The City of Valdosta is seeking applications for a new City Manager. The City of Valdosta is a unique community, blending its historic past with a dynamic and high growth environment, coupled with a diversity to give it economic viability and strength. In 1860, Valdosta was incorporated as the new county government seat. With a population of 166 people, Valdosta thrived as the county government seat of Lowndes County and the inland capital for Sea Island cotton. The City’s first 10 years, it grew 622 percent with a population of 1,999; and it is now approaching a population of 60,000. Valdosta has seen explosive growth in the last decade. The City of Valdosta operates under a Council/Manager form of Government. The Valdosta City Council is comprised of a mayor and seven council members. The city is divided into six councils and one at-large district. Six of the seven city council members are elected by district vote and serve staggered four-year terms. A city-wide vote selects the At-Large Councilmember. Valdosta relies on the City Manager for all the daily operational functions while the Mayor/Council is charged with setting policy. The City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and Council. The City of Valdosta is a service-oriented organization of more than 600 employees and has an annual budget of $124 million. The city aspires to be a healthy, vibrant, safe environment where residents live, work, play, and grow in a diverse community that values families and neighbors.

Find details about position expectations by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com

The ideal candidate will be an ethical, approachable, and open-minded leader who adopts progressive strategies and embraces positive change, while applying local government best practices proven effective in communities comparable to Valdosta. This individual will possess the capability to collaborate effectively with the Mayor and Council to define and implement a community-supported vision that upholds the city’s values and fosters responsible growth. The ideal candidate should be confident, energetic, and able to build trust with citizens. Valdosta seeks a professional City Manager who can help the Mayor and Council address community challenges effectively and compassionately. The ideal candidate will be an attentive listener with excellent communication abilities who can interact positively with the business community, citizens from diverse backgrounds, and Valdosta’s leadership team to foster trust and transparency within the city. The ideal candidate will maintain a consistent visible presence within the community to foster strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including Lowndes County government, Moody Air Force Base, the Valdosta City School Board, Valdosta State University and South Georgia Medical Center.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required in public administration, business administration, planning, economic development or related degree from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of managerial experience in a local government as a city or county manager, deputy manager; or as an upper-level executive manager in an organization with comparable complexities to the City of Valdosta. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills for the position will be considered.
• Evidence of continued professional development such as ICMA Credentialed Manager designation is a positive indicator of dedication to the profession and will be noted during the vetting process.

Compensation & Benefits:
The expected starting salary range for this position is $175,000 - $200,000 (depending on qualifications of the selected candidate). A very comprehensive benefits package is offered for this position, including: Health, dental and vision insurance; no cost Medical Clinic – Premise Health; Basic Life and AD&D – provided by the city at no cost; Long-term disability paid by the city; Employee Assistance Program – EAP; Pension benefit – employee contributes 3%, vested in 10 years; Deferred Compensation 457 offered through Empower and Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays. The city offers a generous annual and sick leave program, as well as vehicle and cell phone allowances. Relocation expenses negotiable.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five job related references (with email and phone numbers), and salary history no later than March 13, 2026, to lisaward912@gmail.com. Please direct any questions to Mercer Group Associates, Lisa Ward at 706-983-9326; or Alan Reddish, at 706-614-4961.