To learn more about this opportunity review: City Manager Recruitment Brochure The Opportunity The City of Fort Worth, Texas presents an exciting and unique opportunity for the next City Manager. The city of Fort Worth is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as our next City Manager. The next City Manager will have the pivotal role of leading one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S. with nearly 1,000,000 residents. With a budget of $2.79 billion for Fiscal Year 2025 and 8,214 authorized positions, this role offers the chance to shape the future of a dynamic and rapidly expanding city.
About Fort Worth A city of Cowboys and Culture, Fort Worth is known for its Texas hospitality. Exuding both charm and expansiveness, Fort Worth is the 12th largest and one of the fastest-growing big cities in the United States, distinguished as one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the nation. With great neighborhoods, scenic terrain, and a rich history of arts and culture, paired with world-class opportunities for business and education, it’s not only fun to visit Fort Worth, but it’s also even more rewarding to call it home. Fort Worth offers all the benefits and amenities of a bustling metropolitan city while keeping the small-town charm that keeps it unpretentious and charismatic in all the right ways.
Once an essential stop on the legendary cattle drives from Texas to Kansas and home to cattle barons and oil wildcatters, today, this city seamlessly blends its cattle and oil heritage with a vast array of businesses, industries, and entertainment. Known for a commitment to preserving its history, this modern city proudly celebrates the famous Stockyards National Historic District, home to twice-a-day cattle drives, Billy Bob’s Texas - the world’s largest honky-tonk - and Mule Alley, formerly the horse and mule barns used during World War I and now home to restaurants, shops, western heritage brands, and creative workspaces.
The city’s downtown includes Sundance Square, a 35-block business and entertainment district featuring architecture from the Victorian, Art Deco, and modern eras. Cultural district boasts world renowned museums, galleries, and public gardens. Major events include the MAIN ST Fort Worth Arts Festival, Mayfest - Fort Worth, and the iconic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. In fact, Money Magazine once proclaimed that “Fort Worth offers big city arts and entertainment without the attitude or high prices of comparable metros.”
The city’s proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, located midway between the two cities, has enticed some of the best-known names in commerce and industry to locate their headquarters in Fort Worth, including American Airlines, BNSF Railway, Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, and Bell Flight. Transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing are driving factors behind employment in the city and, as Fort Worth has emerged as a popular tourist destination, the hospitality and travel sector has become a significant economic generator. Other significant employers include JPS Health Network, Cook Children’s Health Care System, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas Health Resources, and Alcon, as well as city and county governments and the Fort Worth Independent School District. In addition, the City of Fort Worth has several significant projects underway, including a new city hall and the continued development of Panther Island, a mixed-use development north of downtown.
Fort Worth, Texas, has been recognized as a top travel destination for 2024 by Travel + Leisure for its unique blend of modern attractions and rich Western heritage. Beyond its cowboy roots, Fort Worth boasts a vibrant arts scene, cool boutique hotels, and a growing vegan dining culture. Additionally, the city is gaining attention for its booming workforce, earning a spot as one of the best cities for workforce growth, according to CultureMap Dallas. This North Texas gem is quickly rising as both a top place to visit and a hub for career opportunities.
Access to health care and education are important quality-of-life factors, and Fort Worth offers an abundance of both. The city lays claim to one of the finest medical communities in Texas, including Cook Children’s Health Care System, Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, UT Southwestern Monty and Tex Moncrief Medical Center, Medical City Fort Worth, JPS Health Network, and the TCU School of Medicine. As to education, Fort Worth’s Texas Christian University (TCU), one of the state’s most prestigious universities, offers more than 100 undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, fine arts, communications, education, engineering, and nursing. Texas A&M School of Law, Texas Wesleyan University, and the UNT Health Science Center draw students from around the country and beyond, while Tarrant County College District serves the community across multiple campuses.
City Government The City of Fort Worth operates under a council-manager form of government. The City Council comprises the mayor, elected at-large, and ten City Council members who represent single-member districts, all serving two-year terms. The City Council adopts municipal ordinances and resolutions, makes proclamations, sets the tax rate, and approves the budget. Positions appointed by the Council include the City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, City Auditor, municipal court judges, and City board and commission members.
The Fort Worth City Council’s strategic vision priorities to enhance quality of life include:
- Economic Development
- Community Investment
- Community Safety
- Infrastructure
- Responsible Growth
The longest-tenured City Manager, David Cooke, served for over 10 years before retiring.
There are six core values that guide our employees as they go about this work. They are:
- Exceptional Customer Experience
- Accountability
- Ethical Behavior
- Diversity
- Mutual Respect
- Continuous Improvement
As Fort Worth continues to grow and change, these principles help keep employees on point, providing the best service to residents, businesses and fellow employees.
The City Of all cities over 50,000 people, Fort Worth had the 2nd largest gain in population in the past year. Home to nearly 1,000,000 residents, it stands as the 12th largest city in the United States. The city’s government operates with a robust budget of $2.79 billion for Fiscal Year 2025, managing its diverse needs and priorities through 25 departments and 8,214 authorized positions.
Fort Worth thrives on its strategic assets, including its airports, universities, and the Fort Worth Convention Center, which are key drivers in the economy of culture and serve as vital hubs of activity. The Fort Worth Convention Center hosts a wide range of events, from business conventions to cultural gatherings, contributing to the city’s vibrant economy. The Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth jointly own the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport; consequently, both cities’ attorney’s offices provide legal representation to the Board.
