Town Manager - Town of Waynesville, NC

Position Closes: August 20, 2026

Guided by its inspiring motto, “Progress with Vision,” the Town of Waynesville, NC, invites experienced, empathetic, and ethical leaders to apply for the position of Town Manager. This role offers a rare, defining opportunity for a visionary public administrator to guide a vibrant mountain community through a pivotal era of recovery, strategic growth, and long-term capital opportunity. 

If you are a skilled public servant and a "big city leader" who can bring the experience and perspective of a larger organization while thriving in a close-knit, relationship-driven "small-town environment," Waynesville is your next professional home.

Known affectionately as the "Gateway to the Smokies," Waynesville (pop. 11,000) is the largest town west of Asheville and serves as the bustling county seat of Haywood County. Nestled against the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it offers unparalleled outdoor recreation alongside a sophisticated, blue-collar mountain charm.  

Waynesville remains a beautiful small mountain community with a close-knit population that is navigating both the recovery from a century storm and the natural growing pains that come with new housing and growth. What truly distinguishes Waynesville is its people. Residents are deeply invested in the community and take an active interest in local decision-making. This creates both an opportunity and an expectation for the Town Manager to be visible, communicate clearly, and stay engaged with the community.

The town boasts a legendary arts and festival culture—featuring the Folkmoot International Dance Festival, the Apple Harvest Festival, the Church Street Art & Craft Show, and the Appalachian True Heritage Festival. It is especially known for its charming downtown district centered on historic Main Street and the revitalized Frog Level district which serve as thriving regional hubs for local boutiques, craft breweries, galleries, and dining, all heavily supported by locals and returning tourists alike. Waynesville features a stable population base, including a prominent retirement community (26% of residents are age 65 or older) that actively engages with local government. 

Operating under the council-manager form of government, the Town Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer, reporting to a five-member elected body (the Mayor and four at-large Council members). 

• Financial Scope: Managing a comprehensive $38.9 million budget (FY2026). 
• Team Size: Leading 215 full-time equivalent employees and 75–80 seasonal staff. 
• Direct Reports: Assistant Town Manager, Human Resources Director, Human Resources Coordinator, and Town Clerk. 

The Opportunity & Challenge Ahead

Waynesville is a community defined by deep pride of place, engaged residents, and an exceptional volunteer spirit. Following the impacts of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the Town is steadily transitioning from crisis response to a highly strategic future. The incoming Town Manager will work hand-in-hand with the Mayor and Town Council to architect the Town’s first formal Strategic Plan, with a heavy emphasis on funding and executing the rehabilitation of vital municipal infrastructure. 

Concurrently, you will manage increasing development pressures, steering regional growth in alignment with the Town’s proactive 2035 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, “Planning with Purpose.” Supported by a stable, well-educated, and dedicated internal Leadership Team, you will have the foundation needed to drive meaningful operational improvements. 

Key Priorities

• Disaster Recovery & Fiscal Stewardship: Partner with the Finance Department to secure outstanding FEMA disaster recovery reimbursements ($3.8M awaiting approval of a $4.5M storm-damage assessment), restore the depleted fund balance, and close current budget gaps without compromising essential services. 
• Transparent and Collaborative Government: Foster deep organizational trust, transparency, and collaboration among the Town Council, administration, staff, and the public. 
• Team & Culture Cultivation: Drive employee engagement and leadership development, rebuilding stability in key departments (such as Finance and Public Works) following recent turnover. 
• Infrastructure & Capital Management: Oversee major capital projects—including the construction of Fire Station #2 and the rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plant—utilizing robust contract and project management practices. 

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public affairs, business management, or a related field, combined with 10 years of progressively responsible local government or business leadership experience. 
• Strongly Preferred: 5 years of experience specifically serving at the level of Assistant Manager or Town Manager. 
• Highly Desired: Master’s degree (MPA/MBA); familiarity with NC municipal management; professional certifications/memberships (ICMA, NCCCMA); and completion of the Municipal/County Administration Course from the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government. 

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an authentic leader who blends strong technical and financial acumen with exceptional interpersonal intelligence. 

Core Competencies & Profile

• Inspiring & Collaborative Leader: Aligns core organizational values, empowers department heads, mentors emerging talents, and champions a supportive workplace culture that boosts morale and retention. 
• Master Communicator & Consensus Builder: Cultivates authentic relationships across diverse community stakeholders, speaks with transparency, and listens carefully to staff and residents. 
• Trusted Council Advisor: Advises elected leadership with confidence and poise, delivering candid, professional guidance backed by sharp political acumen. 
• Astute Financial Strategist: Possesses proven skills in public budgeting, grant development, debt management, and financial software platforms (e.g., Tyler Munis). 
• Technical & Operational Expert: Brings working knowledge of civil engineering, contract management, RFPs/RFQs, and municipal utility services (including water, wastewater, and electric distribution systems). 

Salary : $123,000 - $181,000