Request for Proposals: Executive Search Firm for City Manager Recruitment

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANT/FIRM

CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT

November 18, 2025

Introduction

The City of Harbor Springs, situated on Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, is in the process of recruiting for its next City Manager. The new City Manager shall possess strong leadership and communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with the City Council and appointed officials, and an aptitude to motivate and ensure accountability among several department heads. Departments include Public Works, Electric, Police, Assessing, Zoning, City Clerk/Treasurer, Parks & Recreation, and Harbormaster. Harbor Springs is approximately 1.3 square miles in area and has a year-round population of over 1,200. The City’s electric utility extends into the neighboring townships and has about 3,700 customers. The City’s 2025 budget across all funds is approximately $18.7 million.

Proposal Requirements

The City Council will consider proposals from Executive Search Consultants/Firms with specific experience and success in recruiting city managers and administrators for similarly situated and sized municipalities. The City Council reserves the right to make the final hiring decision. All proposals must include the following:

1. Firm name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and primary contact person.
2. Brief history of the firm, including number of years’ experience and number of employees.
3. List of recent municipal recruitments conducted with contact names for reference checks.
4. A tentative plan and schedule of how the firm will conduct the selection process.
5. Identification of specific services to be provided (such as creation of recruitment profile, candidate screening process, background check, reference check, etc.).
6. Total fee for recruitment.

Proposals are due to Victor Sinadinoski, City Manager, by 12:00 PM (noon) on Thursday, December 4. Please e-mail proposals to citymgr@cityofharborsprings.com or mail to 160 Zoll Street, PO Box 678, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Council will select a firm at its December 8 meeting, which will take place following a budget hearing at 7:00 PM at City Hall. Council strongly encourages consultants/firms to appear in person or via Zoom to answer questions or offer comments. (The Zoom meeting link can be found on the City’s website at www.cityofharborsprings.com).