Assistant City Manager

Are you a self-starting leader ready to make a significant impact in a dynamic community? The City of Burlington, NC, is seeking a talented individual to join our senior leadership team as the next Assistant City Manager.

Burlington is a rapidly growing, full-service city with a population of around 61,000 – currently the 18^th largest city in the state. Located on the Interstate 40/85 corridor between the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro) and the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) regions, Burlington is poised for sustained residential and industrial growth. The area is rich with recreation and cultural amenities, as well as leading universities.

The City of Burlington operates under a Council-Manager form of government and is led by a non-partisan, five-member City Council, elected at-large in staggered terms. The City employs over 600 full-time and 400 part-time staff members across 17 departments, including a regional water utility. Across all funds, the FY2027 budget is approximately $153,500,000.

One of two Assistant City Managers, we seek someone to be an integral part of the City’s management team, working on city-wide initiatives including the annual budget, capital improvement plan, and City Council initiatives. This position works independently on special projects and assignments as needed by the City Manager and carries a management portfolio that includes oversight of several City departments, based on applicable experience and workload distribution.

The candidate will be a self-directed leader with a deep understanding of municipal government and demonstrated history of collaboration and teamwork. Ideally, they will be committed to providing excellent customer service while being approachable, composed, and able to pivot quickly to address rapidly changing priorities.

Position is for a committed public servant that is able to advocate, demonstrate, and explain the role city services play in improving the lives of others.  The candidate is expected to be an active and visible presence in the community, and proximity supports the accessibility and engagement that the city council and residents value.

• Assists the City Manager in development of policies and procedures pertaining to personnel, capital improvement, fiscal control, construction projects and public relations issues;
• Serves as member of City Manager's management team, participating in discussions to formulate and develop strategies on various issues pertaining to operations of City government;
• Represents the City in official capacities in various regional and City meetings and on boards and committees;
• Assumes duties of City Manager in his/her absence, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards requiring the ability to wok across organizational lines;
• Directs and coordinates department leadership, works to build a cohesive, high-performing team, and ensures operations comply with established policies, standards, and organizational objectives;
• Communicates and collaborates extensively with elected officials, City leadership, staff, community members, and external partners to coordinate activities and resolve issues;
• Supports development and management of operating and capital budgets, including financial oversight, contract and invoice approval, and monitoring revenues and expenditures for compliance. 
• Assists council members, department heads, other personnel, and/or the general public, as necessary;
• Performs administrative duties and/or compiles data for special projects or reports as assigned using analysis and excellent written communications;
• Performs other related work as required or requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, engineering or related field required.
• At least five (5) years of progressive experience in the administration and management of local government programs and personnel at a Department Head or higher level.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• Valid driver’s license, successful background/reference check.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree highly desirable.
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer in North Carolina is a plus.
• International City Manager Association (ICMA) Credentialed Manager designation.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in local government administration/management.

Benefits:

An Excellent Benefits Package Accompanies the Position. Benefits Offered Include Health, Dental, Vision, And Life Insurance; Participation in NC Local Government Retirement Program; Deferred Compensation Plan; Paid Holidays; Paid Annual And Sick Leave; Professional Development, Including Training, Conferences, And Certifications; And Tuition Assistance Program.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Work in this class is described as sedentary and seldom requires much physical exertion to complete tasks in field locations, sites within the City. This position will regularly visit job sites which will require navigating uneven ground and construction sites.
• Typically, work involves the ability to physically perform basic life operational functions such as reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Employee regularly operates a variety of standard office equipment and related software to include Microsoft products, Outlook email, etc.
• Work requires visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness in assigned tasks such as preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, viewing computer terminals, and extensive reading.
• Working conditions include indoor environmental conditions as well as occasional outdoor work sites.

How to apply:
Applications Will Be Accepted Electronically By NeoGov (Governmentjobs.com).  Applicants Complete the Online profile Form And Are Prompted To Provide a Cover Letter And Resume. The Position Will Be Open Until July 13, 2026 With A First Review and Screening Beginning July 27, 2026. Burlington Is An Employer Committed To Building A Diverse And Inclusive Workforce.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Inclement Weather Classification: Essential

Salary : $132,704 - $212,306