CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City of College Place, WA

First Review: September 7, 2025
Salary: Up to $173,004 annually DOQ

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Job Description
Benefits Summary


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The City of College Place is seeking a City Administrator for this welcoming community of 10,054 residents situated in the rolling hills of southeastern Washington. Adjacent to the city of Walla Walla and about 50 minutes from the Tri-Cities metro area, College Place offers a peaceful lifestyle that blends small-town warmth with agricultural heritage and academic vibrancy. Located in Walla Walla County, the city is best known as the home of Walla Walla University, bringing youthful energy and cultural vitality to the community. 

THE CITY OF COLLEGE PLACE

The City of College Place serves a population of 10,054 across 3.6 square miles with a 2025 budget of $102 million and a team of 66 FTEs. Departments include Administration, Community Development, Finance, Fire, Police, and Public Works. The City operates under the Mayor-Council form of government with a seven-member City Council.  

The Mayor is a leader who empowers the City Administrator and senior staff while the City Council is action-oriented and enjoys a strong, respectful relationship with the Mayor and staff. The senior leadership team is high-functioning, cohesive, and deeply connected to the community and staff are committed, knowledgeable, and take pride in public service.  

WHY APPLY

This position offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced local government professional to make a meaningful and lasting impact on a thriving community on the cusp of a significant growth cycle. College Place combines a small-town feel with the energy of a college town and a solid commercial foundation already in place—a community that exceeds expectations for its size, with the drive and capability to shape its future. Residents are engaged and proud of where they live, and the city’s family-friendly character is mirrored within the organization itself, where a close, collaborative, and supportive staff culture has created a family-like dynamic. The City has built a reputation for being well-run and forward-thinking, offering the next City Administrator the opportunity to further improve upon its success. If you are looking for the chance to shape the future of a growing and dynamic community, College Place may be the opportunity for you. 

For questions on this position, please contact:

Dave Zabell
GMP Consultants
dzabell@gmphr.com
(509) 834-9343