City Manager Recruitment Services

The City of Dubuque, Iowa, is seeking professional consulting services for the recruitment, evaluation, and selection of a new city manager. The agency requires a full-service, end-to-end search process that culminates in the successful appointment of a qualified candidate. The selected partner will resolve the city's leadership vacancy by managing all phases of the executive search, from initial planning to final contract negotiations. The scope of work begins with project initiation, where the provider will review organizational documents and establish a detailed work plan and schedule. The chosen firm must then develop a comprehensive position profile and recruitment brochure that aligns with city brand standards. Following profile creation, the provider will execute a targeted national recruitment strategy to attract, screen, and vet potential candidates. Screening duties include conducting preliminary interviews, performing background research, and presenting a recommended pool of six to eight semi-finalists to the city. The provider must coordinate the interview process, develop evaluation tools, and conduct exhaustive background investigations covering education, employment, criminal, financial, media, and reputation history. Additionally, the partner will facilitate stakeholder engagement, support city council deliberations, and assist with employment agreement negotiations. Eligible bidders must be onshore organizations based in the United States. The agency expects the performance of the contract work to occur offsite. While the city has not disclosed a specific budget and is looking for proposals to define the cost, all clarifying questions regarding this opportunity must be submitted no later than July 10, 2026.