Deputy City Manager

The Position

Dedicated to transparent governance and exceptional service, the City of Williamsburg seeks an adaptable, diplomatic problem solver as its next Deputy City Manager. Serving as a trusted advisor and operational counterpart to the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager will join a collaborative leadership team committed to organizational stability and exceptional service delivery. This position offers an experienced municipal professional the opportunity to guide daily operations, align resources with City Council priorities, and help shape the long-term future of a vibrant, world-renowned community. This position is open as the Deputy City Manager was selected as the City Manager. The City Manager is committed to supporting the next Deputy City Manager, ensuring they gain the experience and opportunities needed to be a strong candidate for future advancement.

Williamsburg features a lean municipal team of approximately 248 full-time equivalent positions known for direct engagement and high customer care. Executive leadership operates under a working-manager model, where senior leaders provide strategic direction and also roll up their sleeves, author key analyses, manage projects directly, and work alongside staff across departments. With high community visibility and engagement, the leadership team thrives by maintaining accessible, responsive relationships with residents, regional partners, and local businesses.

The Deputy City Manager will help lead a diverse portfolio centered on economic development, budget and capital projects, and intergovernmental relations. Key responsibilities include supporting Economic Development efforts, liaising with the Economic Development Authority, downtown partners, and arts initiatives. The role will oversee department directors; the portfolio assignment will be determined in coordination with the successful candidate and the City Manager. The Deputy will support key citywide capital projects, which may include the African American Heritage Trail, renovation of the Municipal Building, Public Works Yard upgrades, and construction of the new downtown library. Additionally, the Deputy City Manager will co-lead the biennial Goals, Initiatives, and Outcomes (GIO) strategic planning effort, help drive the advancement of key strategic initiatives, and support the City Manager with budget formulation, capital financing, and grant coordination. The position will also assist in the next Comprehensive Plan update.

Beyond internal municipal operations, the Deputy City Manager will serve as a key regional collaborator. The position actively cultivates strong partnerships with William & Mary, a renowned public research university, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. They will also coordinate legislative efforts before the Virginia General Assembly, which are critical in a Dillon Rule state, and at the federal level. The Deputy City Manager may represent the City on regional authorities, including public transit, housing, and correctional facilities.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, planning, economics or a closely related field, and eight years of progressively responsible public sector management and administrative experience in local government. At least five years of supervisory and senior leadership experience is also required.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, in public administration, or a related field, and experience as an assistant or deputy manager, department head, or other key executive in an organization of comparable size or complexity with high customer service expectations. A strong background in economic development, municipal finance and/or budgeting, capital project delivery, community engagement, and institutional partnerships is desirable. Experience in town-gown relations, tourism, and work in a Dillon Rule state or commonwealth is also preferred but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $175,000 - $215,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning December 14, 2026.