The City of Arvada has launched a national search for its next city manager.
The move comes four months after City Council accepted the resignation of then-City Manager Lorie Gillis on July 1, 2024.
Sacramento-based CPS HR Consulting, a leading national executive search firm specializing in public sector employment, is assisting the city with the search.
The application period for the position opened Nov. 1, according to a news release from the City of Arvada.
Reporting directly to the City Council, the city manager leads Arvada’s strategic initiatives across five core areas: safe community, organizational and service effectiveness, vibrant community and neighborhoods, community and economic development, and infrastructure.
This position calls for a “visionary leader” skilled in balancing strategic planning with resource management to align closely with the Council’s long-term Strategic Plan.
Arvada residents are encouraged to participate in the selection process, according to city officials, underscoring its commitment to active community engagement.
The city has launched an online survey at www.arvadaco.gov/1151/City-Manager-Selection, where residents can share perspectives on what qualities they’d like to see in the next city manager.
A recruiting brochure published by the search firm states that the salary range for the position is $300,000 to $330,000 annually, based on experience — candidates with Colorado Home Rule experience are preferred.
Interested candidates may apply online at www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2407/.
Following the application period, which closes on Dec. 1, 2024, candidates will undergo a thorough selection process conducted by the city, with top candidates presented to the City Council.
Finalists for the position will be announced in December, followed by an open house event where residents can meet and interact with them ahead of the final selection.
Gillis, whose last day was Aug. 2, was hired as Arvada’s deputy city manager in 2014 before being appointed city manager in 2022 after Mark Deven — who held the position for more than a decade — announced his retirement.
The council approved Gillis’ resignation at an executive session held on July 1. Her last day with the city was Aug. 2.
"Serving as your City Manager has been an honor,” Gillis said in a statement to city employees. “Together, we have achieved significant milestones that have shaped our community for the better. I remain confident in our city's bright future, and above all, I appreciated working with this talented city team."
Gillis, whose base salary was $260,000 annually, resigned from the position following an executive session in July. She was awarded a $320,000 severance package, in which both the city and Gillis are bound by a non-disparagement clause.
In an email to city employees, Gillis cited “personal reflection" as her reason for departure.
Before joining the city, Gillis, who served as Arvada’s first female city manager, held the role of director of finance for Jefferson County Public Schools from 2004 to 2014.