City Manager

The City of Janesville seeks an experienced City Manager who is visible, engaged, and approachable leader who thrives on building relationships and bringing people together around common goals. The successful candidate is an exceptional communicator who values transparency, accessibility, and collaboration, and is equally comfortable engaging with residents at a community event, discussing strategic priorities with the City Council, or supporting employees throughout the organization.

This leader combines strategic vision with operational excellence and possesses the judgment, political acumen, and financial management experience necessary to lead a complex municipal organization. The ideal candidate inspires trust through integrity, accountability, and follow-through while fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and service excellence. Janesville seeks a leader who embraces community engagement, values employee development, supports responsible growth and economic development, and is committed to maintaining the high quality municipal services that residents expect.

• Position Description (PDF)
• Position Profile (PDF)

About The Community

The City of Janesville (population 66,000) is the county seat of Rock County and one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic communities. Located along the Interstate 39/90 corridor between Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, Janesville serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, education, recreation, and industry. Its strategic location, strong transportation network and public transit, and diverse economy continue to attract investment, innovation, and growth.

Known as Wisconsin’s Park Place, Janesville is recognized for its exceptional quality of life, thriving downtown, extensive park system, and strong sense of community. Downtown Janesville has experienced significant revitalization and serves as a vibrant destination featuring locally owned restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues, community events, and ongoing redevelopment. The City’s unique districts and neighborhoods each contribute their own character and identity, creating a community that blends historic charm, modern amenities, and economic opportunity.

The City maintains more than 2,500 acres of parkland, miles of trails, the Rock River corridor, and numerous recreational amenities that support active lifestyles and year-round community engagement. Residents benefit from excellent schools, quality healthcare, diverse housing options, and a strong network of community organizations and cultural institutions.

Janesville’s economy is supported by advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, technology, professional services, and retail development. Ongoing investments in redevelopment, housing, infrastructure, and economic development strengthen the community and position it for long-term success.

Operating under a Council-Manager form of government, Janesville is known for its commitment to professional management, fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and responsive municipal services. With its combination of community character, economic vitality, recreational amenities, and strategic location, Janesville stands among Wisconsin’s premier communities in which to live, work, and grow.

Learn more at janesvillewi.gov

Janesville offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a community focused on redevelopment, economic growth, and long-term sustainability. The City continues to build upon significant public and private investment, including downtown revitalization, housing development, infrastructure improvements, and business expansion.

The next City Manager will play a key role in advancing several transformative projects, including the longterm redevelopment of the 250-acre former General Motors/JATCO site—one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in Wisconsin—and shaping future opportunities associated with the former Janesville Ice Arena property following the successful opening of the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center. The City is also supporting the development of the new Children’s Museum of Rock County in downtown Janesville, a project expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually, serve as a catalyst for continued downtown investment, and strengthen Janesville’s efforts to attract and retain young professionals and families.

As the organization continues to grow in complexity and project demands, a key opportunity for the next City Manager will be evaluating and advancing the City’s leadership structure, including the hiring of a Deputy City Manager or complementary position. This key position enhances organizational capacity, supports strategic initiatives, strengthens succession planning, and allows the City Manager to maintain a greater focus on community and operational leadership, external partnerships, and long-range priorities.

The City is focused on delivering high-quality municipal services, supporting workforce development, strengthening communication and community engagement, and fostering collaborative partnerships throughout the community. Janesville’s strong foundation, strategic location, and engaged stakeholders create an exciting environment for impactful public service leadership.

Learn more about the City of Janesville and the City Manager position by downloading the Position Profile.

Position Details

The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Janesville and provides executive leadership for a full-service municipal organization. Reporting directly to the City Council, the City Manager directs municipal operations, implements Council priorities, manages the City’s financial resources, and advances strategic initiatives that support the community’s long-term success. As the principal advisor to the City Council and a visible leader throughout the organization and community, the City Manager fosters collaboration, promotes transparency and accountability, builds strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensures the effective delivery of high-quality municipal services.

Hiring Range: $240,000–$275,000 (DOQ)

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience in local government or a similarly complex public-sector organization.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, budget development and management, strategic planning, economic development, community engagement, and employee development.
• Experience working effectively with elected officials, community stakeholders, and regional partners.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) preferred.

