City of St. Helena, City Manager

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

Filing Deadline: Nov. 22, 2026

About the City 

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena is a distinctive community where small-town character, agricultural heritage, world-renowned wine and a vibrant quality of life come together. Located approximately 65 miles north of San Francisco, St. Helena is home to about 5,200 residents and encompasses approximately five square miles. Incorporated in 1876, the city has evolved from a rural agricultural center into one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated destinations and an important hub for the region’s wine, culinary, hospitality and tourism industries.

St. Helena offers an exceptional blend of historic charm and contemporary vitality. The community is surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and some of the Napa Valley’s most renowned wineries, creating a setting that is both picturesque and economically dynamic.

The Position 

Reporting directly to the city council, the city manager serves as St. Helena’s chief executive and administrative officer, providing leadership and oversight of all city operations. The city manager is responsible for implementing council policy, leading and developing the city’s management team, overseeing financial and organizational performance and ensuring the effective delivery of public services. The position requires balancing strategic leadership with hands-on management in a small, complex and highly engaged community.

The Ideal Candidate

The city of St. Helena seeks an exceptional leader who combines strong executive capabilities with integrity, humility, sound judgment and a genuine commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will be thoughtful, curious, creative and willing to challenge established practices while respecting the experience and expertise of others. A confident and decisive leader will listen carefully, ask good questions, consider different perspectives and make difficult decisions when necessary. Above all, the city seeks someone who earns trust through honesty, transparency, accountability and consistent follow-through.

The next city manager will be an exceptional leader of people who values employees, builds strong teams, establishes clear expectations and creates a positive, collaborative and high-performing organizational culture. The successful candidate will bring both strategic vision and a willingness to engage in hands-on problem-solving. They will recognize opportunities for organizational improvement, embrace new ideas and approaches and have the judgment and determination to turn plans into meaningful results. Equally important will be the ability to work constructively with the city council, offer candid professional advice and provide steady leadership through complex and sometimes challenging circumstances.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for the incoming city manager is $275,000 – $350,000, negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. The city of St. Helena also provides an excellent benefits package.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please apply online.

For More Information

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080.