Are you a hands-on, action-oriented municipal manager with experience in a tourist destination or small coastal town? Are you collaborative, transparent, and financially astute? If so, and you are looking for an opportunity to help a community expand economic development opportunities without losing its unique character, you should apply today!

The City of Morro Bay is a vibrant, welcoming coastal community with a deep connection to its natural surroundings. Located on California’s picturesque Central Coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City boasts a close-knit community of approximately 10,500 and receives 800,000 visitors annually from all over the world. The location is ideal for individuals who are drawn to natural beauty, a slow pace, quaint atmosphere, and temperate-climate.

The City Council is seeking a City Manager with a record of success in complex and fast paced organizations, documented success managing projects to completion, and a tactical and strategic long-term vision. The ideal candidate will have broad municipal leadership experience that includes economic development and/or community development and capital improvement projects.

Requires the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in public admin, political science, business management, or a related field and 5 years’ experience in municipal government as an Assistant / Deputy City Manager, City Manager, or department head of comparable complexity. Experience in a California public agency is highly desirable and a Master’s degree is desirable.

The annual salary for this at-will position is up to $265,000 depending on qualifications and experience. The City offers an outstanding benefits package that includes fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee with significant contributions towards family premiums, and a generous paid leave program. Relocation assistance is negotiable.​

Filing deadline: September 21, 2025
Resumes are acknowledged within 2 business days.

By submitting an application and clicking “submit application” for this position, I agree to the terms of conditions here of the recruitment process facilitated by Peckham & McKenney Executive Search.