City Manager

Job Title: City Manager
Department: City Manager's Office
Reports To: City Council
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: DOQ

General Description:
Highly responsible administrative work in directing and coordinating all phases of the general municipal government. Work involves the supervision of activities related to the City in accordance with the policies determined by the City Council, City Charter, and applicable laws and ordinances; serves as the top appointed executive in the City; ensures City government operations and functions effectively serve the needs of Martinsville residents.

About the Role:
The City Charter establishes the position of City Manager, who serves as the chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council and is responsible to Council for the administration and effective operation of all governmental functions under the Council’s authority. The position is that of a full-time City employee, with all the responsibilities, expectations, and benefits of City employment. The authority and responsibilities of the City Manager are established by City Charter, City Code, and by action of City Council.

Authority and Responsibilities:

• Direct and administer the day-to-day operations of all City departments, offices, and agencies under the authority of City Council, including public safety, maintenance of public streets and property, financial operations and budgeting, redevelopment and economic development activities, strategic planning and implementation, recreational services, inspection services, utility operations, and related functions.
• Recommend policy considerations to City Council and implement Council decisions and direction in policy matters.
• Provide leadership and oversight to City department heads and staff to ensure the effective, efficient, and responsive delivery of City services; assess community and organizational needs and ensure those needs are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Appoint, supervise, and evaluate department heads and serve as the appointing authority for City employees in accordance with City policies and applicable laws.
• Oversee the development, preparation, and administration of the annual operating and capital budgets for submission to City Council.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of Department Directors; provide overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of City operations. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems in accordance with City policies and applicable laws.
• Establish and support effective working relationships with the City School Division to address operational, administrative, and community issues and to promote coordination and collaboration.
• Establish and actively support regional partnerships and intergovernmental efforts to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency, and economic development.
• Represent the City in interactions with the public, community organizations, regional partners, and other governmental entities on major or sensitive administrative and policy matters.
• Perform complex, highly detailed work on multiple concurrent initiatives; manage competing priorities; and operate effectively under intensive deadlines and frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrate evidence of continued professional development and maintain knowledge of best practices in local government administration.

Qualifications:

• Extensive senior-level municipal government experience with strong leadership and administrative skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field (Master’s preferred) and proven track record in managing complex city operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presenting to City Council and community groups.
• Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, with comfort applying quantitative and policy concepts to practical municipal challenges.
• Advanced interpersonal and management skills to coordinate multiple departments, delegate effectively, and foster a high-performing organizational culture.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and administrative policies governing municipal operations.
• Ability to handle sensitive inquiries, complaints, and high-profile issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Experience in strategic planning and implementing programs that enhance city efficiency and services.

Desired Characteristics:

• Demonstrates absolute integrity, ensuring ethical, equitable, honest, fair, and transparent interactions with City Council, staff, and the public.
• Professionally competent, with confidence tempered by humility, and committed to continuous learning and growth.
• Maintains regular, clear, and proactive communication with City Council; ensures accessibility, keeps Council informed on key issues, and responds promptly to inquiries.
• Exercises sound independent judgment, balancing legal, moral, economic, social, and political considerations in decision-making and policy recommendations.
• Acts as a facilitator, helping City Council and department leaders develop creative solutions that achieve goals, manage risk, and maximize community benefit.
• Provides well-researched, succinct, and practical guidance to support timely and effective decision-making by City Council.
• Respects that final decision-making authority rests with City Council; advises fully on potential consequences and supports Council-approved actions.
• Fosters collaboration across departments, builds strong partnerships with City leadership, and participates actively in strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, listens effectively, considers diverse perspectives, and resolves conflicts tactfully.
• Upholds transparency, accountability, and the City’s reputation; seeks feedback and provides leadership through regular performance evaluations and continuous improvement.

Other Requirements:
Must reside in the City of Martinsville.

Physical Demands:
While performing the essential duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit; communicate verbally in person, during meetings, and by telephone; and use hands to handle, manipulate, or operate standard office equipment. The employee will frequently be required to stand and walk and may reach with hands and arms. The position requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a normal office environment, and may require work on weekends and after normal office hours. May be required to travel periodically within City, as well as outside the City.

We are not accepting applications from executive search firms.

This position will remain open until March 31, 2026.