City of Santa Fe Invites Qualified Candidates to Apply for City Manager Position

The City of Santa Fe is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the position of city manager, offering an opportunity to join Mayor Michael J. Garcia's administration and help lead one of New Mexico's most prominent municipal organizations.

The city manager reports directly to Mayor Garcia and oversees the day-to-day operations of the City with approximately 1,400 employees. The position plays a critical role in delivering municipal services, implementing policy priorities and ensuring the effective, responsible management of city operations.

"Selecting a city manager is one of the most important decisions of this administration," Mayor Garcia said. "I am looking for an experienced leader who understands the responsibility of public service, knows how to build strong teams and is committed to delivering results for our residents. Santa Fe deserves a city government that is responsive, accountable and focused on building a safe, healthy and prosperous community for everyone. Interim City Manager Brian Moya has done an extortionary job and the City deserves to find someone who can continue to serve the City as he has."

The mayor is seeking a leader with demonstrated experience managing a high-performing, service-oriented organization. Management experience in governmental organizations is required. Candidates should have the leadership, operational and strategic management skills necessary to guide a large municipal organization and work effectively with elected officials, employees and the community.

Leading Santa Fe also means understanding the responsibility of balancing growth with the preservation of the community's unique character. City leadership is focused on expanding economic opportunity and housing affordability while ensuring that Santa Fe remains accessible to its multigenerational residents and preserves the cultural richness that makes the city distinctive.

Santa Fe operates under a strong-mayor form of government. The mayor serves as the city's chief executive and chairs the Governing Body, which consists of the mayor and eight City Councilors. Under the City Charter, the mayor appoints the city manager, city attorney and city clerk, subject to confirmation by the Governing Body.

As the capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe has a residential population of approximately 90,000, with a daily population that grows through tourism and business activity. The city is internationally recognized for its cultural heritage, history, arts, museums, food and hospitality.

"The person selected will have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Santa Fe residents," Garcia said. "We need a leader who values our employees, listens to our community and understands that strong municipal services are the foundation of a strong city. I welcome qualified candidates who share that commitment to consider joining our administration."

Interested candidates should submit a current resume and cover letter through the City of Santa Fe's online employment portal. Application deadline is no later than December 18, 2026 with the first interviews anticipated to start at the beginning of the new year.

The adopted city manager job description, including duties and authorities established under the City Municipal Code, is available for review as part of the recruitment announcement.

Mayor Garcia welcomes qualified candidates interested in joining his administration who are committed to building a safe, healthy and prosperous Santa Fe for all.