The City of Leadville, CO is seeking applicants for City Administrator. To view full job posting go to: www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions
The Position
The City Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer and serves at the direction of the Mayor with oversight from the City Council. He/she is responsible for the overall day-to-day operation of the City government, including the efficient management of budget and the work of all City departments.
The City Administrator guides City operations in accordance with municipal management principles, City ordinances and resolutions, and applicable State and Federal laws. He/she provides information and recommendations to the City Council and works to advance long-range goals and implement solutions.
The City Administrator collaborates with Lake County government officials, partner organizations and other stakeholders to preserve and improve the City’s identity, service delivery and fiscal stability.
Leadville employes 53 full-time staff and 26 part-time employees. The City Administrator’s direct reports include the Deputy City Clerk, the Fire Chief, the Police Chief, the Finance Director, the Planning Director, the Human Resource Manager, the Animal Shelter Manager, the Streets Department Manager and the Administrative Assistant.
The City Administrator ensures a collaborative culture promoting a productive, safe, inclusive, and diverse workforce. He/she actively seeks employee input and supports individual growth to empower employees to do their best work in service to the City and its residents.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, Finance or a closely related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public administration with three (3) years at a Department Head level. An equivalent level of experience may be considered. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Master’s degree is preferred. Managerial Credentials from a City/County Management Association is a plus.
The Ideal Candidate
A strong municipal leader brings operational expertise and the judgment, steadiness, and strategic perspective required to guide a city through routine governance and periods of change.
¨ Operational Oversight — Has demonstrated success overseeing the full spectrum of municipal operations, including finance, public works, planning, utilities, public safety, and administrative services. Aligns departments around shared goals to ensure accountability for results.
¨ Governance & Council Relations — Works effectively within a council–administrator form of government. Provides clear, unbiased information to elected officials, implements Council directions, and maintains a professional, respectful relationship even when navigating differing viewpoints.
¨ Policy Execution — Translates policy decisions into actionable plans. Ensures ordinances, resolutions, and strategic priorities are implemented consistently, legally, and with measurable outcomes.
¨ Leadership Under Constraints — Has experience leading in environments with limited resources, staffing challenges, or aging infrastructure. Makes thoughtful, data-informed decisions that balance community needs with fiscal realities.
¨ Community-Facing Leadership — Serves as a visible, trusted representative of the City. Engages with residents, businesses, and partner agencies in a way that builds confidence in municipal leadership and strengthens civic trust.
¨ Crisis & Incident Management — Is capable of leading during emergencies, weather events, infrastructure failures, or other critical incidents. Coordinates effectively with regional partners and communicates clearly with the public.
¨ Long-Term Stewardship — Approaches leadership with a long-term perspective, ensuring decisions support sustainable growth, responsible budgeting, and the preservation of Leadville’s unique character.
Summary of Benefits
¨ The City Administrator has the option to participate in City health insurance plan (Anthem) as well as a dental plan, vision plan and a supplemental life insurance plan. Coverage may be extended to a spouse and /or dependents.
¨ Optional participation in Colorado FAMLI insurance (paid by the City)
¨ A 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is available after six months of employment (VOYA)
¨ Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued at 4.62 hours per paid period. Accrual increases to 6.92 hours per paid period after one year employment, and to 8.85 hours per paid period after three years of service.
¨ AFLAC plans are available for purchase.
¨ The City issues a cell phone and laptop.
¨ A moving allowance is negotiable. Transitional / temporary housing may be available.
Opportunities & Challenges
The new City Administrator will be challenged to balance the broad responsibilities of managing a City while addressing the day-to-day business, service and operations matters. This requires collaboration with the community partners, residents, local businesses and other key stakeholders, (e.g. the County, non-profits, the school district, etc.) Specific challenges include: creating a City asset management plan; modernizing and updating the City of Leadville’s policies and practices; recruiting and maintaining appropriate staffing; addressing and adapting to deferred maintenance of City facilities and infrastructure; and navigating shared services with Lake County. For example, the Animal Shelter and the Fire Department are City departments, and associated costs are shared with Lake County whereas the Lake County 911-Dispatch is a County-run department and costs are shared with the City.
Apply Online- www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions
Provide a cover letter, resume and contact information for six (6) professional references. Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 - 5:00 PM Mountain
Questions? KRW Associates LLC is assisting the City of Leadville, CO with this search. Questions may be directed to: www.krw-associates.com/contact or to KRW Managing Partner Lorne Kramer | 719-310-8960 or KRW Senior Associates Mark Collins | 307-460-1941 or Gina McGrail | 303-249-9572.
The City of Leadville is an equal opportunity employer.
The City & Surrounding Area
Leadville, Colorado, (population 2,633), may be small, but it stands tall—literally. At nearly 10,200 feet, it’s the highest incorporated city in the nation, a place where history, adventure, and community come together in a way that feels uniquely Colorado. Founded in 1877 by Horace Tabor and August Meyer, Leadville’s mining legacy is woven into the fabric of the town, visible in its museums, historic buildings, and beautifully preserved Victorian architecture.
Today, Leadville is a thriving year-round destination. Its walkable downtown is filled with local shops and restaurants, all framed by sweeping mountain views. Tourism now leads the local economy, and the community has embraced its role as a hub for outdoor recreation. Ski Cooper sits just minutes away, while the Vail and Copper Mountain resorts are within an easy one-hour drive. Beyond world-class skiing, Leadville offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and climbing—especially for those eager to climb Colorado’s iconic 14ers. It is also a popular destination for elite endurance athletes who benefit from training at a high elevation.
The town shares a deep connection to the 10th Mountain Division, whose historic training grounds lie just 20 minutes away and now host popular hut-to-hut ski-adventures.
Despite its size, Leadville offers robust amenities: the Colorado Mountain College (listed as one of the nation’s top 25 community colleges) has its main campus in town. The Lake County School District offers high-quality K–12 schools. There is 24/7 emergency medical care through St. Vincent Health, as well as a public library, a golf course, and historic landmarks like the Tabor Home and Tabor Opera House.
Annual traditions and gatherings such as the 4th of July celebration, the Parade of Lights, the Leadville Race Series, the Leadville Boom Days International Pack Burro Race, the Leadville Ski Joring Weekend and summer farmer’s markets bring the community together year-round.
Leadville, the county seat of Lake County, is a statutory city governed by a mayor and six-member city council. It is truly a hidden gem with a rich history and a bright future.
To learn more, go to: Home Page | Leadville, CO; Leadville/Lake County Visitor Center - Visit Leadville Twin Lakes and Annual Events - Visit Leadville Twin Lakes.
