Assistant City Manager

About the role

The City of Burlington, NC is seeking an Assistant City Manager to join its senior leadership team. The position offers a salary range of $144,000 - $170,000, commensurate with experience and equity. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of progressive experience in local government administration and management, a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, engineering, or a related field, and a master’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists the City Manager in developing policies and procedures pertaining to personnel, capital improvement, fiscal control, construction projects, and public relations issues.
• Serves as a member of the 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.
• 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 the development and management of operating and capital budgets, including financial oversight, contract and invoice approval, and monitoring revenues and expenditures for compliance.
• Performs administrative duties and/or compiles data for special projects or reports as assigned, using analysis and excellent written communications.

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.
• Valid driver’s license, successful background/reference check.
• 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

The City of Burlington offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; participation in the NC Local Government Retirement Program; deferred compensation plan; paid holidays; paid annual and sick leave; professional development opportunities; 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. Employee regularly operates a variety of standard office equipment and related software to include Microsoft products, Outlook email, etc. Working conditions include indoor environmental conditions as well as occasional outdoor work sites.

Supplemental Information

How To Apply: Applications will be accepted electronically through NeoGov (Governmentjobs.com). Applicants are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will remain open until July 13, 2026, with a first review and screening beginning July 27, 2026. The City of Burlington is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.