City Manager

The City of Princeton is seeking a City Manager to lead one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities. Following unprecedented growth and the recent lifting of a temporary development moratorium, Princeton is poised for its next chapter and seeks a leader who can guide the organization through rapid expansion while preserving its strong sense of community. Reporting to the City Council, the City Manager will oversee a growing organization responsible for supporting a population projected to double over the next decade. Key priorities include maintaining financial sustainability, advancing a $109 million capital improvement program, expanding staffing and service delivery, and strengthening public safety and infrastructure. Equally important will be diversifying the City’s tax base through strategic economic development initiatives and fostering strong partnerships with developers, regional agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and highly visible leader with a proven record of success in fast-growing municipal environments. Princeton seeks someone who communicates openly, builds trust, develops talent, and aligns departments. This executive must be comfortable navigating growth-related challenges, advising elected officials, and balancing long-term strategic planning with day-to-day operational excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity for a servant leader passionate about building organizations, developing people, and helping shape the future of a dynamic, rapidly evolving Texas community.

The City Council has set a salary range of $219,647.65 to $351,436.14 for the next City Manager, a range designed to be competitive with peer high-growth Texas communities and to reflect the scope of the challenge ahead.

Beyond salary, Princeton provides a genuinely strong benefits foundation: full-time employees are covered at 100% for health, dental, and vision, with the City contributing to TMRS retirement at a 2:1 match once vested. The City also offers a four-day work week, 15 holidays plus a birthday holiday, generous vacation and sick accrual, tuition and training reimbursement, and longevity pay that grows with tenure.

On top of that foundation, the City Council is prepared to build an executive compensation package tailored to the right candidate, historically including elements such as a car allowance, deferred compensation, and City-provided technology, with the specifics to be negotiated directly with the Mayor and Council as part of the offer. Relocation assistance is available, and there is no residency requirement, though the City values a City Manager who is visible, engaged, and present in the community.

For more information or to apply» Graduate degree (MPA, MBA, or closely related field)
» Eight or more years of progressively responsible local government leadership experience
» Demonstrated success managing growth, budgets, and multi-departmental operations in a municipal
setting
» Valid Texas driver’s license (or ability to obtain one) and reliable transportation
» Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening
» Willingness to be available and responsive around the clock, particularly in the first year
Recruitment by CPS HR Consulting

 For more information or to apply

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of six work-related references (two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues who will not be contacted without prior notification) at the link above. Your resume should reflect years and months of employment with beginning and ending dates.

This recruitment will remain open until filled, with a first review of applications on Friday, October 2, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply early for full consideration.

Confidential inquiries are welcome.

For additional information about this position, please contact:
Abby Ackers
Principal Executive Recruiter
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cpshr.us