest container ports in the United States. With a population of approximately 222,000 residents, Tacoma is the third largest municipality in the state. Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to many institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the globe. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of The Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of theatres, the Washington State History Museum, the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum. The city has been recognized numerous times as one of the nation’s most livable cities.

The City of Tacoma operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of a mayor, five district representatives, and three at-large representatives all elected to serve staggered four-year terms. Appointed by the City Council, the City Manager administers the City's day-to-day operations. Tacoma Public Utilities operates under direction of the City Council appointed Public Utility Board with the Director of Utilities, a peer to the City Manager. City departments include but are not limited to Community and Economic Development, Environmental Services, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Fire, Hearing Examiner, Neighborhood and Community Services, Planning and Development Services, Police, Public Works, Venues and Events, and Tacoma Public Utilities. Tacoma currently has approximately 4,000 FTEs and a total 2025-2026 biennial budget of $4.7 billion.

The City Manager (CM) is the City’s Chief Executive Officer. The CM is responsible for directing the operations of departments within General Government, including administrative departments that supply services to TPU (Finance, Purchasing, IT, Legal and Human Resources). The CM assists with development and ensures compliance with policies established by the City Council within limits of the City Charter and State and federal laws. This position reports to the Mayor and eight City Council Members, and is the sole employee of the Tacoma City Council. The CM is responsible for carrying out the policy and strategic direction of the City Council through leadership and management of City staff, line and operating departments and functions, including some that provide services to Tacoma Public Utilities.

A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, or a directly related field, and at least twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible experience directly related to the planning, coordination, and/or management of a public-sector organization is required. Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis. Successful candidates will demonstrate experience in municipal operations, management theory and practice, community and public relations, and budget preparation and administration.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents; deferred compensation (IRS Section 457); personal time off; long-term disability insurance; Flexible Spending Account (FSA); life insurance; membership in the Tacoma Employees’ Retirement System (TERS); 13 paid holidays per year, including two floating holidays. Relocation assistance may also be available for a successful out-of-area candidate.

For a complete position profile, job description and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Tacoma has made a commitment to equity and diversity in its workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by December 19, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)