County Manager, McDowell County, NC

McDowell County•Administration Building, NC

17h

About The Position

McDowell County, North Carolina, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking County Manager to lead county operations, partner with elected officials, support employees, and guide the County’s long-term financial strength and community vitality. The County operates under the Council-Manager form of government, serves approximately 45,000 residents, employs 395 full-time employees, and has an FY2027 adopted General Fund budget of nearly $71 million. The County Manager’s Office provides executive oversight of 18 County departments, programs, and operations, including a water utility system. The County Manager is the chief executive officer and chief administrator of county government, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners. The Manager is responsible to the Board for administration of departments under its general control and for implementing Board-adopted policies, ordinances, and directives. The role provides leadership and coordination across County government to support effective operations, responsible stewardship of public resources, and responsive, high-quality services to residents. The Manager directs and supervises County offices, departments, boards, commissions, and agencies under the Board’s general control; attends Board meetings and recommends measures; ensures Board orders and policies are executed; prepares and submits the annual budget and capital program; and provides an annual report on County finances and administrative activities, along with other reports and duties required by the Board. The role also has personnel appointment, suspension, and removal responsibilities, subject to applicable Board approval, personnel policies, and law. The successful candidate will be approachable, results-oriented, and able to build strong relationships with elected officials, employees, community partners, and the public. Key leadership priorities include fiscal oversight and budget development; personnel and organizational leadership; strategic and long-range planning; operational effectiveness and process improvement; transparent communication and collaboration; and ethical, accountable public service. Residency in McDowell County is required as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of required pre-employment screenings, including background checks and drug screening.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Five to ten years of local government experience managing multiple programs or departments, personnel, and budgets.
Thorough knowledge of county government operations and applicable methods, procedures, and policies.
Strong understanding of applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, fiscal management, and organizational skills.
Ability to develop, evaluate, and communicate proposals and initiatives that improve the effectiveness of County government.
Commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, public trust, excellent customer service, and public service.
Residency in McDowell County is required as a condition of employment.
Successful completion of required pre-employment screenings, including background checks and drug screening.
If specified statutory fiscal-management conditions occur, receive at least six clock hours of education incorporating fiscal management and the requirements of Chapter 159 of the North Carolina General Statutes.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field.
Membership in the North Carolina City and County Management Association and/or the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
ICMA Credentialed Manager status.
Direct experience in grants management and economic development.

Responsibilities

Administer County departments and operations under the general control and direction of the Board of Commissioners.
Direct and supervise County offices, departments, boards, commissions, and agencies.
Implement and faithfully execute Board-adopted policies, ordinances, orders, resolutions, and directives.
Attend Board of Commissioners meetings and recommend measures considered expedient.
Prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the Board.
Provide an annual report to the Board and public on County finances and administrative activities, and prepare other reports as required.
Exercise personnel appointment, suspension, and removal responsibilities in accordance with applicable Board approvals, personnel rules, policies, ordinances, and law.
Provide fiscal oversight and guide budget development to responsibly steward County resources and maintain the County’s financial position.
Lead and support departments, develop and mentor employees, foster accountability, and promote a positive performance- and service-focused organizational culture.
Translate the Board’s goals and directives into actionable plans, policies, and initiatives that advance County priorities and long-term success.
Oversee day-to-day County operations, identify process improvements, and encourage innovative service delivery.
Maintain effective relationships with elected officials, department leaders, employees, community stakeholders, and the public through clear communication, collaboration, and transparency.
Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, accountability, and commitment to the public interest.
Complete at least six clock hours of specified education when the statutory conditions concerning County fiscal oversight or audit findings occur.
Perform other duties required or authorized by the Board of Commissioners.