City Manager

OMNI is honored to be retained by the City of Nevada Missouri in the recruitment of their next City Manager. This is an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative and relationship-driven leader who values community engagement inspires trust and is committed to advancing organizational excellence while preserving the character of a thriving small-town community.

About the Community

The City of Nevada Missouri established in 1855 with a rich history rooted in resilience was rebuilt after the Civil War and grew into a regional center through the arrival of the Katy and Missouri Pacific railroads. Today Nevada is a vibrant community that blends the values of small-town living with a commitment to growth innovation and regional leadership. Located in Vernon County along Interstate 49 in southwest Missouri Nevada serves as the county seat and regional hub for commerce healthcare education and industry. Positioned approximately 90 miles south of Kansas City 95 miles northwest of Springfield and 45 miles north of Joplin Nevada offers convenient access to metropolitan amenities while maintaining the affordability accessibility and close-knit culture that make it a desirable place to live and work.

In 1979 the City of Nevada adopted a home-rule charter form of government with a Council/Manager and five elected officials serving the community at large and for three-year terms. The Council chooses one member to serve as Mayor; the mayor chairs the council meetings and acts as public spokesperson.

Now home to approximately 8200 residents the community serves a broader regional population throughout western Missouri and the Four-State area. Residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life characterized by affordable housing low crime rates access to healthcare with the Nevada Regional Medical Center abundant recreational opportunities short commute times and a strong sense of community. Families are attracted to Nevadas strong schools active civic organizations local events and opportunities for engagement. Outdoor recreation is a way of life with convenient access to golf fishing boating and area lakes all contributing to a lifestyle that combines small-town comfort with ample opportunities for leisure and adventure. The Citys welcoming culture fosters meaningful relationships among residents businesses nonprofit organizations and public institutions creating a community that values collaboration and civic involvement.

The historic downtown square remains the heart of the community and reflects Nevadas commitment to preservation and reinvestment. Through the leadership of the Nevada Main Street Alliance community stakeholders are actively working to revitalize downtown support local businesses preserve historic buildings and create vibrant gathering spaces that strengthen economic activity and community pride. These efforts complement the work of the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce and other community partners dedicated to advancing economic development and enhancing quality of life throughout the region.

With its strategic location strong community partnerships rich history and vision for the future Nevada is well-positioned for continued success. The City offers an exceptional opportunity for a City Manager who values servant leadership community engagement organizational excellence and strategic planning to help guide Nevada through its next chapter of growth and prosperity.

Position Summary

As the Citys chief administrative officer the City Manager will lead municipal operations implement City Council priorities oversee organizational performance and ensure the delivery of high-quality public services. As the primary advisor to the Mayor and City Council the City Manager will play a visible role throughout the organization and community. This individual will have the opportunity to support economic development advance strategic initiatives strengthen community partnerships and help position Nevada for continued success while preserving the character and values that make it a great place to live work and visit.

The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in municipal administration financial management strategic planning and organizational leadership. Nevada seeks a leader who communicates effectively provides sound advice to elected officials and can successfully balance day-to-day operations with long-term community goals. The ideal candidate will be politically astute solutions-oriented and committed to fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The City of Nevada currently employs 92 employees across City Clerk Police Fire Parks & Recreation Finance Community Development Public Works Wastewater Water and administrative including Assistant City Manager Facilities Maintenance Human Resources and Planning & Zoning. The City has a FY26 budget of $40M which includes $28M in expenditure for Water & Sewer upgrades. Additional community services include Aquatics Center Municipal Airport Animal Shelter and Municipal Golf Course.

• Serve as the Citys chief administrative officer providing leadership and direction for all City operations departments and personnel.
• Advise and support the Mayor and City Council through objective analysis policy recommendations strategic guidance and regular communication ensuring transparency and accuracy.
• Implement City Council priorities and ensure City policies ordinances and applicable laws are administered effectively and consistently.
• Prepare present administer and monitor the Citys annual operating budget and capital improvement program in collaboration with budget team ensuring fiscal responsibility transparency and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead strategic planning efforts establish operational priorities and align resources with community needs and Council objectives.
• Evaluate City goals and objectives annually to ensure progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Recruit develop mentor and evaluate department directors and staff while fostering a culture of accountability collaboration customer service and continuous improvement.
• Represent the City in public meetings community events media engagements and interactions with local regional state and federal partners advocating for Nevadas priorities and funding opportunities.
• Facilitate the distribution of the community newsletter.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents businesses community organizations surrounding municipalities governmental agencies and other stakeholders.
• Support economic development initiatives infrastructure planning community development projects and strategic growth opportunities.
• Provide oversight of City services and departmental performance ensuring efficient operations regulatory compliance and high-quality service delivery.
• Conducts monthly one-on-one meetings with departmental directors to review progress and provide guidance.
• Facilitates bi-monthly staff meetings to ensure open communication alignment and accountability.
• Promote transparent communication and community engagement while maintaining visibility and accessibility throughout the organization and community.
• Identify emerging challenges and opportunities recommend innovative solutions and lead initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and community well-being.

• Bachelors degree in public administration business management/administration or related field is required.
• Masters degree in public administration or related field is strongly preferred.
• 8 years of progressively responsible municipal government or related public sector leadership experience.
• 5 years of executive or senior management experience with responsibility for organizational leadership budgeting personnel management and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting financial management capital planning and resource allocation.
• Experience advising elected officials and successfully navigating complex political and community issues with professionalism and integrity.
• Strong leadership team-building and organizational development skills with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal written verbal and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively with elected officials staff residents businesses community organizations and governmental agencies.
• Knowledge of economic development infrastructure planning community development and intergovernmental relations.
• Strong strategic thinking problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• High ethical standards sound judgment and a commitment to transparency accountability and exceptional public service.
• Residency within the city limits of Nevada is required.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $94 commensurate with qualifications and experience. A generous benefits program including health dental life insurance paid vacation and sick leave are provided and fringe benefit package. The city participates in the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (MOLAGERS).

First application review will be September 25 2026.

We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity.

Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal including cover letter & resume.

Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Stacey Cowan Senior Search Consultant Practice Leader Local Government

913.653.8085

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.