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EXECUTIVE SEARCH:
City Manager

The City of Whitehall, Michigan, located where the White River meets White Lake, is seeking its next City Manager to help lead the community into a new era of strategic progress and accessible leadership. Known for its welcoming neighborhoods, lakefront parks, and walkable downtown, Whitehall offers a close-knit environment where civic pride and community connection shape daily life. This is a place where relationships matter and where residents are actively engaged in shaping the city’s future.​ The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating complexity, skilled at uniting diverse perspectives, and dedicated to helping Whitehall grow with purpose while honoring what makes it unique.

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HOW TO APPLY

First round of candidate review will begin on May 15, 2025.
Accepting applications through May 30, 2025.
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Any questions or inquiries regarding the position can be made to the attention of:
Nate Geinzer, Founder and CEO; Double Haul Solutions nate@doublehaulsolutions.com | 248-207-5293

About the position

The next City Manager will serve as a steady and collaborative leader, responsible for managing daily operations, aligning departmental work with City Council policy, and supporting initiatives in infrastructure, development, and city services. Success in this role will require strong interpersonal skills, clear communication, and a commitment to open and accountable governance that fosters trust among staff, elected officials, and community members.

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The City Manager oversees a staff of 23 including five (5) department heads. DPW is the only department operating under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Fire and Emergency Medical Response is provided by the White Lake Area Fire Authority, which is made up of the City of Whitehall, Whitehall Township, and Fruitland Township. The Authority is funded by a millage levied on the three communities.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as Chief Administrative Officer under the authority of the City Charter, carrying out the City Council’s policies and ensuring legal compliance.

  • Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of all non-elected delivery and alignment with strategic priorities.city personnel, including department heads, ensuring effective service.

  • Ensure compliance with all labor laws and regulations, developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, managing  employee compensation, benefits, and payroll, overseeing workplace health and safety programs, and maintaining accurate employee records and documentation.

  • Administer, enforce, and ensure compliance with all laws, city ordinances, resolutions, and policies adopted by the City Council, including ADA regulations.

  • Develop, implement, and manage the annual operating and capital improvement budgets; provide regular financial forecasts and updates to the Council.

  • Serves as the City’s Economic Development Coordinator, proactively fostering business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts; collaborates with local, regional, and state partners to stimulate sustainable economic growth, support workforce development initiatives, and enhance the City's overall economic vitality.

  • Provides support to the Tax Increment Finance Authority, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and Local Development Finance Authority aligning their activities with city-wide goals.

  • Advise the City Council on policy decisions, strategic planning, and operational issues, and serve as a non-voting participant in all Council meetings.

  • Foster relationships with regional, county, state, and federal partners, advocating for resources and legislative support.

  • Identify, apply for, and manage grants and alternative funding opportunities.

  • Lead emergency response coordination and serve as the City’s communications officer during crises, in collaboration with appropriate agencies.

  • Promote community engagement and facilitate communication between the city, residents, and businesses to enhance trust, responsiveness, and service excellence.

  • Deliver presentations to community groups and governing bodies to share plans, gather input, and report on progress

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the City Council.

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Top five Reasons You want to be Our next City manager

  1. Small-Town Character with Big-Time Access: Whitehall offers the charm and sense of community found in a classic lakeshore town, surrounded by natural beauty and walkable neighborhoods. All of this comes with the added benefit of easy access to the cultural and economic opportunities found in nearby Muskegon and West Michigan’s larger metropolitan areas.

  2. Opportunity to Lead Through Organizational Transition: With multiple retirements anticipated in the coming years, the next City Manager will play a central role in shaping the leadership team and reinforcing a strong internal culture. It’s a rare chance to guide an experienced staff through a period of renewal and alignment.

  3. Strong and Stable Financial Foundation: Whitehall operates with no municipal debt, a healthy fund balance, and a prudent fiscal philosophy. The upcoming expiration of several PA 198 abatements and development agreements presents a valuable opportunity to guide strategic reinvestment into infrastructure, services, and quality-of-life initiatives.

  4. Momentum for Economic Development: The city’s industrial park is nearly sold out and ready for new development, positioning Whitehall for continued business growth. Paired with the community’s interest in revitalizing downtown and enhancing public spaces, the next City Manager will be well-positioned to support balanced and meaningful economic progress.

  5. Collaborative Regional Partnerships: Whitehall benefits from a long-standing spirit of collaboration with regional partners, including neighboring communities and Muskegon County leaders. The City Manager will be supported by strong intergovernmental relationships that promote shared services, resource efficiency, and a unified approach to regional challenges.

What We Are Looking For...

The City of Whitehall operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Manager oversees day-to-day operations, implements policies formulated by the City Council, and ensures efficient and cost-effective management.

 

The role includes appointing and removing employees, enforcing laws and ordinances, reporting to the Council, and representing the city in various forums.

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Qualifications, salary,
& benefits

QUALIFICATIONS​

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.​​

  • Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible leadership in municipal or public sector management.

  • Demonstrated knowledge in public administration, municipal finance, HR management, infrastructure, and strategic planning.

  • Strong communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and political acumen.

  • Familiarity with Michigan municipal law and city charter requirements.


This role necessitates familiarity with diverse software applications. Additionally, proficiency in utilizing email and other communication tools such as Teams, Zoom, and video conferencing is essential. Proficiency in social media platforms and other communication channels is desired.

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SALARY & BENEFITS

  • ​Compensation: $110,000 to $130,000 DOQ

  • Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package will be provided including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, Defined Contribution, including access to a 457, Retiree Health Savings Account, auto allowance, paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

  • Relocation: A relocation package may be offered to the top candidate if they reside outside the immediate region and demonstrate an exceptional alignment with the community’s values, leadership needs, and long-term vision.

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HOW TO APPLY

First round of candidate review will begin on May 15, 2025.
Accepting applications through May 30, 2025.
​

Any questions or inquiries regarding the position can be made to the attention of:
Nate Geinzer, Founder and CEO; Double Haul Solutions nate@doublehaulsolutions.com | 248-207-5293

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