City Manager

Job Description

The history of Willows is deeply rooted in the land, agriculture, and pioneering spirit of the Sacramento Valley. Incorporated in 1886, the City of Willows is the heart of Glenn County, offering small-town charm, agricultural prosperity, and a strong sense of community pride. Located approximately halfway between Sacramento and Redding in Northern California’s Sacramento Valley, Willows is surrounded by productive farmland, with the mountains to the west and the Sacramento River watershed to the east. Willows serves as a regional hub for government and public services, hosting several major offices, including Glenn County Administration, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Princeton-Codora-Glenn Irrigation District. Combining deep agricultural roots, historic character, and regional importance, Willows offers a distinctive blend of rural living, civic pride, and Northern California heritage.

The City Manager serves at the pleasure of Willows City Council and serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City. The City of Willows is seeking a strategic, hands-on, and approachable City Manager who understands the unique opportunities and challenges of a small, agriculturally based community. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader with strong business and political acumen, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to build productive relationships with the City Council, staff, community members, and regional partners. Experience pursuing and securing grants and developing partnerships to leverage resources will be highly valued. The ideal candidate will balance big-picture strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and work alongside staff to move initiatives forward. A practical, resourceful problem-solver who appreciates Willows’ agricultural heritage and small-town character, the next City Manager will build consensus, navigate competing priorities, and translate the City Council’s vision into meaningful results for the community.

Exciting Opportunity! The City of Willows is entering a new chapter in public safety as it is preparing to reestablish its own Police Department. The incoming City Manager will play a pivotal leadership role in this significant undertaking, working closely with the City Council and community to develop a strategic plan, establish the necessary organizational structure, and ensure the successful implementation of the new department. This is a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking, hands-on leader to help shape the future of public safety in Willows while strengthening community trust and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Although the prior City Manager’s salary was $172, 590, a compensation study is underway, with the City Manager’s annual salary anticipated to reflect current market conditions. The City also provides a generous 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: December 13, 2026