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Opportunity closes on 10/16/2026 at 5PM!
A City Manager Opportunity Built on Momentum
Bridgeport, Texas is searching for its next City Manager, but this is not a recruitment driven by a city trying to recover from organizational turmoil.
That point came through clearly in our latest PositionCast.
Mayor Susan Coffman and Place 5 Councilmember Matt Van Hoose joined The Clear Voice to talk about the organization, the community, the growth already underway, and the kind of leader they believe can help Bridgeport build on a strong foundation.
As Mayor Coffman explained, the previous City Manager did not leave because something had gone wrong.
“If we could clone the one we had before, we would.”
For candidates, that distinction matters. Bridgeport is looking for someone who can step into an organization with experienced department leaders, a supportive City Council, and significant momentum already underway.
A Council That Wants Its Manager to Manage
Communication came up repeatedly throughout the conversation.
Mayor Coffman and Councilmember Van Hoose described a Council that wants to stay informed but also has confidence in its professional staff and department heads. They are not looking for a City Manager who needs Council approval for every operational decision.
Instead, they want a manager who communicates openly, provides timely updates, delivers difficult news directly, and builds strong relationships with both the governing body and employees.
Van Hoose described the City as a team of people rather than simply a collection of equipment, infrastructure, and facilities. Both elected officials emphasized the strength of Bridgeport's department heads and the importance of maintaining that trust.
For the next City Manager, the expectation is straightforward: lead the organization, communicate well, and keep the Council informed.
Growth Is Already Happening
One of the most significant parts of the conversation focused on Bridgeport's growth.
The City currently has four housing developments in various stages of completion, representing approximately 1,000 homes.
Some of that new housing is not simply accommodating newcomers. Mayor Coffman explained that existing Bridgeport families are looking for opportunities for their children and grandchildren to remain in the community.
One newer neighborhood, she said, has been heavily occupied by people who were already Bridgeport residents.
Commercial development is also continuing along US 380 and the SH 114/101 corridor.
The challenge for the next City Manager will not simply be attracting growth. It will be helping Bridgeport manage that growth at a pace that protects the qualities residents already value.
Water, electricity, streets, facilities, long-range planning, and other infrastructure will all be part of that conversation.
Van Hoose described it as finding the right size for Bridgeport in the future: enough growth to create more housing, shopping, employment, and opportunity without losing the community's small-town character.
A Full-Service Organization With Some Unusual Assets
Bridgeport offers a City Manager an unusually broad municipal portfolio.
The City operates its own electric utility and municipal airport in addition to the traditional responsibilities of a full-service municipality.
The organization also includes economic development, Main Street, parks and recreation, public safety, public works, a public library, municipal court, development services, and other core services.
Bridgeport recently added its first full-time paid firefighters to a department that has historically relied heavily on volunteer service.
Downtown is also continuing to evolve. The City has an active Main Street program, and a new outdoor amphitheater and downtown gathering space known as The Hub is part of that ongoing investment.
Those responsibilities create an opportunity for a City Manager who wants exposure to a wide range of municipal operations rather than a narrowly defined administrative role.
Bridgeport Is More Than the Job
Candidates considering Bridgeport are also considering the community they will call home.
Lake Bridgeport provides boating, fishing, and other water recreation nearby.
The Northwest OHV Park attracts roughly 20,000 visitors annually and includes more than 300 acres of off-road terrain. The surrounding recreation area also includes equestrian trails, mountain bike trails, and walking opportunities.
Bridgeport offers a golf course, parks, trails, a municipal swimming pool, recreation facilities, hotels, and a downtown that both guests described as increasingly active.
The community also takes considerable pride in Bridgeport ISD.
Mayor Coffman and Councilmember Van Hoose both raised their families in the district and spoke about generations of families remaining connected to the schools. They also highlighted recent athletic success, including a state title in soccer, along with a long history of community involvement in school programs.
That connection between the City, schools, businesses, volunteers, and other local organizations was one of the strongest themes of the episode.
What Bridgeport Wants in Its Next City Manager
Technical experience matters, but Bridgeport's elected officials are looking for more than a résumé.
They want someone who communicates well, understands municipal finance, supports employees, and is comfortable being visible in the community.
They also want someone who will become part of Bridgeport.
That might mean talking with residents at a restaurant, attending community events, developing relationships with local partners, and helping a spouse or family become connected to the community as well.
Most importantly, Bridgeport is not looking for someone ready to put the organization on cruise control.
The next City Manager will inherit momentum, and the expectation is to recognize what is working, improve what can be improved, and help move the City forward.
As Van Hoose put it near the end of the conversation:
“This is the perfect time to come on board.”
Learn More About the Opportunity
The City Manager position offers a salary range of $180,000 to $210,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Candidates can learn more about the position, qualifications, community, and recruitment process through Clear Career Professionals.
Apply and learn more:
https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/bridgeport-texas-city-manager-job-posting
Watch or listen to Episode #90 of The Clear Voice to hear directly from Mayor Susan Coffman, Councilmember Matt Van Hoose, and recruiter Brad Stafford about the City Manager opportunity and the future of Bridgeport.
About The Clear Voice Podcast
The Clear Voice is a dedicated platform for transparency and expert led dialogue within the professional and public sectors. The show serves as a vital resource for leaders who want to move past surface level discussions and dive into the real world mechanics of governance, management, and organizational growth. James Groom is the host of the program.
About Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a specialized recruitment and strategic consulting firm focused on the public sector. We believe that the strength of any municipality or school district lies in the quality of its leadership and the cohesion of its teams. Our team is comprised of former practitioners and retired executives who understand the nuances of public service. We provide organizations with more than just a list of candidates; we provide the strategic oversight and expertise necessary to navigate transitions, maximize taxpayer funds, and implement long term solutions.
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