City Manager

Bangor is seeking an experienced, professional leader for its next City Manager. The City of Bangor is located on the Penobscot River thirty miles from the Maine coast and one hundred and thirty miles northeast of Portland and function’s as a service center for a large part of eastern, central and northern Maine. Bangor is the third largest city in Maine with a population of 31,597 within 34.6 square miles. It is proud of its “big city experience but with a quiet close community.” The City has an excellent school system, easy access to several local colleges and universities, a full-service convention center, a full-service casino and hotel, and an outdoor concert venue that seats 16,000 on the waterfront in the heart of Main Street. Bangor is accessible via I95 and international air at its city owned and operated Bangor International Airport. The City boasts varied recreational activities from white water rapids, canoeing, bird sighting, hiking, cross country skiing and ice climbing. It is located near the Appalachian Trail, Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine. It hosts summer events and concerts and for 54 years the annual Kenduskeag Canoe Race. Among its residents is a well know American author of horror, supernatural and fantasy - Stephen King. Bangor is an ideal location to live, work, play and raise a family.

Bangor’s municipal budget provides funding for a full range of services including police, fire, public works, finance, parks and recreation, health and community services, regional transit system, and international airport among other municipal services. The City’s operating budget appropriation for FY25 is $66.5 million and has approximately 500 full time employees and 75 part time employees. Many employees are represented by one of 14 Unions. The City has built up its reserves and established and maintained an Aa2 Moody’s bond rating.

The City functions under a City Charter with a City Council/City Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of nine members, three members annually elected at large to three-year terms. The Council members select one of its members to serve as Chair who presides over the twice monthly meetings of the Council.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

A demonstrated and dynamic leader who is forward thinking, fair-minded, transparent, thinks outside the box, plans for the long term and can help lead the community.

• An effective and experienced Administrator from an environment of similar complexity with proven organizational and professional skills and must possess extensive knowledge of and experience in local government management, understanding the demands of local government officials and staff and have a demonstrated record of effectively addressing today’s most pressing local government issues.

• An individual who has strong skills in finance and capital planning, human resources, employee relations and unions, planning and community/economic development.
• Candidates must keep the City Council apprised of issues of concern to the City, including those that may not rise to the level of Council’s discussion.
• The ability to work positively and effectively with staff and promote positive morale and team building in the organization and must be able to delegate to staff and hold staff accountable for the work to be performed while clearly articulating goals and providing tools and resources to achieve those goals. Ability to empower and enhance strong leadership in city Departments.
• Leadership skills should include strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and experience and passion for building strong relationships with City Council, community organizations, state and federal agencies, citizens, and staff.
• Candidates must possess extremely well-developed active listening and communication skills with the ability to give engaging public presentations as well as ensure that internal communications are effective and keep employees apprised of organizational initiatives.

• Experience working in a diverse environment and the ability to navigate complex matters across various stakeholders.
• A person of unquestionable ethics and integrity, committed to the standards for municipal management professionals specified by the International City Management Association (ICMA) and Maine Town and City Management Association (MTCMA).

• Willing to engage and become part of the fabric of the community. Residency in Bangor preferred but not mandatory.

Click here to view summary document of public and staff comments regarding the search.

The Council is seeking candidates with 7 years or more of progressively responsible experience in a public agency setting, preferably in roles such as a City Manager, Town Manager, Assistant City Manager, or Department Head/Director or similar related private business experience.

Applicants will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration or a closely related field with a Masters preferred. Salary range is $160,000 to $195,000 and will be determined based on experience and qualifications.

For further information about Bangor please go to www.bangormaine.gov

Submit cover letter, resume, salary requirements and five (5) references electronically by Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to:

Bangor City Manager Search

Eaton Peabody Consulting Group

Attn: Don Gerrish

150 Capitol Street, Suite 3

Augusta, Maine 04330

Email: dgerrish@eatonpeabody.com

Telephone: 207-622-9820

The City of Bangor is an equal opportunity employer.