THE OPPORTUNITY

Ideally situated in one of California’s premier wine regions and just minutes from the scenic Central Coast, the City of Paso Robles offers an exceptional setting to grow your career in public service. The City is currently seeking a dynamic, results-driven municipal leader to join its dedicated executive team as the next Assistant City Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to work in close partnership with the newly appointed City Manager and a highly engaged leadership team to help shape the future of a thriving, full-service city known for its innovation, quality of life, and steady growth.

ABOUT PASO ROBLES

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

CITY GOVERNMENT

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality operating with a total annual budget of $155.4 million for fiscal year 2025–26 and employs approximately 314 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

THE POSITION

The Assistant City Manager (ACM) position is part of the Executive Management class, which reports directly to the City Manager. The ACM works closely with and supports the City Manager, along with supporting department directors, City staff, elected officials and others in the interest of serving the residents of and visitors in Paso Robles.

The ACM oversees and directs all activities of the City Clerk’s Office, Economic Development, and Communications/Community Outreach, including accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives. The ACM will initially have four direct reports: the Economic Development Manager, City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk/Executive Assistant, and a Management Analyst. Some of the key job elements of the ACM include supporting the City Manager in executing key city initiatives and leading high-performing teams; developing and directing the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for assigned departments; preparing and administering the department’s and/or organizational budgets; participating extensively in cross-departmental projects and assisting other departments with financial and/or budgetary needs and issues; and conferring with and representing departments and the City in meetings with members of the City Council, boards and commissions, various governmental agencies, developers, contractors, business and industrial groups, and the public.

The next ACM will have a hands-on work approach and inclusive leadership style that encourages and harnesses the contributions of City staff. The most successful candidate will be an effective leader and relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills; have a strong drive toward professional development and engagement with professional organizations; have experience working in a rapidly growing community; proven expertise in municipal budgeting, including development, forecasting, and long-term financial planning; and experience in labor and employee relations, including successful collective bargaining and union negotiations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required education and experience is:

• Education: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in Public Administration or a related field. A graduate or advanced degree is highly desired.

• Experience: Five years of managerial or administrative experience at the department director level or higher in a public agency setting is required.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the Assistant City Manager is up to $210,790, with placement salary dependent on qualifications. In addition, an excellent benefit package is provided as outlined below. Key benefits include retirement provided by CalPers. Tier 1 classic members participate in a formula of 2.5% at 55, with the employee paying an 8% member contribution, plus a 2% cost sharing contribution for a total of 10%. Tier 2 classic members participate in a formula of 2% at 60, with the employee paying a 7% member contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution for a total of 10%. Employees who meet the definition of a new member pursuant to PEPRA, participate in a formula of 2% at 62, with employees paying one-half of the normal cost (currently 7.75%) contribution, plus a 3% cost sharing contribution, for a current total of 10.75%.

A moving allowance of up to $10,000, and home loan assistance of up to $60,000, may be negotiated with the successful candidate.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

For first consideration, interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé below as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100