Black Mountain, Town Manager

Management Services; Black Mountain (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Black Mountain is seeking an experienced Town Manager to guide city operations, lead departments, and advance post-storm recovery in Buncombe County, NC. The role requires collaboration with Council and staff, and a commitment to transparent governance.

The successful candidate will bring five years of progressive leadership, preferably in NC municipal administration, and may hold a master's degree. ICMA/NCCCMA credentials are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in finance, business, or public administration.
• 5 years progressive experience including 3 years in senior management.
• Experience directing diverse local government services and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Town operations including Police, Fire, Public Works, Sanitation, Planning and Development, parks and recreation.
• Lead infrastructure recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene.
• Manage an operating budget and maintain strong fiscal health.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree (finance, business or public administration)

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

ICMA membership

NCCCMA membership

Job description

Town Manager – Black Mountain

Description The Town of Black Mountain is moving forward with new leadership as they engage in a search for Town Manager. For the past year, the town has benefited from the stable leadership of a respected and seasoned Town Manager. New members of the Town Council and a new Mayor are focused on supportive and open communication between the Council, staff, and the citizens. The Town of Black Mountain is seeking an experienced public administrator to serve as its next Town Manager. The Town is recovering from a natural disaster in the form of Hurricane Helene, which will provide challenging, yet rewarding work for the individual selected for this position.

Black Mountain is a beautiful and growing community located in Buncombe County, NC. The Town consists of 7 square miles with a vibrant downtown historic district which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sits 15 miles east of Asheville, NC between the Great Smoky and Black Mountains. With an elevation of 2,405 feet above sea level, the region provides wonderful year-round recreational opportunities. A thriving Black Mountain Downtown district is host to a variety of businesses, festivals and activities throughout the year. This beautiful mountain community strives to maintain its identity and quality of life for year-round residents and the nearly 2 million people who visit annually.

In addition to the Administration department, the Manager will lead the Town's departments including Police, Fire, Public Works and Sanitation Services, Planning and Development, municipal golf course and Parks and Recreation. The Manager will lead continuing infrastructure recovery efforts resulting from the effects of Hurricane Helene. The Town, home to over 8,400 residents, employs 110 full-time employees, 13 volunteer firefighters and six elected officials. Well managed fiscally, the Town has an operating budget of $19,568,250 in FY 25-26, and a $4,035,127 fund balance.

The Town seeks an experienced public administrator with 5 years of progressive experience, including three years of senior organizational management experience, preferably in NC municipal administration. This experience should include directing diverse local government services and supervising staff. The current position is an opportunity to build new positive relationships in the Town and community. The Council well understands the Council-Manager form of government and respects the roles and boundaries of elected policy making and staff implementation.

The basic desired qualifications include a bachelor degree in finance, business, or public administration. A candidate may distinguish themselves with a master's degree. Black Mountain places an emphasis on the Town Manager being a member of the International City and County Management Association (ICMA) and the North Carolina City and County Management Association (NCCCMA). The Council supports and encourages the Manager to be or become an ICMA credentialed manager within a reasonable period of being employed.

The hiring range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 based upon the candidate's qualifications and experience and is supplemented by an excellent benefits package.

Position open until filled with review of candidates to begin on December 7th, 2026.

The Town of Black Mountain is an equal opportunity employer.

EOE Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and participate in the e-verification program.

This position is currently accepting applications.