Initiation of Recruitment Process for City Manager Copyrighted
June 1, 2026
City of Dubuque ACTION ITEMS # 11.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Initiation of Recruitment Process for City Manager
SUMMARY: City Attorney requesting direction regarding the initiation of
the recruitment process for the next City Manager for the City
of Dubuque.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Council
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Mayor Council Memo CM Recruitment 052826
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Shelley Stickfort, Chief Human Resources Officer
Kristen Dietz, Talent Acquisition Manager
DATE: May 27, 2026
RE: Initiation of Recruitment Process for City Manager
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request direction from the Mayor and City Council
regarding the initiation of the recruitment process for the next City Manager for the City
of Dubuque. Given the importance of the position and the anticipated timeline necessary
to conduct a comprehensive recruitment and selection process, staff is seeking guidance
on the preferred recruitment approach.
DISCUSSION
The recruitment of a City Manager is one of the most significant responsibilities of the City
Council. The process should provide an opportunity to identify highly qualified candidates
with demonstrated leadership experience, strong organizational management skills, and
the ability to advance the strategic priorities of the community and organization.
Staff has identified two potential approaches for Council consideration. Please note that
both timelines outlined below is provided for planning purposes only and represents an
estimated recruitment schedule. Timeframes may be modified based on City Council
goals and priorities and any recommendations or direction provided by the Mayor and
City Council during the recruitment process. The anticipated start date will be determined
based on the selected candidate's availability, with the intent of providing an overlap
period to support an effective transition, if feasible.
Option 1 — Request for Proposals (RFP) for External Recruitment Services
Under this option, the City would develop and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP)
seeking qualified executive recruitment firms specializing in local government leadership
recruitment. Following evaluation of proposals, the City Council would select a
recruitment consultant to facilitate the process.
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This option allows the City to evaluate multiple firms, approaches, and pricing structures
before selecting a consultant. The additional procurement process, however, extends the
overall recruitment timeline.
Potential Timeline — Option 1
• July 1 — September 30, 2026: Development of RFP, advertisement, proposal
review, interviews, and selection of recruitment consultant
• October 1, 2026 — January 15, 2027: Development of recruitment materials, job
posting, advertising, candidate outreach, and preliminary screening
• January 15 — March 30, 2027: Interview and finalist selection process
• April 1, 2027: Recommendation of final candidate to City Council
• June 1, 2027: Anticipated start date for selected City Manager
Option 2 — Proceed with Staff-Recommended Recruitment Service
Under this option, staff would bring forward a recommended executive recruitment service
for City Council consideration and approval, allowing the recruitment process to begin
more immediately without conducting a formal RFP process.
This approach would expedite the recruitment timeline while still utilizing a professional
executive recruitment firm experienced in municipal executive searches. In addition, the
timeline would provide additional opportunities for City Council and other identified
stakeholders to participate in candidate review, screening, and engagement throughout
the recruitment and interview process.
Potential Timeline — Option 2
• July 1 — October 1, 2026: Development of recruitment materials, job posting,
advertising, candidate outreach, and preliminary screening
• October 1, 2026 — January 30, 2027: Interview and finalist selection process
• February 1, 2027: Recommendation of final candidate to City Council
• April 1, 2027: Anticipated start date for selected City Manager
ACTION REQUESTED
Staff respectfully request direction from the Mayor and City Council regarding:
1. Whether the City should conduct a formal RFP process for executive recruitment
services; or
2. Whether staff should proceed with a recommended recruitment service to expedite
the recruitment and selection timeline.
2
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