Town Manager Search Consultant RFP

The Town of Sandwich Select Board, Massachusetts is requesting proposals for a Town Manager Search Consultant to support recruitment and selection of a new Town Manager with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027; proposals are due October 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

The consultant will source, recruit, evaluate, and refer qualified candidates through networking, resume review, interview scheduling and conduct, reference checking, and guidance on HR best practices and legal compliance. Key deliverables include developing selection criteria and realistic timelines, preparing job descriptions and marketing materials, and conducting candidate interviews. The town serves approximately 20,000 residents with 220 year-round general government employees, holds an AA+ bond rating, and has stable municipal operations.

Minimum qualifications are three years' experience providing recruitment services and successful completion of at least three similar Town Manager or Town Administrator searches for comparable Massachusetts municipalities within the past 36 months. The lead consultant must have at least three years' experience conducting Town Manager or Town Administrator searches in Massachusetts.

The contract term runs from approximately November 1, 2026 through July 1, 2027. The consultant must submit a fixed fee without conditions or exceptions, inclusive of all advertising costs, promotional materials, and out-of-pocket expenses. If the selected candidate leaves within the first 12 months of employment, the consultant must conduct another search at out-of-pocket expenses only.

Technical proposals (one original plus six hard copies and one electronic copy) will be evaluated on proposer experience and key personnel, implementation plan and schedule, recruitment strategies, recruitment materials, and references. Price proposals must be submitted sealed. Interviews with top-ranked proposers are anticipated in late October or early November 2026. Award is expected at a Select Board meeting in November 2026, with a Town Manager job offer targeted for April 2027.