Town Manager

Performs complex administrative, fiscal control, and supervisory duties as the Town Manager in accordance with the policies determined by the governing body by performing all duties personally or through subordinate supervisors. Performs complex administrative duties with all aspects of planning and administration of Town government.

Directly supervises all department directors. Fulfill supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

For a more complete list of Essential Duties and Responsibilities, Core Competencies, and the Recruitment Brochure, visit the Town of Oak Island website at OakIslandNC.gov/MANAGER.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Town Manager

• Appoints department directors and staff as provided by state laws or local ordinances.
• Prepares annual budget and strategic plans and submits estimates to authorized elected officials for approval.
• Plans for future development of urban and non-urban areas to provide for population growth and expansion of public services.
• Recommends zoning regulation, controlling location and development of residential and commercial areas.
• Coordinates and evaluates the operations and projects of various town departments and programs.
• Directly supervises department directors of assigned departments; interviews, hires, develops, and evaluates performance; directs and oversees the managerial operations of assigned departments.
• Prepares, communicates, and manages the town’s annual budgeting process; prepares and conducts budget meetings with department directors.
• Addresses the general public and various public officials regarding town events and issues.
• Assumes responsibility for special projects as assigned to include developing action plans to ensure completion of assignments and projects.
• Examines and resolves interdepartmental and interagency conflicts and problems.
• Coordinates the preparation of requests, reports, and agenda items by departments and agencies.
• Attends conferences, Council meetings, and committee meetings as a representative of the town.
• Manages special assignments from the governing body involving politically sensitive and/or complex issues.
• Resolves controversial, delicate, and difficult issues involving the public, special interests’ groups, businesses, appointment officials from other jurisdictions and levels of government, and elected officials.
• Receives citizen complaint calls and responds and/or takes action to resolve complaint(s).
• Prepares and conducts presentations to the Town Council.
• Works with the governing body on various issues as needed.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Prepares, reviews, and maintains accurate records, reports, and files.
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments. Serves as the face of the Town of Oak Island to citizens and guests.
• Interpersonal Skills – Collaborative approach to relationship building. Maintains confidentiality; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. Transparent interactions with Council and within the Oak Island community.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; solicits input from staff, Council, and the community. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to Council direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Minimum requirements include graduation from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a related field, complemented by at least 10 years of increasingly responsible local government management experience. An equivalent combination of education and management experience will be considered.

Preferred qualifications include: a master’s degree in Public Administration; completion of the Municipal Administration Program through the UNC School of Government or other leading institution; and experience as a Town Manager or Assistant Town Manager, and experience with the unique concerns of a coastal town.

The starting salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Town of Oak Island offers a competitive benefits package, including group health, dental, vision, and life insurance options, including paid time off for sick, annual, and holiday leave as well as participation in the NC Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS). The Town also offers a 401k program with a 5% match from the employer.