Columbus Consolidated Government is seeking a new City Manager. Located in west-central Georgia on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Columbus is a dynamic urban community with approximately 200,000 residents within its 221 square miles. Columbus is Georgia’s first consolidated city-county government, the second largest city in Georgia, and a recognized leader among its peer cities. It takes pride in its operational efficiency and the exceptional quality of life it provides. The city has become a model for effective public-private partnerships, which have fostered significant economic development, cultural, and recreational growth. Columbus is known for its historic downtown/uptown district near the breathtaking Riverwalk. It is home to Fort Benning, the Best Army Installation in the world; the 148-year-old Springer Opera House, the State Theater of Georgia; and the corporate headquarters of AFLAC, Total Systems Services (TSYS)/Global Payments and Synovus Financial Corp. Wallett Hub recently named Columbus as one of the best run cities in America. In addition to its thriving economic development, Columbus provides excellent education, housing, entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities that are second to none. The cost of living is quite competitive, and the quality of life creates a sense of belonging for its residents. The Columbus Consolidated Government (CCG) serves as the local governing authority of Muscogee County. It is led by an elected Mayor and ten Council Members (two at-large and eight district representatives). The Mayor and Councilors serve four-year terms. The City Manager is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Council and oversees the day-to-day governmental operations, finances, and workforce activities except services provided by elected constitutional officers of the County. The Charter provides that the mayor is the Public Safety Director and “coordinates the administration and activities of the Department of Public Safety” which include police, fire, and prison operations. The CCG employs a diverse workforce of 3,000 full-time and part-time employees across various departments. The annual operating budget is $394,618,280.

The ideal candidate should be an experienced, strategic, and visionary leader who communicates effectively, works collaboratively, builds partnerships, and can lead a team of public service professionals to focus on the goals and directives of the Mayor and Council. He/She should have a proven record of successfully managing a complex, multifaceted, government organization with shifting priorities and opportunities. The successful candidate will exhibit transparency, a community engagement focus, and exceptional leadership qualities including honesty, integrity, diplomacy, inclusiveness, empathy, and accountability. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, enabling him/her to build trust and creditability as an effective leader. The ability to engage in continuous and meaningful communication with the Mayor and Council will be critical to the City Manager’s success in Columbus. A confident and approachable presence must be a strong personal quality of the new City Manager. The Manager’s leadership style must demonstrate the ability to connect with staff at all levels of the organization while holding them accountable for delivery of quality services to the citizens. The ideal candidate must be able to analyze complex issues, conduct research, implement practical solutions, evaluate efficiency of city operations, and lead continuous improvement efforts across all sectors of the organization. Workforce development, recruitment, retention, and organizational performance strategies will be a high priority for the successful City Manager. The ideal candidate will be skilled in financial analysis, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have experience managing large capital projects, identifying funding for new critical facilities such as a jail, as well as developing strategies for funding and properly maintaining aging facilities/infrastructure used by Columbus citizens.

To find out more details about the position visit www.mercergroupassociates.com for the recruitment brochure

Candidate Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required in public administration, urban management, business administration/management, or related degree from an accredited university, master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible managerial or administrative experience in a local government as a city or county manager, deputy manager, administrator; or as an upper-level executive manager in an organization with comparable complexities of CCG. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job will be considered.
• Evidence of continued professional development such as ICMA Credentialed Manager certification is a positive indication of commitment to the profession and will be noted during the candidate vetting process.
• Candidates must have or be able to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia.

Compensation & Benefits:
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers an exceptional compensation and benefits package. The expected annual starting salary range for this position is $245,000 to $285,000 depending on qualifications and a comprehensive benefits package including: low-cost health, dental, vision insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan, deferred compensation plan, life insurance plans, onsite health and wellness center, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave and an employee assistance program. Relocation assistance may be negotiated with the successful candidate.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five professional references (including names, phone numbers, email addresses), and a salary history to Lisa Ward at lisaward912@gmail.com no later than close of business on March 18, 2026. Please direct any questions to Lisa Ward, Senior Associate, 706-983-9326, or Alan Reddish, Senior Associate at Mercer Group Associates, 706-614-4961.