County Manager

County of Davidson; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Davidson is seeking a County Manager to lead the county government, directing day-to-day operations and coordinating across departments. The role requires delivering services effectively, stewarding the budget, and collaborating with elected officials, staff, and the community.

Candidates should have a master’s degree in a related field and at least five years of progressive local government leadership experience, with ICMA-CM preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in local government.
• Experience as county/city manager or deputy preferred; equivalent combos considered.
• ICMA-CM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implements policies and priorities established by the Board of Commissioners.
• Provides timely, objective information to support policy and budget decisions.
• Prepares annual budget and capital improvement plan.
• Coordinates major capital projects and long-range planning.
• Represents the County in regional and state meetings.
• Leads department directors to align with priorities and accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial analysis

Budget preparation

Policy development

Public administration

Education

Master’s degree in public administration or related field

Tools

ICMA-CM

Job description

Starting salary based on qualifications and experience.

County Manager General Statement of Duties

The County Manager serves as the chief executive officer of Davidson County and is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of county government in accordance with policies established by the Board of Commissioners. The County Manager provides leadership and coordination across all county departments, oversees the development and administration of the county budget, directs the effective delivery of public services, and works closely with elected officials, employees, community organizations, businesses, and residents. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring sound judgment, strong communication skills, financial and operational expertise, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions

• Implements policies, directives, and priorities established by the Board of Commissioners.
• Provides the Board of Commissioners with timely, accurate, and objective information to support policy and budget decisions.
• Prepares and recommends programs and/or policies for adoption by the Board of Commissioners when, in his/her opinion, the institution of such programs would be in the best interest of the County.
• Plans, arranges, and schedules all meetings for the Board of Commissioners including the preparation of the agenda.
• Supervises department directors to ensure alignment with organizational priorities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Prepares and submits the annual budget and capital improvement plan with the general direction of the Board of Commissioners.
• Prepares a complete report on finances and administrative activities of the County at the end of each fiscal year.
• Maintains strong fiscal controls and promotes responsible, sustainable financial management.
• Coordinates major capital projects, facilities, infrastructure initiatives, and long-range planning efforts.
• Works collaboratively with municipalities, school systems, regional organizations, state and federal agencies, and other governmental partners.
• Supports economic development and responsible growth while considering the needs of existing communities and businesses.
• Represents the County at regional, state, and other governmental meetings and events as appropriate.
• Acts as the information liaison of County Government with various news and print media organizations.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and county procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Board of Commissioners.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the operation of county government.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and best practices of public financial administration, specifically governmental accounting, revenue management, budget preparation, and financial forecasting.
• Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques for developing local policies and ordinances regarding all governmental operations.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of organizational leadership, employee motivation, communication, performance coaching and review, hiring, discipline, team building, and collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to make accurate revenue estimates, perform detailed financial analysis, prepare accurate and concise financial reports, and present such information in an open meeting.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with the Board of Commissioners, county employees, the public, and the media.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in decision making, assessing the immediate and long-term impacts of such decisions, and potential risks to the county.
• Ability to maintain appropriate confidence and act consistently with the ICMA code of ethics.
• Ability to understand political issues and environment while remaining apolitical.
• Skills in demonstrating integrity, professionalism, respect; and facilitation of thoughtful dialogue, strategic thinking, context-considerate deliberation of issues and opportunities impacting the County.

Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodations)

This position’s duties are primarily sedentary requiring the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands and fingers to handle or feel, frequently requires repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling; work requires extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and operating a keyboard; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, observing general surroundings and activities; work has very limited exposure to environmental conditions. Work may include operation of a motor vehicle.

Special Requirements

• County residency within 6 months of appointment as County Manager is required.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background and drug-screening.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree (preferred) from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or related field, and at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in local government. Experience as a county or city manager, assistant or deputy county or city manager is highly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must have a valid North Carolina Driver License.
• ICMA-CM (Preferred)

County Manager Recruitment Profile

At Davidson County we are devoted to enhancing the quality of life for our citizens, providing efficient services and responsible governance.

Our team is at the heart of achieving our goals and making Davidson County a great place to both live and work.

As a local government we serve our citizens in diverse ways, including public safety, recreation, community development, and many other public services.

The employees of Davidson County are integral in ensuring that these services are provided in a diligent and conscientious way.

Davidson County strives to create a working environment that fosters growth, development and teamwork.

By joining our team, you’ll be contributing to a position where you can make a positive impact in your community.

Explore the many opportunities to be a part of our great County!