City Administrator

City Administrator

City of Pullman, Washington

Salary: $141,768 - $172,320

Located in the heart of eastern Washington’s Palouse region, the City of Pullman is a thriving community of nearly 33,000 residents and known for its strong sense of community, academic vitality, and exceptional quality of life. With a low crime rate, a lower-than-average cost of living, and the benefits of a less-dense population, Pullman offers a welcoming environment for families, professionals, and students alike. Pullman is well-known as the home of Washington State University (WSU), a prestigious land-grant research institution that serves as the city’s cultural, educational, and economic cornerstone. Just a 15-minute drive east of the city, the community of Moscow, Idaho, expands the region’s cultural and recreational offerings and is home to the University of Idaho. With excellent public institutions, a strong local economy, rich culture, and abundant recreational opportunities, Pullman stands as a premier place to live, work, and explore in the Inland Northwest.

The City of Pullman operates under a Mayor-Council form of government, with a 2025 budget of $96.7 million and over 400 employees. The elected Mayor and elected seven-member council each serve four-year terms. The City has seven departments, including Finance & Administration, Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Library, Community Development, and Public Works. The City has seven union groups representing a variety of employee classifications.

Working under the direction of the elected Mayor, the City Administrator serves as the City’s chief appointed administrative officer, overseeing all departments. This role involves supervising department heads, managing city programs, developing policy proposals, and ensuring accurate, high-quality staff reports for City Council decision-making. The City Administrator is responsible for planning and administering the City’s operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Mayor and Finance Director, and plays an active role in labor relations and contract negotiations. The City Administrator will act as a key liaison to the public, community groups, major employers, and partner agencies. This position also contributes to economic development, represents the City at public meetings and events, and fosters a professional, collaborative workplace culture.

Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or a related area, and four (4) years of experience in municipal government administration as a City Manager or City Administrator, Assistant City Manager/Administrator or department manager is required. A master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred. Candidates may substitute major coursework at the graduate level in public administration for up to two (2) years of the required experience. Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that allows a candidate to successfully perform the essential duties of this position will be considered.

Benefits include but are not limited to: Three health insurance plans to choose from. Vision and dental insurance. $15,000 basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance. Short-term disability insurance. PERS2 or PERS3 retirement. Employee Assistance Program. 96 hours of vacation preloaded. 96 hours of sick leave preloaded. 12 paid holidays. 40 hours of administrative leave annually (prorated). Car allowance negotiated. Relocation expenses negotiated.

For a complete position profile, full job description and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Pullman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by June 29, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)

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• Prothman Company

• (206) 368-0050