Transform Local Governance in the Shenandoah Valley

The City of Ranson, West Virginia – a vibrant, rapidly growing hub in the Eastern Panhandle—invites a visionary, collaborative executive to serve as its next City Manager.

Perfectly positioned 60 miles from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Ranson stands on the threshold of an extraordinary future. Combining rich historical roots with dynamic commercial development, neighborhood expansion, and major public infrastructure initiatives, Ranson is poised to become the region's premier model of sustainable, smart-growth municipal management.

Operating under the Mayor-Manager form of government, Ranson seeks an engaging, forward-thinking leader to partner with the Mayor and City Council in executing a shared vision for community vitality, economic resilience, and operational excellence. If you are an inspiring administrator ready to empower dedicated city staff, drive innovative capital projects, and help build a flourishing, modern city for generations to come, Ranson offers the ideal platform for your leadership. 

Key Opportunities & Priorities

• Collaborative Leadership: Partner closely with the Mayor and City Council to establish clear communication protocols, deliver full administrative transparency, and execute long-range council goals.
• Infrastructure Stewardship: Oversee key municipal capital projects, driven energy towards Ranson Comprehensive 2034 plan.  Public improvements, and civic facility upgrades.
• Executive Leadership: High-level responsibility and oversight for employees, contractors, guests, and visitors. 
• Fiscal Management: Maintain sound municipal budgeting, revenue management, and federal/state grant administration.
• Organizational Excellence: Foster an open, professional municipal work environment built on accountability, staff development, and responsive public service.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Minimum) from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field (master's degree / MPA or ICMA-CM designation strongly preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible municipal/ executive leadership experience (e.g., Municipal Management, Executive Directorship or Department Director).
• Proven track record of open communication with elected officials, legal thoroughness, transparent financial reporting, and effective public presentation.
• Valid Driver's License
• Residency is preferred within City of Ranson limits but not required.

To view the full position description, please visit www.ransonwv.gov. First review of applications to occur 60 days from posting date - tentatively scheduled January 4, 2027.