Town Manager

TOWN OF SPINDALE, NC; Spindale (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Spindale, NC is seeking a skilled Town Manager to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer. You will provide executive leadership, oversee all departments, and implement policies set by the Town Board.

The role requires strong expertise in municipal management, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and community engagement. Ideal candidates will have a public administration background, at least five years of leadership in local government or business, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, public affairs, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in local government or business.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the administration and operations of all Town departments through department heads and supervisory staff.
• Work closely with the Mayor and Town Board to establish and implement strategic goals, policies, priorities, and community initiatives.
• Prepare and administer the annual operating budget and capital improvement program and provide oversight of Town finances and resources.
• Provide professional recommendations to the Town Board regarding municipal operations, finance, personnel, planning, public works, utilities, public safety, economic development, and community services.
• Ensure Town operations comply with applicable federal and state laws, Town ordinances, policies, and regulations.
• Oversee strategic and capital planning, infrastructure investments, contracts, purchasing, grants, technology, facilities, and other Town resources.
• Support land use planning, development review, economic development, business recruitment and retention, and community growth initiatives.
• Maintain effective relationships with citizens, businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies, and regional partners.
• Promote transparency, effective public communication, citizen engagement, and responsive customer service.
• Provide leadership and coordination during emergencies, disasters, and other critical incidents.
• Monitor organizational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and delivery of municipal services.
• Represent the Town professionally before the public, governmental agencies, civic organizations, and professional associations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Town Board.

Skills

Public administration

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration

MPA or MBA preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Town Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town and is responsible to the Town Board for the effective administration of municipal operations. The Manager provides executive leadership and oversight of Town departments, implements policies and priorities established by the Town Board, manages financial and human resources, and works collaboratively with elected officials, employees, citizens, businesses, and community partners.

The position requires a highly effective leader with strong skills in municipal management, strategic planning, financial stewardship, personnel administration, community engagement, and organizational development.

• Key Responsibilities
  - Direct and oversee the administration and operations of all Town departments through department heads and supervisory staff.
  - Work closely with the Mayor and Town Board to establish and implement strategic goals, policies, priorities, and community initiatives.
  - Prepare and administer the annual operating budget and capital improvement program and provide oversight of Town finances and resources.
  - Provide professional recommendations to the Town Board regarding municipal operations, finance, personnel, planning, public works, utilities, public safety, economic development, and community services.
  - Ensure Town operations comply with applicable federal and state laws, Town ordinances, policies, and regulations.
  - Oversee strategic and capital planning, infrastructure investments, contracts, purchasing, grants, technology, facilities, and other Town resources.
  - Support land use planning, development review, economic development, business recruitment and retention, and community growth initiatives.
  - Maintain effective relationships with citizens, businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies, and regional partners.
  - Promote transparency, effective public communication, citizen engagement, and responsive customer service.
  - Provide leadership and coordination during emergencies, disasters, and other critical incidents.
  - Monitor organizational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and delivery of municipal services.
  - Represent the Town professionally before the public, governmental agencies, civic organizations, and professional associations.
  - Perform other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Town Board.

The Town Manager operates under the general direction of the Town Board and exercises considerable independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of the position in accordance with North Carolina law.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess:

A bachelor's degree in public administration, public affairs, business administration, business management, or a related field; and
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in local government or business.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

Familiarity with North Carolina municipal government operations and management practices;
A master's degree in public administration (MPA), business administration (MBA), or a related field;
Membership and/or professional certification from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), North Carolina City & County Management Association (NCCCMA), or similar professional organizations;
Completion of the Municipal and County Administration Course through the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government or comparable executive leadership training;
Progressively responsible experience serving as a department head, Assistant City Manager, Assistant Town Manager, City Manager, or Town Manager in a small- to mid-sized local government organization; and
Strong communication, financial management, personnel management, and organizational leadership skills.

Desired Leadership Characteristics

The successful candidate will be:

A collaborative and relationship-centered leader;
An effective communicator who values transparency and public engagement;
Skilled in strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational development;
Committed to customer service and responsive government;
Experienced in fostering partnerships with community organizations, businesses, state agencies, and regional stakeholders; and
Passionate about helping Spindale continue its growth while maintaining its small-town character.