THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Sedona offers an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished municipal attorney to serve one of Arizona’s most distinctive and recognizable communities. This is far more than a traditional legal counsel role – it is an opportunity to help shape the future of a city known for its extraordinary natural beauty, engaged residents, and thoughtful approach to growth, sustainability, and quality of life. Working closely with the City Council, City Manager, executive leadership team, and community stakeholders, the next City Attorney will play a pivotal role in advancing the City’s strategic priorities while preserving the qualities that make Sedona a truly special place to live, work, and visit.
THE CITY OF SEDONA
The City of Sedona is located approximately one and a half hours north of Phoenix in Yavapai and Coconino Counties. Because of its stunning natural surroundings, this small community of roughly 9,800 residents is one of Arizona’s premier centers for international tourism, recreation, retirement, luxury resorts, and the arts.
Situated in the high southwestern desert under the rim of the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 4,500 feet, Sedona is blessed with four mild seasons, plenty of sunshine, and clean air. Because of Sedona’s pleasant climate, sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking, golf, tennis, horseback riding, and jeep touring are year-round activities. The City of Sedona’s main attraction is its array of red sandstone formations, which glow brilliant shades of orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun and provide a stunning contrast with the occasional winter snowfall. The red rocks form a popular backdrop for many activities, ranging from spiritual pursuits to hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails.
THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The City Attorney’s Office provides sound legal advice and support to City officials, working collaboratively to implement policies set by the City Council, and diligently advocating the City’s interests. The City Attorney’s Office advises the City Council, appointed commissions, and City staff in the conduct of City business and the preparation of legal documents and represents the City‘s interest in civil litigation and administrative proceedings. With a budget of $1 million, the City Attorney’s Office provides its services through a staff of four positions comprised of the City Attorney and three positions that report directly to the City Attorney: the City Prosecutor, an Assistant City Attorney, and a Legal Assistant.
THE POSITION
The City Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the City of Sedona, providing trusted counsel to the City Council while partnering closely with the City Manager, executive leadership team, and departments across the organization. As a key member of the City’s leadership team, the City Attorney helps shape policy, manage organizational risk, and support sound decision-making that advances the City’s strategic priorities while preserving Sedona’s unique character and exceptional quality of life.
This is a highly visible, hands-on executive leadership position responsible for the full spectrum of legal services for the City. The City Attorney oversees the Legal Department, directs the work of outside counsel and fosters a culture of transparency, ethical governance, and responsive customer service. Key areas of responsibility include leading and managing the City's legal function, including supervising the City Prosecutor, the Assistant City Attorney, support staff, and outside legal counsel; advising the City Council, City Manager, boards, commissions, and City departments on complex legal issues, governance, and emerging risks; preparing and administering the Legal Department budget while fostering a collaborative, responsive, and service-oriented legal team; representing the City in legal and appellate proceedings, and overseeing litigation strategy, insurance claims, and the work of outside counsel; and reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts, development agreements, ordinances, resolutions, and other legally binding documents.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum requirements for the City Attorney for the City of Sedona:
Education: Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctor, or equivalent degree and current membership in the State Bar of Arizona.
Experience: Prior experience as a city attorney, assistant city attorney, or as an attorney for a political subdivision.
License: Member of the State Bar of Arizona and authorized to practice before all Arizona state and federal courts.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The Sedona City Council will negotiate a highly competitive salary and executive benefits package with the selected candidate that is considerate of the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The salary range for the position is $180,000 to $220,000, depending on qualifications. The City offers an outstanding benefits package including retirement provided by the Arizona State Retirement System. Employee contribution is set by the state at 12.00% and is matched by the City with an additional 12.00%. Optional 457(b) plans are available for voluntary contributions.
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
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply below by Monday, August 3, 2026,
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
This recruitment has closed and is no longer accepting applications.
