County Manager

The Opportunity

Jackson County is seeking a skilled professional with proven leadership ability to serve as the next County Manager. The ideal candidate will be an individual who is approachable and possesses strong people and communication skills to effectively establish and foster internal and external relationships. The candidate must have a proven track record of effective decision-making and problem-solving. In addition, the County Manager will lead departments and build teams to provide quality services to the County’s citizens in a fiscally responsible manner.

The Community

Jackson County is a place of lofty peaks, rushing water and spectacular scenery. Natural beauty abounds with lakes, rivers and streams, and nationally known trout-fishing waters. The county was carved from two adjoining counties in 1851 and encompasses 495 square miles. Jackson County has four incorporated towns - Webster, Sylva, Dillsboro and Forest Hills - and several well-defined communities, including Cashiers, Glenville, Tuckaseigee, Cullowhee, Balsam, and Whittier. The county contains or borders some 45 miles of the incomparable Blue Ridge Parkway and adjoins the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Jackson County is 50 miles from Asheville, 111 miles from Knoxville, 50 miles from Gatlinburg, and 150 miles from Atlanta, GA. It’s also convenient to Upstate South Carolina, and less than three hours from North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte. With a population of over 43,000, Jackson County is a growing community marked by a strong economy based on tourism, health care, and education. The county is home to Western Carolina University, Southwestern Community College and Harris Regional Hospital, a Duke LifePoint Hospital.

Governance - Board of Commissioners

Jackson County’s governing body, the Board of Commissioners, consists of five members. Each of these members serve four-year terms. The Chairman is elected at-large, with no district residency requirement. The remaining Commissioners are also elected at-large but must reside within one of the four districts located in the county.

Position Description/Responsibilities

Jackson County employs 438 FTE employees and has a total budget of $88M. The County Manager serves as chief administrator of county government and maintains responsibilities for administering all departments under the general control of the five-member Board of Commissioners. General duties include:

• Serves as Chief Executive Officer of Jackson County government, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners, which sets policies and adopts ordinances that regulate Jackson County government.
• Implements policies established by the Board of Commissioners, coordinates the work of all County agencies, and represents the County in matters with other governmental units and agencies.
• Prepares the county-wide recommended budget, recommends new and revised policies and programs to the Board of Commissioners, and implements county programs and services in an effective and efficient manner.
• Plans, directs and supervises the activities and daily operations of all County officials and departments including appointments, suspensions, discharges, transfers or removal of County employees as authorized by North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 153A-82.
• Acts as Budget Officer in preparation of fiscal year budget.
• Transmits policies, orders, resolutions and regulations of the Board of Commissioners to those concerned.
• Arranges and plans for all meetings of the Board of Commissioners, including the coordination and review of the agenda.
• Attends all Board of Commissioner meetings and makes recommendations regarding matters.
• Keeps the Board of Commissioners informed of the operations of all departments, commissions, and agencies of County Government.
• Reports to the Board on the affairs of the County and keeps the Board fully advised as to the financial condition of the County and its future financial needs.
• Prepares and submits the annual budget and capital program to the Board of Commissioners. Consults with all departments, commissions and agencies of County Government in the evaluation of their operating and capital outlay needs.
• Prepares and recommends policies for adoption by the Board of Commissioners to promote efficiency and economy in County Government.
• Advises and assists other elected or appointed officials.

Salary range is $160,000 - $175,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include participation in the Local Governmental Employees Retirement System, vacation and sick leave, medical and dental insurance, group life insurance and other supplemental benefit programs. Successful candidate must become a resident of Jackson County and possess or be able to obtain a North Carolina Driver License upon employment.

A bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Finance or related field is required; a master’s degree in Public or Business Administration and/or ICMA accreditation is preferred. Candidate must have five or more years of successful and progressive levels of supervisory and management experience in local government, preferrably in North Carolina.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the governing process at the federal, state and local levels exhibiting in depth knowledge of North Carolina and county government functions;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public human resource management;
• Knowledge of the organization, function and methods of operation of county departments;
• Knowledge of general management and office organization principles and practices;
• Knowledge of local government budgeting, financial management, and purchasing practices;
• Knowledge of the basic laws, ordinances and regulations related to NC county governance;
• Knowledge of county finance and administration;
• Skill in management and supervision;
• Skill in analyzing data and making decisions;
• Skill in negotiating and problem solving;
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations; and
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Application Process and Deadline

Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/jacksoncounty(nc)/jobs/4274992/county-manager

Click on County Manager, then APPLY. Applications will be accepted through December 18, 2023.

          Only applications submitted online in this manner will be accepted