Deputy City Manager

City of Williamsburg, Virginia; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Williamsburg seeks a Deputy City Manager to serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, guiding daily operations, aligning resources with City Council priorities, and shaping the community’s long‑term future in a world‑renowned region.

You will lead a portfolio focused on economic development, budgeting, and capital projects, collaborate with regional partners, oversee department directors, and help drive strategic planning initiatives and grant coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, planning, economics or a closely related field.
• Eight years of progressively responsible public sector management and administrative experience in local government.
• At least five years of supervisory and senior leadership experience.
• Preferred: master’s degree in public administration or related field and experience as deputy/assistant manager in a similarly sized organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse portfolio centered on economic development, budgeting and capital projects, and intergovernmental relations.
• Oversee department directors; portfolio assignments determined with the City Manager.
• Support key citywide capital projects including downtown initiatives and library/municipal facilities.
• Co‑lead strategic planning efforts (GIO) and support budget formulation and grant coordination.
• Assist in Comprehensive Plan updates and regional collaborations with partners such as William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Skills

Supervisory leadership experience

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, planning, economics or a closely related field

Job description

Dedicated to transparent governance and exceptional service, the City of Williamsburg seeks an adaptable, diplomatic problem solver as its next Deputy City Manager. Serving as a trusted advisor and operational counterpart to the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager will join a collaborative leadership team committed to organizational stability and exceptional service delivery. This position offers an experienced municipal professional the opportunity to guide daily operations, align resources with City Council priorities, and help shape the long-term future of a vibrant, world-renowned community. This position is open as the Deputy City Manager was selected as the City Manager. The City Manager is committed to supporting the next Deputy City Manager, ensuring they gain the experience and opportunities needed to be a strong candidate for future advancement.

Williamsburg features a lean municipal team of approximately 248 full-time equivalent positions known for direct engagement and high customer care. Executive leadership operates under a working‑manager model, where senior leaders provide strategic direction and also roll up their sleeves, author key analyses, manage projects directly, and work alongside staff across departments. With high community visibility and engagement, the leadership team thrives by maintaining accessible, responsive relationships with residents, regional partners, and local businesses.

The Deputy City Manager will help lead a diverse portfolio centered on economic development, budget and capital projects, and intergovernmental relations. Key responsibilities include supporting Economic Development efforts, liaising with the Economic Development Authority, downtown partners, and arts initiatives. The role will oversee department directors; the portfolio assignment will be determined in coordination with the successful candidate and the City Manager. The Deputy will support key citywide capital projects, which may include the African American Heritage Trail, renovation of the Municipal Building, Public Works Yard upgrades, and construction of the new downtown library. Additionally, the Deputy City Manager will co‑lead the biennial Goals, Initiatives, and Outcomes (GIO) strategic planning effort, help drive the advancement of key strategic initiatives, and support the City Manager with budget formulation, capital financing, and grant coordination. The position will also assist in the next Comprehensive Plan update.

Beyond internal municipal operations, the Deputy City Manager will serve as a key regional collaborator. The position actively cultivates strong partnerships with William & Mary, a renowned public research university, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. They will also coordinate legislative efforts before the Virginia General Assembly, which are critical in a Dillon Rule state, and at the federal level. The Deputy City Manager may represent the City on regional authorities, including public transit, housing, and correctional facilities.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, planning, economics or a closely related field, and eight years of progressively responsible public sector management and administrative experience in local government. At least five years of supervisory and senior leadership experience is also required.

Preferred qualifications

include a master’s degree, in public administration, or a related field, and experience as an assistant or deputy manager, department head, or other key executive in an organization of comparable size or complexity with high customer service expectations. A strong background in economic development, municipal finance and/or budgeting, capital project delivery, community engagement, and institutional partnerships is desirable. Experience in town‑gown relations, tourism, and work in a Dillon Rule state or commonwealth is also preferred but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $175,000 - $215,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.