North Carolina - Cumberland County

Cumberland
County
North Carolina
Invites your interest in the position of
Assistant County Manager
Cumberland County
is seeking an Assistant County Manager
Cumberland County is a large and growing county in southeastern North Carolina,
with a diverse population of approximately 332,000 (2013 State Budget Office
projection), the fifth most populous county in the state.
We are home to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations in the world and
headquarters for U.S. Army Forces Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne
Division and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, with an active duty population
of over 51,000 troops. It is often said that “when the President dials 911, the phone
rings at Fort Bragg.” Additional military assets were added to Fort Bragg by previous
recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
The strong military presence offers significant economic development potential,
and there are opportunities for additional economic diversification.
The City of Fayetteville (pop. 210,000, sixth largest city in N.C.), is the county seat and
one of nine municipalities within the county. Fayetteville, whose motto is “History,
Heroes and a Hometown Feeling,” is a two-time All-America City award winner that
offers the amenities of a sizeable city, a revitalized downtown area and numerous
shopping opportunities. The county’s other municipalities provide the option of smalltown living, and Cumberland County includes large rural agricultural areas as well.
One of Cumberland County’s greatest assets is its thriving arts and cultural
community. Theatre, symphony orchestras, and museums for adults and children
are available, including the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. A variety of
festivals and special events are held throughout the year and we are also home to
the Fayetteville Fire Antz hockey team and the Swamp Dogs, a summer collegiate
baseball team. Cumberland County is home to two outstanding universities and an
excellent community college.
Located in North Carolina’s Sandhills region, Cumberland and the surrounding
counties include scenic rivers, lakes and other recreation areas, as well as worldrenowned golf courses that host major tournaments. We are two hours from the
North Carolina coast and four hours from the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue
Ridge Parkway. County residents enjoy a pleasant climate with distinct seasons.
Organization Overview
Cumberland County
co.cumberland.nc.us
Fayetteville Regional Chamber
of Commerce
fayettevillencchamber.org
Fayetteville Area Convention
and Visitors Bureau
visitfayettevillenc.com
The seven-member elected Board of County Commissioners is the governing body
of Cumberland County. Five commissioners are elected from districts and two are
elected at large. Commissioners serve four-year staggered terms. Cumberland
County operates under the Board-Manager (Council-Manager) form of government.
The Manager form is prevalent in North Carolina counties and cities (see N.C. General
Statutes Section 153A-82).
The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible, stable and well managed
government with sound budget and strong fund balance (net assets). The County
has an overall budget of approximately $550 million, a property tax rate of 74
cents per $100 of assessed valuation and approximately 2,400 employees in 30
departments.
The County government provides services ranging from animal control to zoning,
and strong support for quality public education, working with an elected Board
of Education and appointed school superintendent. Award-winning programs in
our Health Department, Finance Department, Public Library and Social Services
demonstrate Cumberland County’s commitment to better serve our residents,
prepare for the future and fulfill our commitment to be a caring, inclusive and
transparent government.
Position Overview
The Assistant County Manager will join a senior leadership team consisting of
the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, an Assistant County Manager
and Governmental Affairs Officer in managing the County. The Assistant County
Manager will assist the County Manager with the planning and administration of
County Government as a member of the Leadership Team as well as serve as the
liaison between the County Manager and assigned department directors. The
successful candidate is expected to provide leadership, administrative direction
and planning to ensure that the Mission, Vision, and Core Values as outlined in the
County Strategic Plan (http://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/commissioners/mission_
vision.aspx) are integrated and implemented.
Qualifications
A Master’s of Public Administration, Business Administration or related field
supplemented by six or more years of leadership experience in the management of
alarge governmental agency is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in Public
Administration, Business Administration or related field supplemented by eight
years’ leadership experience in the management of a large governmental agency
is a minimum requirement; or an equivalent combination of education and
experience. Local government leadership experience is highly preferred.
The Successful Candidate

Is a progressive leader with a proven track record in innovative large governmental agency management;

Is knowledgeable of principles and practices of public administration to include
planning; administration and supervision; and preparing and implementing
proposals which affect the operations of county government;

Has an excellent track record in establishing and maintaining working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders such as County
staff, County Commissioners and other public officials, business and community leaders, and the general public through demonstrated personal community engagement;

Is skilled in leading cross-functional teams using a collaborative, team-based style to resolve complex problems and capitalize on opportunities with creative solutions;

Commits to the highest level of customer service and community collaboration by routinely seeking stakeholder input to effectively achieve County goals;

Thinks strategically and is experienced in cultivating buy-in and implementing
the Board’s strategic priorities;

Possesses executive level skills in interpersonal and written communications,
strategic planning, finance and budget development, administration and
intergovernmental relations;

Is keenly analytical and a critical thinker while being accessible and personable
to people at all levels of the organization;

Values accountability and holds high expectations of self and others while also being an effective leader;

Proactively monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service
delivery methods and procedures;

Effectively cultivates an outstanding workforce through development and
management of staff talent;

Can embrace and model the County’s core values of professionalism, respect,
integrity, diversity and excellent customer service.
Out of many, we are one.
Compensation and Benefits
Application and Selection
Conditions of Employment
Screening begins December 20; however, interested applicants
are strongly encouraged to apply no later than January 6,
2015. Semi-Finalists will participate in an assessment center in
Cumberland County on February 12-13, 2015.
Expected hiring range is $91,756 – $123, 096 depending on
qualifications. Information about benefits can be found at:
http://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/employee_info/downloads/
benefit_package__11-17-2014.pdf
The selected finalist must have or obtain and maintain a
valid North Carolina Driver’s License and will submit to a
comprehensive background, credit and motor vehicle check as
well as a drug screening test. There is a residency requirement
to move within County limits within 12 months of employment.
Visit the Developmental Associates client openings website
(https://www.developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/
client-positions/) and click on the position title. All applications
must be fully completed and submitted online via this portal.
All inquiries should be emailed to cumberlandhiring@
developmentalassociates.com.
Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and
values diversity at all levels of its workforce.