Royal Oak City Manager Professional Recruitment
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Royal Oak, Michigan (pop. 58,211), is a dynamic and vibrant community that offers the amenities of a larger city while maintaining the character and accessibility of a close-knit town. Incorporated in 1921, the City spans 12 square miles and is known for strong neighborhoods, award-winning schools, and a thriving business, cultural, and entertainment environment.
Royal Oak operates under the council–manager form of government. The City Commission consists of six commissioners and a mayor elected at large on a nonpartisan ballot during odd-numbered years (most recently November 2025). The City Manager, appointed by the commission, serves as the City’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and executing all municipal operations. City staff includes approximately 360 full-time employees represented by nine labor units, and 150–200 part-time employees. Royal Oak’s total all-fund budget is approximately $275 million. The City maintains a stable financial position, including well-funded pension and OPEB obligations.
Royal Oak is committed to its council–manager form of government. While the City has experienced some recent leadership transitions, it benefits from strong professional staff and leadership, many with considerable experience in local government and their respective fields. They seek their next manager with the goal of establishing a stable, successful, and long-term partnership with the governing body, staff, and community.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership of municipal operations, with an emphasis on customer service, teamwork, and collaboration. The position is accountable for operations across all departments, promoting open communication and dialogue, fostering organizational alignment, and advancing collaborative engagement both internally and externally.
The City Manager must be able to work effectively with a highly engaged City Commission, listen thoughtfully to individual perspectives, support informed policy decisions, and reinforce appropriate roles to ensure effective governance and professional administration.
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field. Preferred qualifications include an MBA or MPA or a related Master’s degree and chief administrative officer experience in a local government, or experience in a local government of similar complexity and size to Royal Oak. ICMA membership and credentialed managers, or an equivalent professional certification, are highly preferred.
The target salary range is $186,459.79 to $212,484.58+ depending on qualifications and experience (DOQE) and includes a $10,000 annual supplement pay with excellent benefits. Relocation assistance may be provided for the selected candidate, subject to City Commission approval. Royal Oak is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by March 5, 2026. LINK TO RECRUITMENT BROCHURE. For questions, contact Jaymes Vettraino, jobs@vettrainoconsulting.com.
Royal Oak operates under the council–manager form of government. The City Commission consists of six commissioners and a mayor elected at large on a nonpartisan ballot during odd-numbered years (most recently November 2025). The City Manager, appointed by the commission, serves as the City’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and executing all municipal operations. City staff includes approximately 360 full-time employees represented by nine labor units, and 150–200 part-time employees. Royal Oak’s total all-fund budget is approximately $275 million. The City maintains a stable financial position, including well-funded pension and OPEB obligations.
Royal Oak is committed to its council–manager form of government. While the City has experienced some recent leadership transitions, it benefits from strong professional staff and leadership, many with considerable experience in local government and their respective fields. They seek their next manager with the goal of establishing a stable, successful, and long-term partnership with the governing body, staff, and community.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership of municipal operations, with an emphasis on customer service, teamwork, and collaboration. The position is accountable for operations across all departments, promoting open communication and dialogue, fostering organizational alignment, and advancing collaborative engagement both internally and externally.
The City Manager must be able to work effectively with a highly engaged City Commission, listen thoughtfully to individual perspectives, support informed policy decisions, and reinforce appropriate roles to ensure effective governance and professional administration.
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field. Preferred qualifications include an MBA or MPA or a related Master’s degree and chief administrative officer experience in a local government, or experience in a local government of similar complexity and size to Royal Oak. ICMA membership and credentialed managers, or an equivalent professional certification, are highly preferred.
The target salary range is $186,459.79 to $212,484.58+ depending on qualifications and experience (DOQE) and includes a $10,000 annual supplement pay with excellent benefits. Relocation assistance may be provided for the selected candidate, subject to City Commission approval. Royal Oak is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by March 5, 2026. LINK TO RECRUITMENT BROCHURE. For questions, contact Jaymes Vettraino, jobs@vettrainoconsulting.com.