Deputy Town Manager

Blacksburg, Town of•Blacksburg, VA

About The Position

The Town of Blacksburg, Virginia, is seeking an experienced local government professional to serve as Deputy Town Manager on the Town Manager’s Executive Leadership Team. Reporting to the Town Manager, the Deputy Town Manager assists with the direction, control, and evaluation of Town operations; provides leadership, supervision, and guidance to assigned department directors; and plays a central role in preparing the annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan. The position works closely with the Town Council, advisory boards, community partners, and residents, and represents the Town with regional and intergovernmental organizations. When designated, the Deputy Town Manager serves as Acting Town Manager in the Town Manager’s absence. The Town of Blacksburg operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Its staff delivers services including parks and recreation, community development, public transportation, public works, police, planning and zoning, and water, sewer, and refuse services. The Town’s FY2027 Operating Budget totals $125.7 million for all funds, and its workforce includes 379 full-time employees and 98.98 FTE part-time employees. The role calls for a collaborative, ethical, service-driven leader with broad knowledge of local government operations, experience supporting elected officials, and the ability to coordinate across departments, address complex issues, and advance organizational and community priorities. A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of progressively responsible local government administration experience are required, with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience considered. A master’s degree is preferred. A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and residency within the Town of Blacksburg are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, business, finance, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in local government administration, including leadership or supervisory experience.
Knowledge of municipal administration principles and concepts and general local government operations.
Experience working with the public, community groups, and elected officials.
Experience developing, monitoring, and communicating operating budgets and capital improvement programs.
Experience across a broad range of municipal departments, coordinating shared priorities, resolving complex issues, and strengthening collaboration.
Experience in the council-manager form of government and the ability to support the Town Manager and Town Council with sound analysis, clear recommendations, and timely information.
Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully about complex issues and build trust with residents, businesses, community partners, and elected officials.
Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, proactivity, responsiveness, and ability to seek mutually beneficial solutions.
High ethical standards and integrity, with the ability to lead by example and contribute to a culture of accountability and high performance.
Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
Residency within the Town of Blacksburg is required.
Ability to meet the listed physical and communication demands, including frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds; speaking, hearing, hand use, and repetitive motions; and occasional outdoor exposure.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public administration, urban planning, business administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assist the Town Manager with directing, controlling, and evaluating Town operations, and inform the Manager of operational issues, progress on Council priorities, and emerging needs.
Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and guidance to assigned department directors and staff; establish expectations, delegate responsibilities, and support performance accountability.
Assist with preparation of the annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan, and help align Town financial resources with strategic priorities.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Town Council, the Town Manager’s Office, department heads, community partners, and local and regional organizations.
Facilitate communication across departments and coordinate solutions within and between departments.
Develop strategies for organizational goals and research and draft policies for consideration and implementation by the Town Manager and Town Council.
Guide cross-department projects and organizational change initiatives, and develop operating procedures to improve coordination, efficiency, and customer experience.
Work with Human Resources to advise assigned directors on employee matters in accordance with Town policies.
Represent the Town with intergovernmental groups and officials, and serve on boards and committees.
Conduct analyses, studies, and reports on complex administrative and operational issues, and present information to the public, outside agencies, advisory committees, commissions, and Town Council.
Participate in developing organizational goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.
Ensure assigned departmental operations comply with applicable laws, ordinances, Town policies, and direction from the Town Manager and Town Council.
Interpret and explain ordinances, policies, services, and programs to the public, news media, and staff, and respond to questions.
Manage competing priorities and urgent, high-pressure operational issues with sound judgment and composure.
Undertake special projects and handle general management issues as directed by the Town Manager.
Serve as Acting Town Manager in the Town Manager’s absence when designated.