Known for its outstanding quality of life and small-town setting, the Town of Los Altos Hills is seeking an accomplished executive to become its new City Manager. The City Council is looking for a candidate who would be a good fit for the community, a strong leader for Town staff, and a successful partner with City Council. This top professional is expected to have strong leadership skills, effective interpersonal and communication skills, and a strong passion for public service. The selected City Manager will also need to have an inclusive management style combined with a hands-on approach to day-to-day operations. A thorough understanding of municipal finance, community planning, and public works is of high importance to the City Council.
Los Altos Hills is a General Law Town and operates under the Council/Manager form of government. The five members of the City Council are elected to four-year overlapping terms, with the Mayor selected among his/her peers to serve a one-year term. The Town of Los Altos Hills has FY 25- 26 General Fund budget of $18.2 million, and a FY 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program of $4.1 million. Current staffing includes 30 FTEs. Notably, the Town is financially stable with $18.5million in General fund reserves as of June 30, 2025. The Town maintains reserves through multiple designated categories, including a General Fund Stabilization Reserve of approximately three months of operating expenditures, consistent with local government best practices.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The typical candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a related field and many years of increasingly responsible management experience in a local public and/or private agency involving responsibility for the planning, organization, implementation, and supervision of varied work programs. Prior experience as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or Department Director is desirable. A Master’s degree in public or business administration, or a related field is also desirable.
The annual salary range for the City Manager is competitive, negotiable, and dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The annual base salary for the previous City Manager was $303,960. The Town also offers an attractive benefits package, to include CalPERS retirement.
Interested candidates should apply by submitting a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume, and five professional references via email to apply@ralphandersen.com no later than Monday, March 16, 2026. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Confidential inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Fred Wilson, Ralph Andersen & Associates, at (916) 630-4900.
