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Helena, MT City Manager Career Opportunity

 

Salary Range: $175,000 – $205,000 DOE
Application Review Begins: November 5, 2025 – Open Until Filled

 

The City of Helena, Montana’s capital city (population ≈ 33,000), is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and community-minded City Manager to lead an organization dedicated to exceptional public service and sustainable growth. This is a full-time executive position reporting directly to the City Commission.

 

About Helena

Nestled at the base of the Continental Divide, Helena blends historic character with a dynamic economy and an active outdoor lifestyle. Strong K-12 schools, nearby colleges, vibrant neighborhoods, and more than 150 miles of hiking and biking trails make it one of Montana’s most livable communities.

 

The Opportunity

The City Manager provides leadership to eleven departments and approximately 380 full-time employees, managing the City’s FY 2026 budget of $113.25 million. The next manager will guide implementation of Helena’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing efficient service delivery, transparent government, sound fiscal management, and community engagement. Key focus areas include sustainable development, infrastructure investment, and workforce excellence.

 

The Successful Candidate will:

  • Be an approachable, visionary leader who values collaboration and accountability.
  • Possess experience in public-sector management, budgeting, and long-term capital planning.
  • Demonstrate skills in economic and community development, labor relations, and intergovernmental partnerships.
  • Excel at communicating with elected officials, employees, and residents in a transparent and inclusive manner.
  • Thrive in an environment that values innovation, problem-solving, and civic participation.

 

Qualifications

The city will consider any combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, business, finance, or a related field (master’s preferred).
  • Seven years of progressively responsible local-government management experience.
  • ICMA-CM credential preferred.
  • Must be bondable and able to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within six months of employment.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Helena offers an entry salary range of $175,000 – $205,000 DOQ with opportunities for increases plus an excellent benefits package including:

  • Generous paid leave and health insurance coverage.
  • Retirement contributions: 9% employer to the Montana Public Employees’ Retirement System and 8% employer contribution to deferred compensation.
  • Life insurance and car allowance.
  • A supportive, collaborative work culture emphasizing stability and professional growth.

 

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, resumé, and three professional references to the following link:

 

[Helena City Manager Application Portal] (or copy and paste this URL into your browser): https://wkf.ms/3VOYzqG

 

or Mail: P.O. Box 1251, Helena, MT 59624

 

For full details and the recruitment brochure, visit:

 

https://cmsmontana.com/PDFs/Helena%20City%20Manager.pdf 

 

Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must include DD-214 documentation. Application review begins November 5, 2025, and continues until the city fills the position.

 

The City of Helena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political beliefs, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or vaccination status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.