Performs complex executive and strategic leadership work focused on shaping, advancing, and aligning the processes and systems that drive County government operations. This position ensures continuous improvement of services to citizens through visionary leadership, organizational effectiveness, and the development of sustainable strategies. Work involves establishing policies, defining long-term goals, and leading innovation under the direction of the County Manager.

The Assistant County Manager serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, distinguished by its broad scope of authority and strategic impact. Unlike department directors, who focus on the operational management of a single area, this role provides executive leadership and oversight of multiple County departments and ensures their alignment with countywide goals, policies, and values. The position requires balancing organizational strategy with day-to-day operations, serving as a bridge between the County Manager, the Board of Commissioners, department leaders, and the community. This role is uniquely positioned to drive innovation, foster collaboration across diverse service areas, and ensure consistent application of the County’s REACH values across the entire organization.

Our core values—Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty (REACH)—are the foundation of our work and the standard by which we operate. As a member of our leadership team, you are expected to demonstrate these values in every aspect of your role. This means delivering high-quality work, taking responsibility for your actions, providing exceptional service, and maintaining integrity in all interactions. Your commitment to these principles is essential to fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring the success of our organization and the community we serve.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please visit the link below for more on our beautiful County and the ACM position: https://issuu.com/onslownc/docs/assistant_county_manager_recruitment_ma…

Position Responsibilities:
To perform this role successfully, an individual must demonstrate a high degree of strategic acumen, executive judgment, and the ability to lead through influence as well as authority. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Strategic Leadership & Culture Building
Champions a culture of respect, dignity, accountability, and compassion, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace.
Provides visionary leadership, ensuring alignment with the County’s mission, REACH values, and long-term priorities.

Performance Management & Organizational Development
Oversees executive-level performance management, ensuring measurable outcomes and accountability across assigned departments.
Conducts annual evaluations for direct reports, mentoring leaders to model excellence and honesty in their teams.

Policy, Planning & Governance
Partners with the County Manager and executive team in setting strategic goals, guiding Board agenda development, and shaping budgetary priorities with transparency and integrity.
Provides expert recommendations on organizational design, workforce development, and long-range resource planning, advancing the County’s resilience and effectiveness.

Process Improvement & Innovation
Leads countywide process evaluations, recommending and implementing innovative practices that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service excellence.
Ensures continuous improvement through the establishment and monitoring of performance metrics, benchmarks, and accountability measures.

Regulatory & Standards Oversight
Maintains compliance with professional and licensure standards across assigned departments, upholding honesty and excellence.
Establishes and enforces operational standards that safeguard service quality and public trust.

Crisis & Resiliency Leadership
Serves as an active member of the Disaster Ready Team (DRT), ensuring resiliency, preparedness, and continuity of services in emergencies.

Other Duties
Performs related strategic and executive functions as assigned to advance the County’s mission while consistently demonstrating REACH values.

Qualifications:
Thorough knowledge of related County policies, state and federal laws and regulations. Thorough knowledge of the statutory requirements and related laws and regulations related to the development and custody of official public documents, open meetings, and related processes. Considerable knowledge of modern and effective management practices and related laws and regulations including hiring, performance coaching and evaluation, discipline leadership, conflict resolution, and meeting facilitation. Considerable knowledge of modern governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices, and information systems applications to functions managed. Ability to engage in long-range planning that considers impacts of decisions on county staffing needs, citizen needs, environmental and quality of life issues of the County. Ability to supervise internal staff and contractors. Ability to interpret and prepare complex and detailed reports and records. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with County officials, other public officials, employees, contractors, and the general public. Ability to present ideas effectively in oral and written form. Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates. Ability to use standard office equipment.

Education:
Master's degree with coursework in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field and extensive experience in public administration with an emphasis on process development, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:
AICP preferred
Completion of the University of North Carolina School of Government County and Municipal Government course preferred
Valid driver’s license

Your final transcript showing the date your degree was awarded and/or any required certificates or licenses listed in the application must be uploaded with your application, even if you are a current employee or we have received it with a previous application.