Why Rolla?

Rolla is a community that offers more than just a place to work — it offers a place to lead, connect, and make a lasting impact. Located in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Rolla blends the spirit of a close-knit community with the energy and opportunities of a growing regional center. With a population of approximately 20,000 residents across 13.3 square miles, Rolla maintains a strong sense of community while supporting vibrant economic and educational institutions.

The city is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology, a nationally recognized leader in engineering, research and innovation, and Phelps Health, a major regional healthcare provider. These anchor institutions, along with a diverse range of local businesses and civic organizations, provide Rolla with a stable economic foundation and a forward-looking spirit.

The City of Rolla operates with an annual general fund budget of approximately $16.6 million and employs 185 full-time staff members who are committed to delivering high-quality services and fostering a positive organizational culture.

Rolla’s parks, trails, and recreational opportunities, along with its historic downtown, active volunteer community, and affordable cost of living, create a strong quality of life for residents and newcomers alike. It’s a community where people show up for each other, where civic pride runs deep, and where leadership is genuinely valued.

For the next City Administrator, Rolla offers a supportive environment, a capable and dedicated team, and the opportunity to help guide a growing community that values leadership, partnership, and progress.

What We’re Looking For:

The ideal candidate is a consensus-builder and listener who thrives on fostering strong relationships across City Hall and within the broader community. We are looking for someone who is:

• Supportive and Approachable: You encourage collaboration across departments and are accessible to both staff and citizens.

• Experienced in Municipal Management: You bring solid knowledge of city operations, municipal finance and budget, infrastructure planning, and economic development.

• Strategic and Forward-Thinking: You have the ability to navigate and plan for community and organization growth, particularly in housing, staffing and succession planning, and infrastructure development.

• Community-Engaged: You enjoy building strong partnerships across City Hall and the community, and staying visible and engaged with residents, civic leaders, and the business community.

• Resilient and Steady: You can handle political diversity with diplomacy, maintaining unity and focus even when navigating different viewpoints.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the city's day-to-day operations across all departments, ensuring efficient, effective, and customer-focused service delivery.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the City Council, staff, and community, facilitating clear and transparent communication.

• Oversee budgeting and financial planning process to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Guide staffing and succession planning efforts to strengthen the city’s organizational capacity.

• Drive strategic infrastructure projects, including the development of public safety facilities and fire stations.

• Foster strong relationships with key partners including Missouri S&T, Phelps Health, Ft. Leonard Wood and the broader business community.

• Address economic development opportunities with a focus on thoughtful growth and financial responsibility.

• Represent the City of Rolla in interactions with other governmental agencies and the public.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal management; experience in a senior executive role preferred.

• ICMA Credentialed Manager designation is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in municipal operations and finance, infrastructure planning, and community relations.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and consensus-building skills.

Position Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Missouri driver’s license.

• Residency within the Rolla city limits will be required within six months of appointment.

Compensation:

The City is offering a hiring salary range of $145,000 – $185,000 for this position, depending on experience and qualifications.  The City of Rolla participates in the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) and offers additional health, dental, and vision benefits.

If you are ready to lead a welcoming, resilient, and forward-focused community, we encourage you to apply for the opportunity to be Rolla’s next City Administrator.

The City of Rolla, Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants selected as finalists will be subject to a comprehensive background check.