Show notes
Abilene, Kansas is looking for an experienced City Manager to help move an ambitious community forward. With an engaged city commission, a collaborative staff and major projects underway, the next leader will have an opportunity to build on work already in motion.
Abilene City Manager opportunity and application information:
https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/abilene-kansas-city-manager-posting
In this PositionCast™ episode of The Clear Voice, host James Groom joins Mayor Brandon Rein, Interim City Manager Jon Quinday and Clear Career Professionals Vice President Mark Shrives for a candid conversation about the organization, the community and what it will take to succeed in the role.
The discussion goes beyond the recruitment brochure. Jon shares how department leaders worked together to resolve a $160,000 budget gap without cutting operations. Mayor Rein explains why communication, visibility and a genuine commitment to Abilene matter. Together, they discuss financial challenges, long-term planning, housing growth, an industrial park project and a new sports complex.
Candidates will hear why Abilene wants a leader who will take time to understand the community, support its employees and work alongside the city commission rather than arrive with a plan to change everything immediately.
And because this is Abilene, there is plenty to talk about outside City Hall: Eisenhower, Wild West history, parks, schools, historic homes, trains and greyhounds. The conversation even opens with a friendly challenge to Denison, Texas over which community has the better claim to Ike.
In this episode:
- Building a productive relationship with the city commission
- Supporting a collaborative, customer-focused city staff
- Addressing financial challenges through long-term planning
- Advancing development, housing and recreation projects
- Leading with experience, adaptability and approachability
- Becoming part of the community, not just its city manager
- Understanding the application process and Clear’s candidate communication
Opportunity details
Salary range: $160,000–$180,000
First review of applications: November 6, 2026
The position is open until filled.
Send a cover letter and résumé in PDF format to applyabilene@clearcareerpro.com.
For questions, contact Mark Shrives at mark@clearcareerpro.com.
Chapters
00:00 A community ready for its next leader
00:58 Introducing the Abilene City Manager opportunity
02:18 Abilene vs. Denison: Who gets to claim Eisenhower?
03:31 Mayor Brandon Rein’s path to public service
08:27 Jon Quinday’s journey into city management
11:07 Building trust with the city commission
16:45 Customer service and the city organization
20:39 A team approach to solving budget challenges
23:57 Financial challenges and growth opportunities
27:07 Priorities for the next City Manager
29:33 A new sports complex and community investment
32:34 Experience, leadership and community expectations
36:51 Being visible and involved in Abilene
39:31 Life in Abilene: Schools, history and amenities
46:00 Applying and staying informed
47:29 Final advice for candidates
51:50 Closing and next steps
Connect with Clear Career Professionals
Follow Clear Career Professionals on LinkedIn and sign up for our newsletter to keep up with recruitment opportunities and leadership conversations.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/clear-career-pro/
The Clear Voice:
https://theclearvoice.net
Abilene City Manager opportunity and application information:
https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/abilene-kansas-city-manager-posting
Purchase 540 Leadership by Michael Boese: https://amzn.to/4h43L3U
The views and opinions expressed on The Clear Voice do not necessarily reflect those of Clear Career Professionals. The discussion of any company, product, or service is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement.
Connect With Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a Texas based municipal executive search firm specializing in City Manager search services, municipal executive search, and local government leadership consulting for cities and counties across Texas and the United States.
Clear works with communities to recruit City Managers, City Administrators, Assistant City Managers, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Finance Directors, HR Directors, and other senior municipal leaders.
In addition to executive search services, Clear provides local government leadership training, organizational assessments, executive coaching, interim leadership placements, and strategic consulting designed to strengthen city organizations and support effective public service leadership.
Clear partners with city councils, county commissioners, and public sector leadership teams seeking experienced municipal professionals who can guide growing communities, manage complex organizations, and deliver strong public service outcomes.
Career Opportunities
https://clearcareerpro.com/career-opportunities
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