Town of Louisa is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Town Manager, responsible for directing the programs and operations of the town government.

The Town of Louisa embodies the warmth and character of a traditional Virginia small town, a community where neighbors know one another, local businesses are valued, and residents share a strong sense of pride in the place they call home. Located in the heart of Louisa County between Richmond and Charlottesville, the Town combines historic character and a welcoming atmosphere with opportunities for continued growth. Its central location, vibrant local business community, responsive Town government, and strong community connections make Town of Louisa an appealing and safe place to live, work, establish a business, and become part of a tight-knit community.

The Town Council appoints a Town Manager to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Louisa. The Town Manager is accountable to the Town Council for the leadership, management, performance, and results of municipal operations and is responsible for carrying out the policies, priorities, and strategic direction established by Council. The Manager provides leadership and oversight of Town operations, directs and supports Town staff, and works to ensure that municipal services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and responsively. As a hands-on executive leader, the Town Manager operates at both the strategic and operational levels, maintaining alignment among planning, budgeting, infrastructure investment, economic and community development, and service delivery while fostering an organizational culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.

The Town Manager is responsible for developing and administering the Town’s annual operating and capital budgets, overseeing financial operations and fiscal stewardship, and directing long-range capital and infrastructure planning. The Manager leads implementation of the Town’s strategic priorities and coordinates planning, zoning, growth, development, infrastructure, and capital projects to support the Town’s long-term vitality and quality of life. The Town Manager serves as the primary professional advisor to Town Council, providing analysis and recommendations and ensuring Council policies and adopted plans are effectively implemented. The Manager also serves as a visible representative of the Town, maintaining strong relationships with residents, businesses, community stakeholders, Louisa County, and regional, state, and federal partners; responding to citizen concerns; pursuing grants and other external funding opportunities; and advocating for the Town’s interests. The Town Manager also serves as the Town’s Emergency Management Director, with responsibility for emergency preparedness, response, recovery, continuity of operations, and organizational risk oversight.

The following education and experience factors are the expected qualifications for successful performance:
• A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least three (3) years of progressive executive-level management and leadership experience.
• Local government or public-sector management experience is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organizational management, municipal budgeting and financial systems, capital improvement planning and infrastructure investment, and growth management, planning, or economic development is preferred.
• An understanding of the statutory authority, responsibilities, and requirements of Virginia town government and a commitment to the principles of the council-manager form of government is desired.
• Designation as an ICMA Credentialed Manager is a plus.
• Qualified to serve as the Town’s Emergency Manager or able to obtain the necessary qualifications following appointment.
• Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.

Compensation for the Town Manager will be competitive depending on qualifications and experience. The Town Council has identified a hiring range of $115,000-135,000. The successful candidate will be offered a generous benefits package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System, health insurance coverage, paid time off, deferred compensation, professional development support, and other benefits as provided for all Town employees or identified in a negotiated employment agreement.