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Recognizing the importance of selecting Janesville’s next City Manager, the City Council placed community engagement at the forefront of the recruitment process. Residents, business owners, community stakeholders, City staff, and elected officials were invited to help shape the qualities, priorities, and leadership attributes desired in the City’s next chief executive officer. Opportunities for participation included a community-wide survey, public input sessions, stakeholder discussions, and employee engagement activities. This commitment to transparency and collaboration ensured that the recruitment profile reflected the values and aspirations of the Janesville community.

The City Council extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the engagement process. The thoughtful feedback, perspectives, and ideas shared by community members and stakeholders have helped inform the recruitment profile and will play an important role in selecting Janesville’s next City Manager.

The engagement process has now concluded, and the final Stakeholder Engagement Report is available for review and download.

Download the Report

Questions? Please call Interim City Manager Jay Shambeau at 262-355-6102.

Apply Today!

Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is conducting the executive recruitment process for this position. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. First review of applications will occur no later than July 24, 2026.

Submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and professional references to Jay Shambeau at ***email_hidden***. Please direct questions to 262-355-6102.

Thank you for your interest!

Community Members

Stay updated on the process! Email Jess Wildes at [email protected] to join the mailing list.

Name

First Name(required)

Last Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone(required)

Cover Letter & Resume Upload(required)

Add a File

City Manager

The City of Janesville seeks an experienced City Manager who is visible, engaged, and approachable leader who thrives on building relationships and bringing people together around common goals. The successful candidate is an exceptional communicator who values transparency, accessibility, and collaboration, and is equally comfortable engaging with residents at a community event, discussing strategic priorities with the City Council, or supporting employees throughout the organization.

This leader combines strategic vision with operational excellence and possesses the judgment, political acumen, and financial management experience necessary to lead a complex municipal organization. The ideal candidate inspires trust through integrity, accountability, and follow-through while fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and service excellence. Janesville seeks a leader who embraces community engagement, values employee development, supports responsible growth and economic development, and is committed to maintaining the high quality municipal services that residents expect.

• Position Description (PDF)
• Position Profile (PDF)

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience in local government or a similarly complex public-sector organization.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, budget development and management, strategic planning, economic development, community engagement, and employee development.
• Experience working effectively with elected officials, community stakeholders, and regional partners.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) preferred.

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Recognizing the importance of selecting Janesville’s next City Manager, the City Council placed community engagement at the forefront of the recruitment process. Residents, business owners, community stakeholders, City staff, and elected officials were invited to help shape the qualities, priorities, and leadership attributes desired in the City’s next chief executive officer. Opportunities for participation included a community-wide survey, public input sessions, stakeholder discussions, and employee engagement activities. This commitment to transparency and collaboration ensured that the recruitment profile reflected the values and aspirations of the Janesville community.

The City Council extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the engagement process. The thoughtful feedback, perspectives, and ideas shared by community members and stakeholders have helped inform the recruitment profile and will play an important role in selecting Janesville’s next City Manager.

The engagement process has now concluded, and the final Stakeholder Engagement Report is available for review and download.

Download the Report

Questions? Please call Interim City Manager Jay Shambeau at 262-355-6102.

Apply Today!

Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is conducting the executive recruitment process for this position. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. First review of applications will occur no later than July 24, 2026.

Submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and professional references to Jay Shambeau at ***email_hidden***. Please direct questions to 262-355-6102.

Thank you for your interest!

Community Members

Stay updated on the process! Email Jess Wildes at [email protected] to join the mailing list.

Name

First Name(required)

Last Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone(required)

Cover Letter & Resume Upload(required)

Add a File

City Manager

The City of Janesville seeks an experienced City Manager who is visible, engaged, and approachable leader who thrives on building relationships and bringing people together around common goals. The successful candidate is an exceptional communicator who values transparency, accessibility, and collaboration, and is equally comfortable engaging with residents at a community event, discussing strategic priorities with the City Council, or supporting employees throughout the organization.

This leader combines strategic vision with operational excellence and possesses the judgment, political acumen, and financial management experience necessary to lead a complex municipal organization. The ideal candidate inspires trust through integrity, accountability, and follow-through while fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and service excellence. Janesville seeks a leader who embraces community engagement, values employee development, supports responsible growth and economic development, and is committed to maintaining the high quality municipal services that residents expect.

• Position Description (PDF)
• Position Profile (PDF)

About The Community

The City of Janesville (population 66,000) is the county seat of Rock County and one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic communities. Located along the Interstate 39/90 corridor between Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, Janesville serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, education, recreation, and industry. Its strategic location, strong transportation network and public transit, and diverse economy continue to attract investment, innovation, and growth.

