City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer

The City of Westlake, Florida is seeking a visionary and results driven City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer to lead and manage a rapidly growing community.The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with experience leading a Florida local government. He/she must be adept at managing outsourced services and demonstrates a history of securing state and Federal grants and appropriations.Since its inception in 2016 Westlake has contracted all services with private entities and other governmental service providers. The City Manager position is structured as an independent contractor reporting directly to the City Council. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a city that values innovation, fiscal responsibility, outstanding citizen services and streamlined governance.Position OverviewThe City of Westlake, Florida, is seeking a highly skilled and visionary City Manager/Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead and manage a dynamic, growing community. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of securing significant state appropriations and grants, strong financial leadership skills, and the ability to build and inspire a high-performing team while working effectively with elected officials and community stakeholders.Qualification Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; master’s degree preferred. Ten (10) years of progressive, executive-level experience as a City Manager or Assistant City Manager in Florida. Innovative thinker who embraces Westlake’s “government light” model of efficiency and contract management. Experienced municipal City Manager in Florida, or significant progressive executive-level management experience within a single municipal organization. Exceptional ability to communicate, negotiate, and build strong relationships with elected officials, community stakeholders, and partner agencies. Ability to thrive in a new and rapidly growing city environment, developing strategies that balance growth, infrastructure, and quality of life. Experience collaborating with landowners, developers, and managing large-scale economic development and commercial projects. Extensive experience and knowledge of Land Development Regulations and the ability to facilitate the development process.Key Responsibilities Grant and Appropriations Leadership: Demonstrate ability to secure significant appropriations and grants. Skilled in identifying, pursuing, and administering grant opportunities that align with the City’s long-term strategic goals and infrastructure priorities. Financial Management and Accountability: Oversee all financial operations of the City, including preparation and submission of timely annual audited financial statements. Ensure strong internal financial controls, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.Organizational Leadership Manage a diversified staff of contract employees across all City departments, fostering collaboration, morale, and a culture of excellence. Develop leadership capacity within the organization, ensuring continuous improvement in service delivery. Implement policies, programs, and systems that support operational efficiency in a fast-growing city. Intergovernmental and Organizational Relations: Actively support the Council in building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with the Palm Beach County League of Cities, Florida League of Cities, and the National League of Cities. ICMA credentialed manager. Skilled public communicator with a proven ability to engage residents, foster transparency, and provide timely community updates. Represent the City’s interests effectively at the local, state, and national levels.Strategic Planning And Governance Collaborate with elected officials to develop, communicate, and implement cohesive strategic goals for the city. Provide policy guidance, professional advice, and administrative leadership to the Council. Anticipate and address challenges associated with rapid population growth and infrastructure development.Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent attendance at evening and weekend meetings. The position requires travel within the State of Florida and occasional national travel for professional conferences.Physical Requirements Ability to sit for extended periods, operate standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in person and by telephone. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Employment Terms The City Manager / Chief Administrative Officer is an independent contractor hired by and serving at the pleasure of the Council. Compensation and benefits will be established by contract and are commensurate with experience and qualifications.