The City of Munising seeks a strategic and innovative city manager/DPW director to lead their idyllic waterfront community, located on Lake Superior’s southern coast in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Michiganders are rightfully boastful of all Michigan's grand peninsulas have to offer, and nowhere do all the state’s attributes merge more beautifully than in the Munising. The perfect opportunity is now available for the dynamic leader who has dreamed of living and working in an outdoor four-season paradise.

Munising seeks a new city manager for only the third time in 22 years, as the current city manager of 12 years has decided to relocate. An approachable and accessible leader will flourish in this small-town environment that offers significant amenities. The City of Munising is a full-service, progressive community.

The City of Munising operates as a commission/manager form of government. With an overall budget exceeding $7.7 million, including a general fund which exceeds $2.9 million, Munising is financially stable with a diversified economic base. With a population of 1,986 residents, the city has a taxable value exceeding $83 million and employs 23 full-time employees and several seasonal employees who deliver quality services.

The new city manager will develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, department heads, and all levels of city employees. To successfully foster these relationships, communication, interpersonal, and human relations skills are essential and desirable qualities. In addition, the new city manager will respect and value city residents, demonstrating an ability to interact with a range of people with varied attitudes and positions. The community has an engaged citizenry who expect a transparent city government and open communication between the city manager, mayor, commission members, and citizens.

Over the past decade, Munising has successfully implemented a significant revitalization plan, investing more than $25 million in water, sewer, and road infrastructure, along with parks and recreation trail development. Today, more than a million visitors flock to the area year-round to access its significant outdoor attributes.

The City of Munising will offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, with a salary range of $95,000 to $110,000 and a defined benefits plan with an employer contribution of 8 percent and an additional 2 percent employer contribution if the employee matches the 2 percent. Additional duties include serving as DPW director and zoning administrator.

DEADLINE April 28th, 2025

Community Brochure

Reference Check Consent Form 

To Apply: 

Please submit resume, cover letter, consent form, and five professional references to: 

Email: execsearch@mml.org
Subject Line: Munising Search

Questions can be directed to MML Executive Recruiter Glenn Anderson at ganderson@mml.org.

Candidates desiring confidentiality of their interest, as allowed for and provided by Michigan law, must indicate such in a separate subject line above the body of the cover letter.

This search is conducted by an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of Munising will consider applicants who value small-town way of life, and have knowledge of local government operations and management experience. Applicants should have: 

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience may be substituted for educational requirements. Three (3) years experience in governmental management or five (5) years in business management or equivalent. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license 
• Residency is preferred