Known as Wisconsin’s Park Place, Janesville is recognized for its exceptional quality of life, thriving downtown, extensive park system, and strong sense of community. Downtown Janesville has experienced significant revitalization and serves as a vibrant destination featuring locally owned restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues, community events, and ongoing redevelopment. The City’s unique districts and neighborhoods each contribute their own character and identity, creating a community that blends historic charm, modern amenities, and economic opportunity.

The City maintains more than 2,500 acres of parkland, miles of trails, the Rock River corridor, and numerous recreational amenities that support active lifestyles and year-round community engagement. Residents benefit from excellent schools, quality healthcare, diverse housing options, and a strong network of community organizations and cultural institutions.

Janesville’s economy is supported by advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, technology, professional services, and retail development. Ongoing investments in redevelopment, housing, infrastructure, and economic development strengthen the community and position it for long-term success.

Operating under a Council-Manager form of government, Janesville is known for its commitment to professional management, fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and responsive municipal services. With its combination of community character, economic vitality, recreational amenities, and strategic location, Janesville stands among Wisconsin’s premier communities in which to live, work, and grow.

Learn more at janesvillewi.gov

Janesville offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a community focused on redevelopment, economic growth, and long-term sustainability. The City continues to build upon significant public and private investment, including downtown revitalization, housing development, infrastructure improvements, and business expansion.

The next City Manager will play a key role in advancing several transformative projects, including the longterm redevelopment of the 250-acre former General Motors/JATCO site—one of the largest redevelopment opportunities in Wisconsin—and shaping future opportunities associated with the former Janesville Ice Arena property following the successful opening of the Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center. The City is also supporting the development of the new Children’s Museum of Rock County in downtown Janesville, a project expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors annually, serve as a catalyst for continued downtown investment, and strengthen Janesville’s efforts to attract and retain young professionals and families.

As the organization continues to grow in complexity and project demands, a key opportunity for the next City Manager will be evaluating and advancing the City’s leadership structure, including the hiring of a Deputy City Manager or complementary position. This key position enhances organizational capacity, supports strategic initiatives, strengthens succession planning, and allows the City Manager to maintain a greater focus on community and operational leadership, external partnerships, and long-range priorities.

The City is focused on delivering high-quality municipal services, supporting workforce development, strengthening communication and community engagement, and fostering collaborative partnerships throughout the community. Janesville’s strong foundation, strategic location, and engaged stakeholders create an exciting environment for impactful public service leadership.

Learn more about the City of Janesville and the City Manager position by downloading the Position Profile.

Position Details

The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Janesville and provides executive leadership for a full-service municipal organization. Reporting directly to the City Council, the City Manager directs municipal operations, implements Council priorities, manages the City’s financial resources, and advances strategic initiatives that support the community’s long-term success. As the principal advisor to the City Council and a visible leader throughout the organization and community, the City Manager fosters collaboration, promotes transparency and accountability, builds strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensures the effective delivery of high-quality municipal services.

Hiring Range: $240,000–$275,000 (DOQ)

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience in local government or a similarly complex public-sector organization.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, budget development and management, strategic planning, economic development, community engagement, and employee development.
• Experience working effectively with elected officials, community stakeholders, and regional partners.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) preferred.

Stakeholder Engagement Report

Recognizing the importance of selecting Janesville’s next City Manager, the City Council placed community engagement at the forefront of the recruitment process. Residents, business owners, community stakeholders, City staff, and elected officials were invited to help shape the qualities, priorities, and leadership attributes desired in the City’s next chief executive officer. Opportunities for participation included a community-wide survey, public input sessions, stakeholder discussions, and employee engagement activities. This commitment to transparency and collaboration ensured that the recruitment profile reflected the values and aspirations of the Janesville community.

The City Council extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the engagement process. The thoughtful feedback, perspectives, and ideas shared by community members and stakeholders have helped inform the recruitment profile and will play an important role in selecting Janesville’s next City Manager.

The engagement process has now concluded, and the final Stakeholder Engagement Report is available for review and download.

Questions? Please call Interim City Manager Jay Shambeau at 262-355-6102.

Apply Today!

Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is conducting the executive recruitment process for this position. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. First review of applications will occur no later than July 24, 2026.

Submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and professional references to Jay Shambeau at ***email_hidden***. Please direct questions to 262-355-6102.

Thank you for your interest!

Community Members

Stay updated on the process! Email Jess Wildes at [email protected] to join the mailing list.

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Contact IPA

***email_hidden***

262-355-6102

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