Town Manager - Wilkesboro, NC

Western Piedmont COG•External Job Posting, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Wilkesboro, NC is seeking its next Town Manager. Nestled in the scenic foothills of Western North Carolina and located in historic Wilkes County, Wilkesboro is full of history, strong community spirit, and small-town charm. The Town is committed to preserving its unique and historic heritage while creating a community that fosters economic growth and seeks to enhance the quality of life of its citizens. Wilkesboro is home to approximately 3,600 residents and entertains its residents and visitors with a vibrant downtown and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including access to the Yadkin River, nearby Kerr Scott Reservoir, and the surrounding foothills landscapes. Wilkesboro is home to MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, as well as FaithFest, one of the largest faith-based music festivals in the Carolinas. The Town operates under the council-manager form of government, governed by a Mayor and Town Council members elected at-large to four-year staggered terms. The Town Manager oversees daily operations and municipal services to implement the Council’s policies. The Town has 100 FTE in Parks & Recreation, Police, Public Works, Utilities, and Community Development. Succession planning has worked well, with someone ready or currently training for most key positions. Everyone at the Town, Council, and Staff pride themselves on the level of service provided to their residents and businesses.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Finance, or related field from an accredited four-year university.
Five (5) plus years of progressive experience working in a local government.
Two (2) plus years of senior management or supervisory experience in local government.
Strong listener who values transparency, communicates openly, and keeps the Town Council informed through consistent communication.
Honest and approachable leader who understands and respects the role of the Town Council.
Team builder and mentor who cultivates a positive organizational culture, supports employee development, and continues the Town’s strong tradition of service-oriented leadership and dedicated staff performance.
Skilled negotiator and strategic thinker with experience managing complex financial and infrastructure challenges, including utility systems, debt service, long-term capital planning, and sustainable growth initiatives.
Financially disciplined administrator capable of developing long-term financial strategies, controlling expenditures, evaluating service delivery models, and clearly communicating the impacts of tax rates, operational costs, and major financial decisions to the Council and public.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion.
Experience managing utility capacity expansion.
Experience managing downtown improvements.
Experience with grant and outside funding for downtown streetscape and other improvements.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations and municipal services to implement the Council’s policies.
Focus on becoming more financially stable while maintaining growth and service demands.
Improve long-term financial structure and budget control.
Devise a long-term financial plan and a broader strategic plan to maintain consistent decision-making across fiscal years.
Maintain and expand the local tax base, especially through major industry like Tyson Foods and new development.
Prioritize housing initiatives, including breaking ground for the senior apartment complex, Gateway Commons.
Continue collaboration with North Wilkesboro to continue the development of the River District.
Assist the town with resolving potential property tax losses while maintaining a tax rate that supports the town’s services.
Monitor and improve operations, including personnel management, departmental structures, and calls for service to maintain functionality.
Manage planning initiatives to combat developmental pressures from industry and housing with limited capacity.
Coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce, EDC, High Country Council of Governments, and nearby towns for development and infrastructure planning.
Develop long-term financial strategies, control expenditures, evaluate service delivery models, and clearly communicate the impacts of tax rates, operational costs, and major financial decisions to the Council and public.

Benefits

The Town of Wilkesboro operates under the council-manager form of government, governed by a Mayor and Town Council members elected at-large to four-year staggered terms.
The Town has 100 FTE in Parks & Recreation, Police, Public Works, Utilities, and Community Development.
Succession planning has worked well, with someone ready or currently training for most key positions.
Everyone at the Town, Council, and Staff pride themselves on the level of service provided to their residents and businesses.
The current Town Manager is retiring after 27 years in the position.
Partnership with New Council.
With a majority of the Council changing over the past three years, they are eager to work on targeted strategic planning aimed at understanding and managing the Town’s financial health.
Large Capital Projects.
The Wastewater Treatment Expansion Project and the Joint Water In-Take Project with North Wilkesboro are both currently underway, with planned completion dates in 2028.
Downtown Development.