The City of Fort Worth plays a unique and vital role in the region through its relationship with DFW Airport and its management of its own Water Utility. The DFW Airport Board Legal Department provides counsel on federal regulatory matters, legal relationships with user airlines, commercial real estate, environmental law, procurement and construction contracting, ground transportation regulation, labor law and compliance with the Contract and Agreement and applicable bond covenants. Two assistant city attorneys from Fort Worth are assigned to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Beyond its economic strength, Fort Worth is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for all of its residents through initiatives like the “Good Natured” green space and open space program. This initiative reflects the city’s dedication to preserving and expanding natural spaces, ensuring the long-term health and safety of Fort Worth’s relationship with nature preservation.
Fort Worth’s diverse portfolio of funds supports everything from public safety and infrastructure to community services and cultural development, ensuring that the city continues to grow thoughtfully and sustainably while nurturing its unique character and appeal.
The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is responsible for implementing the Council’s policies, overseeing city operations and processes, and managing the day-to-day functions of the city. As a key appointee alongside the City Auditor, City Secretary, and City Attorney, the City Manager works closely with the Mayor and Council to ensure smooth governance. Assistant City Managers focus on internal operations, allowing the City Manager to concentrate on broader city issues. This collaborative leadership structure ensures Fort Worth’s city management remains efficient, responsive, and aligned with the needs of our growing community.
The Position As the City Manager, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of Fort Worth by leading the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. Your leadership will ensure that City services are delivered efficiently and effectively, with a focus on achieving the highest standards of performance across all service areas.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Direct and oversee the planning and execution of City department initiatives, ensuring alignment with City policies and strategic objectives. You will also establish appropriate service levels and staffing to optimize resource allocation.
- Operational Excellence: Coordinate the work of City departments through collaboration with the Deputy City Manager and the Assistant City Managers. You will review, evaluate, and refine work methods and procedures, addressing challenges and driving continuous improvement.
- Interagency Collaboration: Represent the City in dealings with outside agencies, cities, and counties. You will coordinate City activities with external organizations to achieve common goals and foster strong relationships.
- Support to City Leadership: Provide expert staff assistance to the Mayor and City Council, preparing reports and correspondence that inform decision-making. You will also offer support to various boards and commissions.
- Community Engagement: Respond to complex inquiries and resolve sensitive issues with professionalism and care, ensuring that the needs and concerns of residents and stakeholders are addressed effectively.
- Special Projects and Innovation: Manage and oversee special projects, task forces, and initiatives that advance the City’s goals. You will also stay informed about emerging trends in city management, bringing innovative solutions to Fort Worth.
- Fiscal Stewardship: Ensure the budget is prepared and executed as approved by the City Council, using a process that aligns with Council expectations. Control costs efficiently, manage the City’s finances in compliance with state and federal laws, and recommend policies to maintain long-term financial stability. Additionally, provide oversight on all financial matters and keeps the Council informed about the City’s financial condition and key issues.
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic, growing city and make a lasting impact on its future. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for public service, we invite you to apply and join us in shaping the future of Fort Worth.
Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for the City Manager position will be a visionary leader who embodies accountability and demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical judgment and integrity. They will possess a deep understanding of public administration and policy, coupled with exceptional financial acumen, enabling them to make strategic decisions that drive the city’s growth and prosperity.
This leader will be skilled in change management, with the resilience to navigate complex challenges and the ability to inspire confidence during times of crisis. They will have a focus on innovation, continuously seeking out new ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of city services.
Effective communication will be a hallmark of the ideal candidate, enabling them to engage with the community, articulate the City’s vision, and advocate for policies that benefit residents. With a people-centric leadership style, they will prioritize the well-being and development of the City’s employees while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Political savvy and stakeholder management skills will be critical, allowing the ideal candidate to navigate the complexities of local government and build strong relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and external partners. They will also have a keen understanding of policy leadership, ensuring that the City’s initiatives align with broader goals and priorities.
Above all, the ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with the ability to make sound decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term objectives, ensuring that Fort Worth continues to thrive as a dynamic and forward-looking city.
Qualifications MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS - Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration or a closely related field and twelve years of progressive executive management experience in public government, including four years senior executive level management experience in preferably, but not limited to, a comparable size community.
- Preferred certifications: Certified Public Manager (CPM), International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Credential Manager, Certified Public Manager (CPM), National Certified Public Manager Program (NCPMP), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Project Management Professional (PMP)
- City Manager is required to live within Fort Worth city limits as stated in the city ordinance.
- Valid driver’s license.
Salary & Benefits The City of Fort Worth is offering a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition, the City provides a benefits plan than includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, a pension plan (Fort Worth Employees’ Retirement Fund), and a 457 deferred compensation plan. Partnering with Southwestern Health Resources, the City provides access to four employee health centers exclusive to Fort Worth employees, retirees, and their enrolled dependents.
Application & Selection Process To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé online no later than October 16, 2024.
Direct inquiries are welcome to:
Victor Escobedo
victor.escobedo@fortworthtexas.gov
817-392-7778
Conditions of Employment The City of Fort Worth is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of the City to recruit, hire, train and promote a diverse workforce without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or another non-merit factor.
The City of Fort Worth is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.
Candidates who do not meet the Education requirement, may be considered if they have more relevant work experience than the position requires. Those selected for employment will be required to pass Pre-Employment checks depending on the position requirements. Those could include, but are not limited to: criminal background check, drug screen, education verification, etc. criminal convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Employees are paid by direct deposit only.
