Deputy City Manager

Summary

Deputy City Manager

The City of Ridgefield is seeking a Deputy City Manager for this fast-growing community located 14 miles north of Portland and 10 miles north of Vancouver, Washington. Ridgefield's location provides convenient access to the Portland metropolitan area, Portland International Airport, and major employment centers throughout southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, making Ridgefield an increasingly popular place to live for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within easy reach of urban amenities.

The City of Ridgefield is a full-service city serving a population of 16,820 across 7 square miles in Clark County. The City operates with a 2026 annual budget of $81 million and a team of approximately 90 employees across five departments: Administration, Community Development, Finance, Police, and Public Works. The City operates under the council-manager form of government, with a seven-member City Council elected at large. City Manager Steve Stuart has served in the position since 2014.

Reporting to the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager serves as the primary assistant to the City Manager in the administration and direction of City operations and activities. The Deputy City Manager manages the Administration Department, including the City Clerk's Office, human resources and payroll, labor relations, information technology coordination, records management, event planning, and community outreach and engagement. Responsibilities also include strategic planning, budgeting, organizational development, and serving as acting City Manager as required. Direct reports include the City Clerk, Human Resources Manager, Community Events Lead, and Public Relations & Events Coordinator.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative staff in one of Washington's fastest-growing cities. The current Deputy City Manager is retiring after a long career in local government. The Deputy City Manager oversees the administration team, including human resources, IT support, City Clerk functions, and external communications. Ridgefield is ideally situated near the Portland - Vancouver metropolitan area and is home to the 5,200-acre Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The next Deputy City Manager will benefit from dedicated staff and a supportive, collaborative executive team.

Job Description

Deputy City Manager

The City of Ridgefield is seeking a Deputy City Manager for this fast-growing community located 14 miles north of Portland and 10 miles north of Vancouver, Washington. Ridgefield's location provides convenient access to the Portland metropolitan area, Portland International Airport, and major employment centers throughout southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, making Ridgefield an increasingly popular place to live for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within easy reach of urban amenities.

The City of Ridgefield is a full-service city serving a population of 16,820 across 7 square miles in Clark County. The City operates with a 2026 annual budget of $81 million and a team of approximately 90 employees across five departments: Administration, Community Development, Finance, Police, and Public Works. The City operates under the council-manager form of government, with a seven-member City Council elected at large. City Manager Steve Stuart has served in the position since 2014.

Reporting to the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager serves as the primary assistant to the City Manager in the administration and direction of City operations and activities. The Deputy City Manager manages the Administration Department, including the City Clerk's Office, human resources and payroll, labor relations, information technology coordination, records management, event planning, and community outreach and engagement. Responsibilities also include strategic planning, budgeting, organizational development, and serving as acting City Manager as required. Direct reports include the City Clerk, Human Resources Manager, Community Events Lead, and Public Relations & Events Coordinator.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative staff in one of Washington's fastest-growing cities. The current Deputy City Manager is retiring after a long career in local government. The Deputy City Manager oversees the administration team, including human resources, IT support, City Clerk functions, and external communications. Ridgefield is ideally situated near the Portland - Vancouver metropolitan area and is home to the 5,200-acre Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The next Deputy City Manager will benefit from dedicated staff and a supportive, collaborative executive team.