County Manager

Performs complex management, professional, and administrative duties as the Chief Administrative Officer for Columbus County Local Government. Emphasis of work is on applying professional expertise and administering the day-to-day management of the County with policies established by the Board of County Commissioners, and in accordance with various County, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. Must have a considerable degree of independence, initiative, and judgment as the County’s chief administrative officer with overall responsibility for all assigned County departments. The County Manager will provide guidance and direction of the County’s management team to coordinate their efforts in achieving their departmental objectives. The County Manager must ensure that County operations are efficient, effective, equitable, and legal. Major responsibilities include directing the development and administration of the County budget and capital programs, overseeing development, planning, and implementation of the strategic plan, and setting goals and objectives to meet the operational needs of the County. Work is performed under the general guidance of the Board of County Commissioners and is subject to evaluation on the basis of the results achieved. Reports to and serves at the pleasure of Columbus County Board of Commissioners. Essential Duties and Tasks Administers the operations of the County government, including all offices, departments, and agencies controlled by the Board of County Commissioners; develops and implements County operating policies and procedures; recommends changes to the Board of Commissioners; ensures County ordinances, resolutions, and regulations are executed and enforced. Manages and supervises the department managers in County government; works with them to establish long- and short-range goals and assure effectiveness and efficiency of services provided; communicates organizational mission, vision and goals and helps department managers enhance these goals and implement programs consistent with them; provides technical and administrative guidance and performance coaching and evaluation with department managers. Acts as liaison between the Board of Commissioners and the public by responding to inquiries and resolving conflicts; responds to requests for information regarding various county matters; represents the Board of Commissioners at various meetings and social functions. Oversees financial management and budget development for the County; recommends a balanced budget, seeks innovative sources of additional revenues and makes professional and practical recommendations for expenditures of County's funds; assures proper and timely accounting and investment of County funds. Keeps the Board of Commissioners informed of the operations of all the departments, commissions and agencies of the County Government, which the Board of County Commissioners has the authority to control, and makes reports to the Board from time to time, upon the affairs of the County, and keeps the Board fully advised as to the financial condition of the County and its’ future financial needs. Attends Board of Commissioners meetings and presents information and recommendations deemed necessary or as requested by members of the Board. Provides professional and technical advice to Commissioners on policy, planning, and legal matters; researches and makes recommendations to Commissioners on new programs, services, and initiatives; manages preparation of emergency management plan with board, staff, and other intergovernmental jurisdictions and agencies. Meets with and speaks with community groups, citizens, and other public agencies about specific programs, services, policies, and other issues as needed; establishes and maintains effective communications with media to keep citizens informed about the County's programs and progress. Attends and participates in professional groups and committees. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive employee, resident, and other stakeholder inquiries and complaints. Maintains responsibility for intergovernmental relations with other local governments, and public and private organizations. Ensures County work places are free of discrimination. Cooperates with other governmental units as necessary to provide professional and effective services to the citizens (State and federal agencies, municipalities, neighboring jurisdictions, Councils of Government, etc.). Performs other related work as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and of local ordinances governing the responsibilities of the County Manager, County Commissioners, and other public officials and the governance and responsibilities of municipalities. Knowledge of the functions, organization, and operations of all County departments. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance and budget administration, including principles and practices of governmental accounting. Knowledge of laws, policies, and current practices in a variety of phases of local government administration including budget, purchasing, tax administration, planning and zoning, social services programs, human resources management and other functional areas. Knowledge of budget preparation and finance. Knowledge of the County’s demographic and economic profile. Knowledge of federal, state, regional and local jurisdictional partnerships. Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, public presentation, group facilitation, and meeting leadership. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to conceive and articulate a vision of organizational excellence that inspires staff and community to high levels of achievement. Ability to help build consensus among staff and elected officials and make decisions consistent with organizational goals and values. Ability to plan, project, and determine priorities for service delivery to citizens. Ability to prepare and mentor department managers to assume broader leadership roles. Ability to foster an organizational climate that attracts, retains and develops talent at all levels. Ability to facilitate and sustain a positive and productive workplace. Ability to maintain appropriate confidences. #J-18808-Ljbffr Pitt County Government