Township Manager

Lawrence Park Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania · Posted Nov 2, 2026

Open until filled

Lawrence Park Township

Lawrence Park Township is seeking a qualified Township Manager.

Position summary

Lawrence Park Township, a First Class Township just east of the City of Erie, is seeking an experienced, hands-on leader to serve as Township Manager. The Manager is appointed by and reports to the five-member Board of Commissioners and serves as the Township’s chief administrative officer under the First-Class Township Code of Pennsylvania.

Lawrence Park is a close-knit lakeside community that celebrated its centennial in 2026. The Township has a budget of about $4.6 million across five funds. Current staff includes a Treasurer, a part-time administrative assistant, a three-person Public Works crew with seasonal help, and a full-time police department with 24-hour coverage. The Township also works with an outside engineer, solicitor, accountants and payroll service. Because the team is small, the Manager is hands-on and is involved in almost every part of Township work. The Manager also serves as Township Secretary and Open Records Officer.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations, including administration, finance, public works, the sanitary sewer system and lift stations, parks, and zoning and code enforcement.
  • Prepare and present the annual operating and capital budget, manage spending through the year, and give regular budget updates to the Board.
  • Work with the Treasurer, outside accountants and auditors on financial reports, the annual audit, sewer billing and pension filings.
  • Prepare Board agendas, packets and minutes, attend Board meetings and work sessions, and carry out Board policy.
  • Support the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Recreation Board and other committees.
  • Manage purchasing, bidding and contracts under the Township Code, and oversee capital projects with the Township Engineer.
  • Supervise Township staff, manage payroll and leave, and recommend hiring and personnel actions to the Board.
  • Coordinate with the Police Chief on budget, facilities and shared operations.
  • Find, apply for and manage grants, including reporting to state and federal agencies.
  • Serve as Open Records Officer and make sure required state and county reports are filed on time.
  • Work with the Solicitor on ordinances, contracts, leases and legal matters.
  • Respond to resident questions and complaints, and keep the public informed through the website, alerts and social media.
  • Represent the Township with neighboring municipalities, the school district, Erie County, PennDOT, DCED and regional groups.

Current priorities

The next Manager will continue multiple projects already underway, including, but not limited to:

  • Long-term strategic infrastructure planning initiatives.
  • Joint municipal and grand funded projects.
  • Leasing and property maintenance of Township owned facilities.
  • Updating and re-codifying the Township Code.

Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, political science, planning or a related field is preferred but not required. Relevant work experience can take the place of a degree, including experience in local government, business, the military, nonprofits or community leadership.
  • At least three years of progressively responsible management experience, preferably in local government.
  • Experience preparing and managing a budget, and working knowledge of municipal finance and purchasing.
  • Strong writing, speaking and public presentation skills, and the ability to explain issues clearly to residents and officials.
  • Ability to stay professional and neutral in public meetings and to work well with an elected Board.
  • Strong organization and the ability to manage many projects and deadlines at once.
  • Knowledge of the First Class Township Code, Sunshine Act and Right-to-Know Law, or the ability to learn them quickly.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Valid driver’s license, and the ability to pass a background check and be bonded.

Preferred: a master’s degree in public administration or a related field; experience with a Pennsylvania municipality; and experience with grants, capital projects, public works or sewer operations, municipal pensions, municipal public safety departments and initiatives or labor relations.

Residency: Candidates do not need to live in the Township to apply. Township Code Section 229.02 requires the Manager to relocate to the Township within six months of hire, unless the Board approves otherwise. The Board welcomes qualified candidates from the surrounding area and will consider exceptions to this requirement.

Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The Township offers a competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Health and disability insurance, per Township policy
  • Membership in the Township’s Non-Uniformed Pension Plan, plus an optional 457(b) plan
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Township cell phone and laptop
  • Support for continuing education

Work schedule

The Manager works from the Township Building, but the job often takes them out of the office for site visits, regional meetings and work with partner agencies. Evening meetings are required several times a month, along with some weekend events and emergency call-outs, such as snowstorms or sewer problems.

Because the staff is small and much of the work happens outside the office, the Township offers a flexible schedule, including some remote work.

How to apply

Apply online here: Link to Apply

Alongside your online application please attach or directly email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Application packets may also be:

  • emailed directly to: clerk@lawrenceparktwp.org
  • mailed or dropped off to: 4230 Iroquois Avenue, Erie, PA 16511.

Please put “Township Manager” in the subject line. All applications will be kept confidential and the position will remain open until filled.

Lawrence Park Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.