Assistant City Manager

Assistant City Manager

The City of Pismo Beach, renowned for its picturesque coastline and exceptional quality of life, is looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking professional to step into the role of Assistant City Manager. This is a key leadership position for a strong operational manager and strategic thinker who thrives in a collaborative, high-performance environment.

Working directly with the City Manager, the ACM will take a lead role in overseeing the City Manager's Office, while also providing strategic direction and administrative oversight for the Public Works Department, Community Development Department, and the Fire Services contract. In addition, the ACM will serve as the City's Public Information Officer, leading communication efforts to ensure consistent, transparent, and effective messaging with the public, media, and City staff.

The ACM will have four direct reports : two department directors (Public Works and Community Development), and two City Manager's Office staff members (the City Clerk and the Human Resources Officer).

The City of Pismo Beach is looking for a visionary and strategic Assistant City Manager to join its executive team and shape the future of our community. This high-impact, fast-paced role requires a proven leader with outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will bring a strong grasp of emerging trends, key issues, and legislative developments impacting local government. They must be comfortable representing the City in public forums, on camera, and during emergency management situationsserving as a confident and credible voice for the organization.

In addition to their professional experience and expertise, the ideal candidate will also possess the following personal attributes and leadership qualities :

• A strong sense of ethics, integrity, and transparency
• The ability to build consensus, trust, and mutual respect across diverse groups
• A deep commitment to public service and to advancing community goals
• A talent for inspiring high morale and mentoring the next generation of leaders
• The ability to deliver well-structured analysis and thoughtful recommendations to support sound decision-making
• A sincere respect for community engagement, active listening, and connecting authentically with a wide range of stakeholders

This is a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking and innovative city government and contribute meaningfully to the quality of life of residents, business owners, and visitors. The City offers a generous training and travel budget, along with the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about serving the public.

In-person interviews are scheduled for November 5, 2025, with final interviews to follow on November 6, 2025. Prospective candidates are welcome to schedule a virtual informational meeting with the City Manager or connect confidentially in person during the League of California Cities Conference taking place October 8-10, 2025. For inquiries or to coordinate a meeting, please contact Bianka Buchanan, Human Resources Officer, at (805) 773-7004.

To review the Assistant City Manager brochure or to apply today, please visit the City's website.

The Assistant City Manager plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the City Manager's Office including city-wide services of customer service, public outreach efforts, public information, including disaster communication and social media, records management, City Clerk functions, personnel, and risk management. Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.