The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description
Are you a strategic leader who’s passionate about community impact?
The City of Wilmington is seeking an Assistant City Manager for Community Excellence to join its executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the City Manager, this role serves as a trusted advisor and operational leader providing strategic vision and overseeing a new, diverse portfolio of departments focusing on economic development, emergency management, compliance, community building, and planning and development.
Note: This position will remain open until filled with first application review taking place 2 weeks after posting date.
Typical Tasks
- Plans, prioritizes, and oversees departments and divisions as assigned; ensuring appropriate staffing, resources, and quality control; monitors progress, resolves complex issues, and provides status updates to executive leadership and elected officials as needed.
- Provides executive-level leadership in strategic planning and organizational performance excellence, including evaluating programs and services, recommending goals and improvements, and implementing and monitoring changes to meet evolving City needs.
- Directs and coordinates department and division leadership, works to build a cohesive, high-performing team, and ensures operations comply with established policies, standards, and organizational objectives.
- Leads and manages special projects on behalf of the City Manager and City Council, coordinating with internal departments, external agencies, and the public to achieve City goals.
- Supports development and management of operating and capital budgets, including financial oversight, contract and invoice approval, and monitoring revenues and expenditures for compliance.
- Prepares for and participates in City Council, Commission, and executive meetings, including agenda development, staff coordination, presentations, and follow-up communication.
- Communicates and collaborates extensively with elected officials, City leadership, staff, community members, and external partners to coordinate activities and resolve issues.
- Oversees administrative and documentation processes, including reports, correspondence, records, and data management, using standard office software and systems.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Master’s degree in public administration, urban studies, planning, or a closely related field and ten (10) years of progressive experience in local government, including at least five (5) years of managerial experience overseeing a diverse portfolio of work assignments, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
- Complete required NIMS/ICS courses (100, 200, 700, 800) and any additional Incident Management Team–specific training within six months of hire.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- A specific knowledge base in one or more of the identified portfolio areas is considered preferred and highly beneficial but is not explicitly required.
- Demonstrated skill at both high-level vision setting and ensuring the successful execution of that vision as new and innovative efforts that support community excellence are identified and implemented.
- Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams and interdepartmental initiatives.
- Deep knowledge of municipal operations, council–manager governance, and public administration, with proven skill in aligning multiple departments with City priorities.
- Proven strategic and operational leadership with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Skill in executive-level leadership, program and project management, fiscal oversight, grant administration, and fostering high-performing, accountable teams.
- Exceptional ability to communicate complex policy and technical issues, build consensus, and cultivate strong relationships with elected officials, staff, developers, community members, and external partners.
- Excellent community-building skills and comfort participating in a variety of community engagement-related initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change and be responsive to evolving community needs and priorities.
- Team player and leads by example with a balanced mix of professionalism, approachability, empathy, and ability to hold self and others accountable.
- Genuinely passionate about the work and the people needed to complete it successfully.
Supplemental Information
- Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.
- Field Work: require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting or carrying objects up to 10 pounds occasionally. Employees may encounter uneven terrain, traffic, construction areas, and outdoor weather conditions and must use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- General Requirements: The position involves occasional travel to meetings, evening events, and after-hours response, as needed, in support of a 24-hour municipal operation. All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention
Our Core Values
INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
What We Offer
The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
- Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
- Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
- Free on-site city gym access
- Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
- 6-weeks paid parental leave
- Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
- Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
- Tuition assistance benefits
Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department.
All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.
Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.
Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.
Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.
Retirement
- NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
- Deferred Compensation – The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):
- Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
- Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
- Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
- Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
- Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.
Miscellaneous
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Cancer & Critical Illness
- Accident Insurance
- Whole Life Insurance
- Credit Union membership
Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.
**This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.**
01
I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
02
Do you have a valid Drivers License?
03
Which best describes your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate Degree
- None - N/A
04
How many years of progressive experience in local government do you have?
- I have no experience
- less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years to less than 12 years
- 12 years to less than 15 years
- 15 years or more
05
How many years of supervisory or managerial experience do you have?
- I have no experience
- less than 1 year
- 1 year to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years to less than 7 years
- 7 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years to less than 12 years
- 12 years to less than 15 years
- 15 years or more
06
Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #4 and #5. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.
07
Do you currently possess National Incident Management System Certifications in NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment?
- Currently possess all
- Currently have some and understand I must complete all within six (6) months of hire
- Currently do not possess any and understand I must complete all within six (6) months of hire
08
The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.
