City Manager - St. Johns

City of St. Johns, Michigan

Located just north of Michigan’s Capital City, the City of St. Johns (population 7,865) is actively pursuing the ideal candidate to serve as their next City Manager. The “Mint City” serves as the county seat for Clinton County. In fact, city hall operations are housed in the county courthouse.

The Mayor, City Commission and the leadership team are interested in candidates who will bring a sense of calmness, an ability to foster regional relationships and an authentic spirit in seeking innovation over the status quo.

Over the next couple of years, the community will face some challenges and opportunities. With the support of the City Commission, our new leader will facilitate community discussions on the most cost effective way to provide utilities across the region and provide a reliable, yet affordable, community ambulance service.

Our City Manager will need to work in tandem with the entire community with the evolving Wilson Center Auditorium.

St. Johns will welcome a city manager who listens first, acts with diplomacy and rallies the community on several key issues.

$135,000 - $145,000

To join the City of St. Johns team, please submit a cover letter, resume and five professional references by Tuesday, March 17, 2026 to Frank L. Walsh, Walsh Municipal Services, LLC. Applications will be received at

The City of St. Johns is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer.

While the ideal candidate will bring experience as a municipal leader, the City Commission is open to meeting with candidates who may not have the relevant experience. A degree in public administration is preferred, but a degree in a related field meets the city’s requirements.

The City Commission seeks candidates who will provide excellent customer service, welcome and respect feedback from the City Commission and staff and offer creative solutions to complex issues. The City Manager will accept, respect, and follow the direction provided by the City Commission.

A year from now, as the city looks back on 2026, our goal is to have a City Manager who is woven into the community, has developed strong relationships with the community, City Commission and staff and fully embraces the opportunity to be a difference maker at a pivotal point in St. Johns’ history.