The City Manager’s Office – Administration Division provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and organizational oversight to ensure the effective and efficient operation of all municipal services. Serving as the central administrative hub of City government, the City Manager’s Office supports the Mayor and City Council in implementing policy decisions, advancing strategic priorities, and fostering transparent communication with the community. The division oversees departmental coordination, budget management, intergovernmental relations, and organizational performance, ensuring that City operations are aligned with the goals of accountability, innovation, and exceptional public service.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
An employee in this class performs professional and technical work related to the planning, implementation, management and to coordinate strategic initiatives within local government aimed at expanding economic opportunity and mobility for all residents. The Economic Mobility Program Manager will lead cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and data-informed planning to address structural barriers to economic advancement and improve equitable outcomes across the city.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Serve as the City’s lead strategist on issues related to economic mobility and equity.
Identify strategic priorities and systemic barriers impacting residents’ ability to achieve financial security and economic advancement.
Develop and implement data-informed initiatives focused on workforce development, income growth, housing stability, education pathways, financial empowerment, and other key mobility factors.
Facilitate inclusive community engagement processes to co-design strategies with impacted communities, community-based organizations, and local institutions.
Build and maintain strong relationships across city departments, partner agencies, nonprofit stakeholders, and the business community to advance aligned economic mobility goals.
Develop metrics and performance dashboards to evaluate impact and inform continuous improvement.
Draft and present written reports, implementation plans, and policy recommendations to internal leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Collaborate with leadership to ensure integration of economic mobility goals into city planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
Attend annual convenings and periodic cohort meetings with ICMA.
Conduct ongoing research and policy analysis to inform initiatives.
Prepare grant proposals and manage budgets for economic mobility-related projects.
Lead or participate in cross-departmental teams focused on equity and economic inclusion.
Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
The Economic Mobility Program Manager should demonstrate a strong understanding of local government functions, interagency collaboration, and economic mobility factors such as income, housing, education, health, and workforce development. Knowledge of structural and institutional barriers to equity, as well as program development, strategic planning, budgeting, grants management, and performance evaluation frameworks, is essential. Proficiency with financial management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and other software applications is required, along with the ability to apply effective public relations strategies, community outreach, and engagement with diverse stakeholder groups.

The position requires excellent project management, organizational, and leadership skills, with proven ability in negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary, including experience with report writing, public presentations, and facilitating collaborative discussions. The ability to synthesize complex data, apply sound judgment, and make informed decisions is critical, as is the capacity to foster relationships across diverse communities and build consensus.

Candidates must also be able to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and adaptability. The role requires the ability to lead cross-functional teams, interpret grant requirements and government regulations, and maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations. Strong interpersonal skills, a customer service orientation, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence are expected. The employee must also be able to operate a motor vehicle for City business and attend evening meetings as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, and communicate. Must be able to occasionally lift or move materials up to 25 pounds. Manual dexterity required approximately 60% of the work period. Must be able to perform work indoors and occasionally attend site visits or community events outdoors.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.

A degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related field; and
At least four (4) years of related experience in public sector or non-profit budgeting, financial analysis, or accounting.
One (1) to three (3) years of experience in community or workforce development, or a related area.
Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties, including at least three (3) years of progressively complex experience in economic development, community engagement, workforce development, or a related field.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field
Experience working in or with local governments or public agencies
Experience using performance metrics and dashboards to evaluate public sector impact
Experience in education, financial literacy, housing, or community development
Bilingual in English and Spanish

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid North Carolina Driver’s License at time of hire
Willingness to travel periodically for cohort convenings and professional development.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, located at the City Hall, 10 Salem Street, Thomasville, NC 27360, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. thru 5:00 p.m. or apply directly on the City’s web site at https://www.thomasville-nc.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications will be reviewed to select the best qualified applicants. Selection will include a structured interview. This position is considered to be open until filled.
The City of Thomasville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.