Executive Search Services Department Directors and City Attorney

Request for Qualifications
Request for Qualifications - Executive Search Services
Planning and Community Services Director, Public Works Director, City
Attorney Recruitment
Publication date: September 25, 2026
The City of Bainbridge Island, Washington (City) respectfully invites the submission of qualifications from
firms interested in assisting the City Manager with the development of the City's leadership team
through the recruitment of its next Planning and Community Services Director, Public Works Director,
and City Attorney. The City seeks a firm to identify qualified candidates, develop an applicant pool, and
screen and vet candidates for these key positions. The City's specific needs are detailed in this Request
for Qualifications ("RFQ").
Background
The City of Bainbridge Island is in Kitsap County, Washington, and the entire island is incorporated as
one city. Bainbridge Island has an area of 28 square miles, with 52 miles of shoreline, dense forests,
mostly suburban development patterns, and an estimated population of 25,000.
The City operates under Washington State laws applicable to a non-charter code city with a Council-
Manager form of government, a structure adopted in 2009. The City is led by a new City Manager, who
began in September 2026. The City's leadership team has been supported by a contracted City Attorney
since 2023; interim Planning & Community Development and Public Works Directors have been in place
since June 2026.
The City provides the following municipal functions: general executive and administrative services,
police, emergency preparedness, judicial, water supply/treatment/distribution, sewer collection and
treatment, storm water (drainage) collection, street maintenance and construction, planning and
zoning, permits and inspections, some parks, and boat docks. Other local governments provide public
education, fire suppression, library, and most parks services. The city staff is comprised of 141 full-time
equivalent employees (FTE).
Submittals
Firms responding to this RFQ will provide a concise description of provider capabilities to satisfy the
requirements of the request. Each submittal must include the following components:
* History of the firm and experience or capacity to lead executive search processes for local
governments.
Page | 1

* Identify the specific individual assigned to this engagement, their experience with executive
recruitment, and their knowledge of municipal organizations and the roles of Planning and
Community Services Director, Public Works Director, and City Attorney. The City must be
assured that key team members will be available for the full term of the engagement and
provide the necessary attention and care this important recruitment requires.
* Discuss the approach, tasks, and steps.
o How will the firm identify potential candidates?
o How will the firm evaluate candidates?
o How will the firm present recommended candidates to the City Manager?
* Proposed schedule of work.
* Proposed fee.
* Details of any guarantees the firm provides.
Submittals must be received by 8:00 AM PST on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Submittals are limited to
15 pages, not counting the cover pages. Responses should be sent via email under the subject
"Executive Search Services" to Kate Brown, Human Resources Manager, City of Bainbridge Island
(kbrown@bainbridgewa.gov). Submittals received after the deadline will not be considered.
Email is the preferred method, but responses may also be mailed or dropped off at City Hall (Monday -
Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Print copies should be double-sided, with no cover or binding:
280 Madison Ave N
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Attention: Human Resources
Anticipated Compensation
Firms responding to this RFQ will include their proposed compensation plan with their submittal.
Review and Selection Process
It is assumed the City Manager, or an interview panel, will interview firms prior to making a selection.
Firms should be available for interviews at relatively short notice during the week of October 12 via
Zoom.
Tentative Schedule
Week of Oct. 5 - City to review proposals
Week of Oct. 12 - Potential interviews
Week of Oct. 20 - Finalize agreement
Terms and Conditions
Selected applicants will be required to execute a City of Bainbridge Island Professional Services
Agreement, obtain a City of Bainbridge Island Business License, and demonstrate compliance with the
City's insurance requirements (briefly explained below).
Page | 2

The City reserves the right not to select any of the applicants, and the right to select an individual or firm
not from this application process. The City further reserves the right to waive irregularities and
informalities in this process. This RFQ does not obligate the City to pay any cost incurred by applicants in
responding to this RFQ. All such costs shall be borne solely by each applicant. Furthermore, this RFQ
does not obligate the City to enter into a contract with any applicant responding to this RFQ.
Assurances of Nondiscrimination
Title VI
The City of Bainbridge Island, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will
affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged
business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this
invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in
consideration for an award.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information/Pledge
The City of Bainbridge Island in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all its
programs and activities.
We pledge to make our bid process accessible and user-friendly for everyone. If you are having difficulty
viewing or navigating the content of this document, or note any content, feature, or functionality that
you believe is not fully accessible to people with disabilities, please contact us at
cityadmin@bainbridgewa.gov or 206-842-2545 for assistance.
Please note the nature of your accessibility concern, the preferred format in which to receive the online
material (hard copies are available), the Web page address of the requested material, and the best way
to contact you.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The City of Bainbridge Island hereby notifies all bidders that all bidders and contractors will be selected,
compensated and, if necessary, terminated without regard to sex/gender, race, national origin, religion,
creed, color, marital status, veteran status, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender
identity, disability, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.
In alignment with the City of Bainbridge Island's equity and inclusion goals, we encourage organizations
led by those who identify as women or members of traditionally marginalized communities, or who are
or could be certified as Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE),
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), or equivalent to respond.
Page | 3