The Position
Come see what makes Kirkland one of the best places to live, work, and play and help make it even better! The City is seeking an experienced municipal leader to serve as the Deputy City Manager of Operations (DCMO). The DCMO serves as the City’s Chief Operating Officer. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with the energy and enthusiasm to help a high-performing organization achieve even more.
The DCMO serves as a key strategic and operational leader for the City of Kirkland, partnering closely with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager for External Affairs, and executive leadership team to advance the City’s goals, priorities, and organizational philosophy. This position provides executive-level leadership in the management of City operations, helping ensure effective coordination across departments and translating organizational priorities into action. The DCMO provides management direction on City services and leads complex, citywide initiatives that require collaboration across departments, agencies, and community partners.
As a people-centered leader, the DCMO helps foster a high-performing, collaborative, and supportive organization. This includes attracting, retaining, developing, and motivating talented professionals, supporting department leadership and organizational performance, and promoting a workplace grounded in respect, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The DCMO serves as Acting City Manager when required and represents the City Manager on matters requiring executive leadership, ensuring continuity of effective City operations and leadership.
The Deputy City Manager of Operations is an accomplished municipal executive with the experience, judgment, and presence to serve as Kirkland’s Chief Operating Officer and a trusted partner to the City Manager. A deep understanding of local government operations allows this leader to translate vision into results while balancing operational realities with policy direction, political considerations, regulatory requirements, and financial resources. With an ability to see both the details and the bigger picture, this leader connects issues across the organization and aligns people, resources, and priorities around effective service delivery.
Authentic, confident, and highly relational, the successful candidate thrives in a collaborative executive team and understands that effective leadership is grounded in partnership, trust, and collective success rather than title or visibility. An organized, action-oriented problem solver, the successful candidate understands how to move complex work forward in a large, interconnected organization. They create systems and structures to carry out key City projects and initiatives to a successful conclusion. Above all, the DCMO is genuinely committed to public service and to the people and community of Kirkland. Visible, accessible, and present, this leader builds strong relationships with department directors and employees while supporting their growth and development through authentic mentorship and coaching.
Qualifications
Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in local government is required. Deep knowledge of the municipal services Kirkland provides is essential, as is the ability to quickly understand the City’s political environment. Prior leadership experience overseeing complex services, programs, and projects is required. A strong understanding of internal services, especially Human Resources, Finance, and Information Technology, is essential.
A bachelor’s degree in public administration or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred. Any combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrates the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities will be considered. The selected candidate will need a valid Washington State Driver’s license and remain insurable under the City’s insurance.
Compensation and Benefits
The hiring range for the Deputy City Manager of Operations is $202,509 - $264,229 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Kirkland offers a competitive executive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and well-being of employees and their families. The City provides 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and dependents, along with a free employee health clinic, life and long-term disability insurance, and comprehensive retirement options. Additional benefits include generous vacation, sick leave, holidays, and management leave, as well as flexible spending and employee assistance programs, wellness resources, an onsite fitness center, and opportunities for community service. Employees also enjoy workplace perks such as free public transit, EV charging, parking, secure bike storage, and discounted childcare programs. For more information about Kirkland’s comprehensive benefits package, please review our Employee Benefits.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning October 19, 2026.
