CITY MANAGER

Overview

The City of Santa Fe invites applications for the position of CITY MANAGER. The new City Manager will report directly to newly elected Mayor Michael Garcia and will lead a team of approximately 1400 employees. The City of Santa Fe operates as a Strong Mayor city. The Mayor serves as the City's Chief Executive and also chairs a Governing Body, consisting of the Mayor and 8 City Councilors.

He will appoint the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk, subject to confirmation by Councilors. Under the City Charter, the City Manager appoints the other City department directors. Due to retirements and other departures, the new City Manager will have the unusual opportunity to appoint roughly half of the senior management team, which consists of the Police and Fire Chiefs and Directors of Public Works, Public Utilities, Finance, Community Development, ITT, Human Resources, Airport, Community Health & Safety, Land Use & Planning, Tourism & Convention Center, and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency.

Attached are description of City Manager duties and authorities under the City Municipal Code. The Mayor seeks a City Manager with experience in leading a high‑achieving service organization. Management experience in governmental organizations is required. Santa Fe is the capital city of New Mexico with a residential population of roughly 90,000, which swells on a daily basis thanks to a strong tourism and business economy.

Known for its rich culture, history, arts, museums, food and hospitality, Santa Fe was recently designated by Travel & Leisure Magazine as the #1 place to visit in the United States. Santa Fe is home to a proud multi‑generational population, as well as new new arriving citizenry. As such, a major focus of City leadership is to balance growth in ways that enhance both economic opportunity and housing affordability so that Santa Fe retains its cultural richness and its access for its historic population.

Interested candidates may submit a current resume and compelling cover letter to the City's Human Resources Department through the City's online job portal. The position will remain open until filled. The first screening of resumes will occur on or about January 2, 2026. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to interview for the position. Finalists may be asked to participate in public processes.

All applicants should be aware that candidate identities are subject to public disclosure.

The adopted job description for the City Manager position is attached for review.

Salary range for the position is $175,000 to $215,000. Placement within the range will be made depending on qualifications. The City also offers a very competitive package of benefits, including group medical and State PERA pension benefits.

The Mayor and Governing Body welcome candidates who wish to join a new Administration dedicated to a safe, healthy and prosperous community for all citizens.