The highly attractive, historic mill city of Belmont, NC – near Charlotte, NC – seeks a visionary and experienced executive to serve as its next City Manager. This position is for the professional who has significant economic development and redevelopment experience, particularly in smaller communities. A dependable, well-respected leader, the City Manager will strategically foster a cohesive, accountable working environment where employees feel valued and supported. The Council desires a patient listener who will engage the opinions of staff and stakeholders, create unity in opposition, and be diplomatic in advocating for the City’s strategic vision while preserving its culture. The next City Manager is known in his/her previous roles as a transparent, trustworthy leader who holds him/herself and others to high standards of excellence and accountability.

About the Community: Located just west of Charlotte in Gaston County, Belmont has begun to reimagine its future following a decline in its textile industry from the late 90s and 2000s. Belmont’s proximity to Charlotte and abundant access to waterways have attracted new investors and residents. With a population of nearly 16,500 residents, Belmont continues to gain attraction as the perfect location for access to outdoor activities and a short commute to work. City leaders continue to foster partnerships with developers to establish attractive residential development within and adjacent to the city limits, some of which include high-end waterfront properties. The downtown area is experiencing redevelopment and revitalization while still retaining Belmont’s small-town charm and sense of community.

About the Organization and Position: Operating under the Council-Manager form of government, the City of Belmont has six Council members, including the Mayor, who serve 4-year terms. Municipal elections are held in odd numbered years with the next election to be held this year. The leaders of Belmont envision a vibrant, multi-generational community that incorporates small-town charm and heritage with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Reporting to the City Council, the City Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the City of Belmont including the development and management of a balanced budget. The City’s FY 22-23 budget of $30M ($19M General Fund) is a 13% increase from the previous fiscal year. Belmont’s property tax rate is $0.495 per $100.00 valuation.

In his/her daily responsibilities, the City Manager will fulfill Belmont’s mission to provide visionary leadership and high-quality city services to create a community of choice for the City’s residents, visitors, and employees. Exemplifying exceptional management skills, the next City Manager will motivate and unite a team of nearly 175 staff with 5 direct reports (Assistant City Manager, HR Director, City Clerk/Public Information Officer, and the Fire and Police Chiefs). When evaluating the strategic direction for the City, the next City Manager will effectively balance outsourcing versus developing/improving the City’s capacity and resources to meet the needs of its community members.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration or closely related field is required; a master’s degree in Public or Business Administration and/or ICMA credentialed manager certification is preferred. Candidates must have five or more years of successful and progressive levels of supervisory and management experience; experience in North Carolina local government preferred.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the City Manager is $150,000 - $180,000, dependent on qualifications and experience. The City provides a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K and participation in the NC Local Government Retirement System.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the City Manager – City of Belmont, NC title. To learn more about the selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/ select “Client Openings” and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.” All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal – NOT the City Employment Application portal, nor any other external website; it is not sufficient to send only a resume. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. Applicants must apply by March 9, 2023. Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation on April 13-14, 2023. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate. All inquiries should be emailed to hiring@developmentalassociates.com. The City of Belmont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The recruitment and selection process is being managed by Developmental Associates, LLC.