Candidate Interviews Set For City Manager Candidates

The search for a new city manager will kick into high gear in June when candidates vying for the job come to town.

In person candidate interviews are scheduled for June 3-4.

The city is working with Wendi Brown of WBCP Inc., an Oregon-based recruiting firm hired by the city.

Last month Brown said the application process would run through April 28, and up to 60 candidates could apply for the job. The city held a town hall to get public input on the new city manager in March.

Brown said she would personally speak to about half the candidates.

The city has a council-city manager government, which calls for the elected City Council to serve as the city’s primary legislative body and to appoint a city manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations, draft a budget, implement and enforce the council’s policy and legislative initiatives, and oversee 14 of the 16 city departments.

The City Manager will support an experienced and committed City Council and an engaged community of approximately 140,000.

In addition to overseeing the municipal administration, the ideal candidate will also partner in the oversight and management of the City-owned Rose Bowl Stadium, Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, and Pasadena Community Public Access Television.

The position pays $290,000 to $330,000 and is negotiable depending upon experience and qualifications.

“We are a world-class city that prides itself on providing full service to our residents including our own police, fire, utilities and health departments. We understand the complexity of local government and strive to recruit a city manager who can lead a dynamic and complex municipality and is passionate about serving the people of Pasadena,” said Mayor Victor Gordo.

The position became vacant late last year when Steve Mermell retired after more than 30 years with the city.

The new City Manager will have to hit the ground running. One of the first things on his on her plate will be the selection of a new police chief.