City Manager Recruitment

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Introduction

The City of Auburndale is seeking a qualified visionary and collaborative professional to serve as its next City Manager. The City Manager shall be responsible to the City Commission for the administration of all City affairs and for carrying out policies adopted by the City Commission. The City has a history of stability within the elected body and within the Office of the City Manager.

About Auburndale

Auburndale, Florida is a welcoming Central Florida community known for its small-town charm, beautiful chain of lakes, and strong sense of connection among the 21,677 residents. Blending historic character with growth, the city offers a peaceful lifestyle supported by parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities such as the TECO Trail and the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex. The city's vibrant downtown, family-friendly neighborhoods, and convenient location along the I-4 Corridor between Tampa and Orlando make Auburndale an attractive place to live, work, and play. Managing growth while preserving community culture is important to the elected officials and to the citizenry. The City currently operates with 231 full-time and part-time employees.

The City has an approved FY total budget of $87,310,094 in FY , including a General Fund of $40,760,317. Significant growth and increases in property values has allowed the City of Auburndale to maintain the lowest operating millage rate of Polk County's seventeen cities for several years. At the same time, the City continues to provide a high level of customer service and quality of life for our citizens and businesses. An aggressive Five-Year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) has been adopted to meet the growing demand for quality service delivery.

Government Structure

Auburndale operates under a Commission-Manager Form of Government. There are five elected officials led by a Mayor and Vice Mayor. Each Commissioner serves 4-year terms.

The Commission appoints two positions: the City Manager and the City Attorney.

Learn more about Auburndale's City Commission by clicking here:

AUBURNDALE CITY COMMISSION LINK

In accordance with the City of Auburndale Charter, Section 23, Powers and Duties of the City Manager, the city manager shall:

• Appoint and, when the City Manager deems it necessary for the good of the city, suspend or remove all city employees and appointive administrative officers provided for by or under this charter, except as otherwise provided by law, this charter or personnel rules adopted pursuant to this charter. The City Manager may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to the City Manager's direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in that officer's department, office or agency.

• Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices and agencies of the city, except as otherwise provided by this charter or by law.

• Attend all commission meetings and shall have the right to take part in discussion but may not vote.

• See that all laws, provisions of this charter and acts of the commission, subject to enforcement by the City Manager or by officers subject to the City Manager's direction and supervision, are faithfully executed.

• Prepare and submit the annual budget (budget message) and capital program to the commission in a form provided by ordinance.

FY26 - FY27 BUDGET

• Submit to the commission and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the city monthly.

• Make such other reports as the commission may require concerning the operation of city departments, offices and agencies subject to the City Manager's direction and supervision.

• Keep the commission fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the city and make such recommendations to the commission concerning the affairs of the city as the City Manager deems desirable.

• Signs contracts on behalf of the city pursuant to the provisions of appropriations ordinances.

• Perform such other duties as are specified in this charter or may be required by the commission.

Essential Knowledge:

• Operations, services and activities of a City organization including water and sewer utilities, finance, planning, public safety, parks and recreation, public works, and human resources.

• Advanced principles and practices of public administration including municipal budgeting and accounting, Council-Manager form of government, CRAs, Economic Development, City Charter and legislative processes.

• Exceptional ability to communicate, negotiate, and build strong relationships with elected officials, community stakeholders, and partner agencies.

• Ability to thrive in a rapidly growing city environment, developing strategies that balance growth, infrastructure, and quality of life.

Required qualifications for this position:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field.

• Five years of experience at a Director or Assistant Manager level in a municipal or county government, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Meet the Application Procedures of the City of Auburndale Personnel Policy Handbook.

• Residency within the City limits of Auburndale following appointment.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Advanced degree in Public Administration or related field.

• Experience as City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or Department Head in a comparable-sized community.

• Knowledge of Florida municipal law.

• Certifications and membership in professional associations that demonstrate continued professional development and commitment to ethical, effective public service.

Compensation:

The salary range is open and commensurate with experience. The City Commission is inclined to provide a salary between $185,000 and $195,000, inclusive of excellent benefits.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit an application, cover letter, comprehensive resume, salary history, and five professional references.

ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE UNDER FLORIDA LAW.

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

Please submit all application materials by January 16, 2026 via email to

For more information, please contact Interim City Manager Amy Palmer at or

• City Clerk
• City Manager's Office
• Community Development
• Finance Office
• Fire Department
• Parks and Recreation
• Police Department
• Public Library
• Public Utilities
• Public Works

• ADA Web Accessibility
• Approved FY 26-27 Budget
• City Commission Meetings
• Contact Us
• Drinking Water Report
• Financial Audit 2024
• Planning Commission Meetings
• Public Notices
• Public Records Request
• Request for Proposals & Bids

• Code Compliance
• Code of Ordinances
• Community Center
• Community Redevelopment Agency
• Hurricane Preparedness
• Lakes District Plan
• Land Development Regulations
• Pay Utility Bill
• Sanitation Schedule
• Vendor Application

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