COUNTY MANAGER

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00620
Division: NO CLUSTER
Department: CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The purpose of this position is to perform complex, executive-level work planning, directing, and coordinating the overall operation of County government. This position directs and administers the activities of the County to ensure compliance with County policies, ordinances, and goals and objectives established by the Board of Commissioners. This position supports the Board of Commissioners by developing the annual budget and overseeing grants and major projects.

Examples of Duties

• Provides overall executive leadership, direction, and oversight of County operations; establishes organizational priorities and performance expectations consistent with the policies, goals, and directives of the Board of Commissioners; ensures effective coordination and delivery of services across County departments; promotes accountability, efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement in County operations.
• Advises and assists the Board of Commissioners on operational, financial, organizational, and policy matters affecting County government; identifies emerging issues, evaluates alternatives, and provides recommendations and professional guidance to support informed decision-making.
• Researches and recommends to the Board of Commissioners the establishment and modification of County policies and ensures that policies and programs adopted by the Board of Commissioners are implemented; reviews and makes recommendations requests for changes in the County's classification and pay system in conjunction with the Human Resources Department, including requests for new positions.
• Coordinates and directs administrative and management functions of County government not otherwise vested by law in boards or commissions, or in other elected officials; hires and oversees County Directors, except those led by elected officials and except where statutes provide for appointment by elected officials (with courtesy notification to the Board of Commissioners).
• Provides leadership, direction, and oversight to County department directors and assigned staff; establishes expectations, evaluates performance, addresses personnel matters, and promotes effective communication, accountability, and collaboration among County leadership.
• Acts as liaison between the Board of Commissioners and committees and departments; advises Department Directors concerning Board of Commissioners policies, directives and expectations; schedules and chairs regular County Department Head meetings; receives and reviews departmental activity reports on quarterly basis.
• Establishes and monitors countywide performance measures and accountability standards; evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of County programs, services, and operations; identifies opportunities for improvement and directs corrective or improvement initiatives as appropriate.
• Directs the development and administration of the County's annual budget and monitors County finances to ensure consistency with the County's overall policies, goals and objectives; presents reports to the Board of Commissioners on the County's financial condition and related activities developed with input from each department, including future financial needs; works with department directors on the execution of the adopted budget, ensuring that all County fund expenditures are made in strict compliance with all applicable federal, state, and County laws or ordinances and generally accepted accounting practices; reviews departmental and agency requests for adjustments or transfers of budgeted funds with the Board of Commissioners as necessary; advises departments in achieving and maintaining compliance with County budget, financial, purchasing, and accounting policies.
• Oversees Countywide risk management, compliance, and internal controls; works with appropriate County officials, legal counsel, and department leadership to identify, evaluate, and mitigate operational, financial, regulatory, and other risks affecting the County.
• Directs and coordinates long-range planning for County operations, facilities, infrastructure, and capital improvements; works with County leadership and the Board of Commissioners to identify priorities, funding needs, and implementation strategies.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with federal, state, regional, and local governmental agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and other external stakeholders; monitors legislative and regulatory developments affecting the County and advises the Board and County leadership regarding potential impacts.
• Represents the County with other governmental agencies including state and federal, other agencies, interest groups, the public, and representatives of the media; represents the County's interest at legislative meetings, hearings, and other places and events as directed by the Board of Commissioners.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and working relationships with the Board of Commissioners, County leadership, elected officials, employees, attorneys, governmental agencies, community stakeholders, the public, and other individuals; communicates organizational priorities and expectations, facilitates collaboration, addresses issues and concerns, and promotes transparency and effective delivery of County services.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation, including various reports, budget documentation, and attendance records; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including strategic plans, quarterly and annual reports, and performance appraisals; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:

Requires an Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or a related field, and ten (10) years of experience as a deputy or assistant county or city manager or the chief administrator of a department of a governmental organization, and eight (8) years in public finance, planning, or budgeting, and five (5) years of experience with public boards, committees, and agency constituencies, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree is preferred.
Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. May be required to possess and maintain Certified Public Manager (CPM) certification.
Special Requirements:

None.

Knowledge, Skill, Abilities / Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of county and local government organization, operations, functions, and service delivery models.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of executive management, public administration, organizational leadership, and governmental administration.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies applicable to county government operations.
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting, financial management, purchasing, procurement, and fiscal administration.
• Knowledge of risk management, internal controls, compliance, and governmental accountability practices.
• Knowledge of intergovernmental relations and the roles, responsibilities, and relationships among elected officials, appointed officials, and administrative staff.
• Knowledge of public-sector policies, procedures, and practices necessary to effectively administer County programs and services.
• Skill in providing executive leadership and direction in a complex public-sector organization.
• Skill in analyzing complex issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing sound recommendations for consideration by the Board of Commissioners.
• Skill in strategic planning, organizational assessment, performance management, and implementation of organizational priorities.
• Skill in developing, administering, and monitoring governmental budgets and financial resources.
• Skill in managing, evaluating, and improving organizational programs, services, and operations.
• Skill in facilitating collaboration and building effective working relationships among elected officials, County leadership, employees, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Skill in communicating complex information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.
• Skill in public speaking, presentations, and representing the County before elected officials, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Skill in maintaining effective relationships with the Board of Commissioners while appropriately distinguishing policy-making responsibilities from administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to provide strategic vision, executive leadership, and sound administrative direction for County government.
• Ability to translate the policies and priorities of the Board of Commissioners into effective organizational strategies, programs, and services.
• Ability to advise the Board of Commissioners objectively and professionally and present complex information, options, and recommendations in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when addressing complex, sensitive, controversial, or high-impact issues.
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and identify potential operational, financial, legal, regulatory, and reputational risks.
• Ability to manage multiple complex priorities, projects, and deadlines while maintaining accountability for results.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion with sensitive personnel, legal, financial, and organizational matters.
• Ability to work effectively with limited direction while maintaining accountability to the Board of Commissioners.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including evening meetings and other events, as required.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, emerging issues, and evolving organizational needs.
• Ability to promote ethical conduct, transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.