City Manager

Job Description

Located at the crossroads of Interstate 80 and Highway 49, Auburn is the County Seat of Placer County. Auburn’s unique charm shines through its dual commercial hubs Old Town, a National Register Historic District rooted in the Gold Rush, features preserved brick buildings, the landmark Placer County Courthouse, shops, restaurants, and galleries; and the vibrant Downtown, a tree-lined, walkable district packed with modern boutiques, local galleries, and popular farm-to-table eateries.

Auburn is a full-service city operating under a Council-Manager form of government, providing a comprehensive range of municipal services through its Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development, Planning and Building, Finance, and Human Resources departments. These services are delivered by a dedicated workforce of approximately 80 full-time employees and supported by an annual operating budget of 33.6 million. Encompassing 7.5 square miles, Auburn is home to approximately 14,000 residents and serves as the commercial, cultural, and governmental hub for a broader urban area of more than 30,000 people. Rich in Gold Rush history while focused on the future, Auburn continues to experience steady growth and investment, with expanding opportunities for economic development, housing, and community enhancement.

The City of Auburn is seeking an exceptional, visionary leader to serve as its next City Manager. This is a unique opportunity to lead one of California's most welcoming and historic communities known for its exceptional quality of life, engaged residents, strong sense of community, and commitment to thoughtful, sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, decisive, and collaborative leader with a strong understanding of municipal planning, finance, budgeting, labor relations, and day-to-day local government operations. The successful candidate will bring experience navigating the complexities of local governance, including annexations, sphere of influence updates, economic development initiatives, and long-range community planning. A strong financial background is preferred, with the ability to understand complex fiscal issues, make sound resource allocation decisions, and support the City’s long-term financial sustainability.

The salary for the incoming City Manager is anticipated to be $240,000. The City of Auburn also provides an excellent benefits package. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: September 13, 2026