City of Pasadena, City Manager

The city of Pasadena is looking for a city manager. For more information, please review the job brochure.

Filing Deadline: The first review date of consideration will be Oct. 16. The position will remain open until filled.

About the City 

Pasadena’s history reflects cultural diversity and reinvention. Nestled in the west foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains just 15 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the city is home to more than 140,000 residents in a community that is both ethnically and economically diverse.

The community reflects that diversity directly: 34.9% Latino, 34.6% White, 18.1% Asian, 8.3% African American, 3.7% other and 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native.

The city’s economy draws strength from its educational and entrepreneurial character. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Art Center College of Design, and Pasadena City College anchor a growing innovation ecosystem spanning the biomedical and life sciences, arts, culture and design, an economic base with real room to diversify beyond traditional office and retail models. Historic homes and landmarks line Pasadena’s streets, giving the community a strong sense of heritage even as it looks toward the future. The Metro L Line’s six Pasadena stations connect residents easily to the San Gabriel Valley, downtown Los Angeles and destinations across the region.

Pasadena is internationally known for the Rose Bowl, the Tournament of Roses Parade, and the Rose Bowl Game. Its cultural landscape includes the Pasadena Playhouse (the State Theater of California), the Pasadena Convention Center and Civic Auditorium, the Norton Simon Museum, the USC Pacific Asia Museum, and the Gamble House, along with open-space assets such as Brookside Park, Eaton Canyon Nature Center and three community centers.

The community’s resilience was on full display during the region’s recovery from the Eaton Fire, a reminder of both the risks Pasadena must plan for and the strength of the community that will rally behind the right leader. Pasadena has extraordinary potential to help shape the future of urban communities in America, and it is seeking a city manager who can help it realize that potential.

The Position 

The city manager will oversee a General Fund budget of $365 million and a total budget of approximately $1.5 billion, including $446 million for capital improvement projects and $110 million in appropriations for the city’s three operating companies — the Rose Bowl Operating Company, the Pasadena Center Operating Company and the Pasadena Community Access Corporation. As the city’s chief administrative officer, the city manager will lead 15 departments and approximately 2,200 staff, partnering with and supporting the city council on policy development while directing the dayto-day administration of a complex organization.

The ideal candidate (a leader who) brings a strong understanding of local, state and federal regulatory requirements; a track record of managing complex, multi-function public-sector organizations; and the fiscal and political acumen to lead calmly, fairly and equitably. With roughly 70% of the General Fund tied to personnel costs and revenue pressures shifting with tourism and the broader commercial landscape, the next city manager must develop creative, sustainable solutions rather than manage the budget on the margins.

Just as important, the selected candidate will become part of the Pasadena community — someone who champions what makes Pasadena remarkable, listens to and engages staff and constituents alike and becomes woven into the city’s business, civic and neighborhood life. They will have strong communication skills and exemplary conflict-resolution skills and know how to leverage everything Pasadena has to offer: great people, a high performing leadership team, a thriving civic culture, natural beauty, cherished annual traditions and a rich base of historic infrastructure.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $380,000–$425,000 DOE/DOQ. In addition to salary, the city of Pasadena offers a competitive benefits package.

How to Apply

The nationwide search for the city manager is being conducted by The Byers Group. To be considered, candidates should electronically submit a resume and letter of interest to Pasadena.CM@byersgroupca.com. The letter should describe the candidate’s interest in the role, relevant accomplishments, and the leadership attributes the candidate would bring to the city of Pasadena. The first review date of consideration will be Oct. 16. The position will remain open until filled.

For More Information

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Brett Byers at brett@byersgroupca.com or 323-403-8279 or to Ms. Christine Boulware at  christine@byersgroupca.com or 312-391-6098.