The City of Gardiner Maine is seeking an experienced, professional leader for its next City Manager. A welcoming New England community of six thousand residents, Gardiner sits on the banks of the beautiful Kennebec River in the heart of Maine. At 20 minutes from Maine’s capital, Augusta, and one hour from the largest city, Portland, Gardiner is a gateway to the seacoast, inland lakes, and mountains.
Gardiner operates under a Charter with a Mayor/City Council/City Manager form of government. Four (4) members of the Council are elected from districts and the Mayor and three (3) Council members are elected at-large. All terms are for 2 years. Gardiner is an important regional service center in Kennebec County with 62 full time and 6 part time employees supported by an annual budget of $7 million dollars including Police, Fire, and Library. The City also operates an Ambulance Enterprise budget of $2.1 million and a Wastewater Enterprise budget of $2 million. Gardiner is the largest member of RSU/MSAD 11 School District which includes three other towns.
The ideal candidate should be a dynamic and experienced leader, with strong, well-rounded leadership and management abilities to promote a collaborative and visionary organization. Their ability to lead with integrity, honesty, openness and humor, combined with creative problem solving will be essential. A thorough understanding of Council-Manager government roles is important, with desired attributes and skills including professionalism, neutrality, approachability, small team management experience, strong economic development knowledge, strong public finance/budgeting proficiency, familiarity with human resources and unions, excellent communication skills, ability to promote strong intergovernmental relationships and community engagement. A willingness to serve as an active, positive representative of and advocate for the City is essential. This position does not have direct administrative support, the candidate is expected to use a hands-on approach to support staff and the City Council. The successful candidate is expected to become an active member of the community. Residency in Gardiner is desired but not mandatory.
The Council prefers candidates with a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated municipal management experience or similar related public or private business experience.
Applicants will possess a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or a closely related field with a master’s degree preferred. Salary range is $115,000 to $125,000 and actual pay will be determined based on experience and qualifications.
Submit cover letter, resume, salary requirements and contact information for five (5) work-related references from the last 3 years via email by: Wednesday September 17, 2025 to:
Gardiner Manager Search
c/o Denise Brown
6 Church Street
Gardiner, ME 04345
Email: dbrown@gardinermaine.com
(207) 582-4200
The City of Gardiner is an Equal Opportunity Employer