The town or city manager oversees all municipal duties and employees, ranging from budgeting and taxes to police and fire response—and much more.
An elected select board or council.
Effective communication and leadership skills, attention to detail, innate curiosity, the ability to multi-task, and a desire to truly listen.
Most city and town managers have previous experience within municipal government or in the private sector. A college Bachelor’s degree, in a field such as Public Administration, is typical. Some cities and towns prefer a Master’s degree.
While the work is not physically strenuous per se, hours can be long and irregular. Attendance at night meetings and weekend events is expected. If an emergency occurs, the municipal manager typically is an on-scene point person who helps make key decisions.
There are more than 250 municipal managers, including assistant managers, in Maine.