Town Manager

The Town of Matthews seeks a dynamic and strategic Town Manager to serve as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role involves complex management, professional, and administrative duties, ensuring efficient operation of Town services in accordance with finance procedures, local ordinances, and North Carolina Statutes. The Manager operates under the direction of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners, with performance evaluated through reports, legal compliance, and public satisfaction.

The Town of Matthews seeks a dynamic and strategic Town Manager to serve as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role involves complex management, professional, and administrative duties, ensuring efficient operation of Town services in accordance with finance procedures, local ordinances, and North Carolina Statutes. The Manager operates under the direction of the Mayor and Board of Commissioners, with performance evaluated through reports, legal compliance, and public satisfaction.

As chief administrative officer, the Town Manager plans, organizes, manages, directs, and implements goals set by the Town Board, guiding department directors in their operational details. They collaborate with the Mayor and Commissioners to establish a clear community vision, coordinate planning and policy development, prepare Board meeting agendas with necessary resources, and keep the Board informed on significant Town issues.

A core responsibility is direct management and supervision of Town department directors and other administrative staff. This involves establishing long and short-term goals, fostering a strong and engaged team, and communicating the organizational mission, vision, and goals. The Manager empowers department directors to enhance these goals and implement consistent programs. Serving as the official Budget Officer, the Manager develops and balances the annual budget, seeking innovative financial stewardship and new revenue sources while making realistic expenditure recommendations. The role oversees comprehensive management of all Town resources, including budget administration, facilities, equipment, technology, and grant development/administration.

The Manager provides and manages professional and technical advice for the Board on critical policy, planning, and legal matters. This entails research, recommendations on new programs/services, and coordinating economic and business development strategies. The Town Manager coordinates with department directors to verify Town policies, laws, and ordinances are workable, consistently enforced, and fairly implemented. This includes overseeing public works, land use planning, recreational services, arts, quality of life facilities, and public safety programs.

Active engagement with community groups, citizens, and other public agencies is essential to discuss programs, services, policies, and issues, and to ensure timely responses to citizen concerns. The Town Manager maintains effective media communications and cooperates with other governmental units (State, county, neighboring cities, transportation authorities) to provide effective services, including drafting inter-local agreements.

Finally, the Town Manager evaluates best practices, recommends policies, and implements administrative procedures for staff guidance. They demonstrate exceptional leadership and sound decision-making in emergencies, leading conflict resolution efforts. They are expected to maintain cutting-edge knowledge of municipal trends and laws, and continuously enhance management skills, consistently representing the Town of Matthews positively and upholding its values.

Minimum requirements are a bachelor's degree and at least five years' supervisory experience in a local government, including executive level management (manager/administrator, assistant manager/administrator, or department director). Effective and efficient communication skills and demonstrated expertise with community engagement, budget/financial management, personnel management, and working effectively with elected officials are required. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of employment with a safe driving record.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in public administration, business or related area and considerable experience in public sector management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, North Carolina local government experience, and ICMA Certification are also preferred.

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning August 29, 2025.

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The expected hiring range for this position is $174,000-$221,000 depending on qualifications, with an additional 5% pay increase provided after the successful completion of a six-month New Hire Evaluation Period. The Town also offers an excellent benefits package, including medical insurance through the State Health Plan and vision insurance, both at a low cost to the employee. The Town participates in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) and also contributes 5% (no match required) for all employees in a 401K account with Empower (formerly Prudential). We offer 12 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, along with sick and vacation leave. Dental reimbursement (including family coverage), life insurance and short-term disability coverage are provided at no cost to the employee.

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