Perhaps you are a local government executive with impeccable management and interpersonal skills known for your ability to cultivate and nurture opportunities in diverse communities. If so, the City of Lexington, centrally located in the heart of the Piedmont Triad area of NC – invites you to consider applying to serve as its next City Manager. The Council seeks a transformative leader – one who is a patient listener that will proactively 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 will join an organization that is committed to the sustainability, viability, and growth of its community. This professional has the great opportunity to nurture a positive working environment with high morale.

About the Community, Organization and Position:
The City of Lexington was settled in 1775 in what was to become the industrial region of North Carolina known as the "Piedmont Triad". Lexington was incorporated in 1828 by the NC General Assembly and became the county seat of Davidson County in 1847. Lexington’s mild climate, especially in the winter, affords ample opportunities to get outdoors. From playing golf at the Lexington Golf Club, a 6,116 yard, Par 71 public golf course owned by the City to water-skiing on High Rock Lake, the second largest lake in NC, Lexington’s 18 square miles of mostly rural flat land are an ideal place to call home. Lexington’s 19,516 community members are mostly under the age of 65. Deriving from its roots as a textile and furniture industry hub, Lexington’s economy continues to evolve to support the quality of life of its community members. By fall 2027, a new passenger rail station will be completed, providing alternate and equitable transportation service to residents of the Lexington community.

Operating under the Council-Manager form of government, the City of Lexington is governed by a nine-member City Council consisting of two members elected at large and six elected by wards. Reporting to the City Council, the City Manager, as chief administrative officer of the City of Lexington, is responsible for providing executive leadership and organizational support necessary to carry out the policies and ordinances of the City Council, oversee the day-to-day operations of city government, multiple utilities, and golf operations while developing and managing a balanced budget. The City’s FY 22-23 budget of $111M (General fund budget = $32.9M; Water & Wastewater = $15.5M; Gas = $14.6M; Electric = $45.4M) is supported by a property tax rate of $.65 per $100 valuation. The total value of all taxable property is known as the City's tax base and is currently estimated at $1.820 billion. Additionally, the City levies an Uptown Special Tax District rate of $.20 per $100 valuation, as agreed upon by the Uptown merchants, to foster economic development and vitality in the Uptown Lexington business district. Exemplifying exceptional management skills, the next City Manager will motivate and unite a team of nearly 330+ full-time staff with 4 direct reports (Assistant City Manager – currently vacant, City Clerk, Public Relations, and an Administrative Associate).

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. Residency within the Lexington city limits within 12 months is highly preferred.

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range for the City Manager is $160,000 - $225,000, 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 Lexington, NC title. 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 May 21st, 2023. Successful semi-finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluation on June 28-29, 2023. Candidates should reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate. All inquiries should be emailed to hiring@developmentalassociates.com. The City of Lexington is an EOE. The recruitment and selection process is being managed by Developmental Associates, LLC.