Guilford County, NC - Deputy County Manager

Guilford County is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Deputy County Manager to serve as a key operational and administrative leader within the County Manager’s Office. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in shaping countywide priorities, modernizing services, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in one of North Carolina’s most dynamic counties. The Deputy County Manager will partner closely with the County Manager, Assistant County Managers, department directors, and community stakeholders to advance initiatives that improve service delivery, strengthen intergovernmental relationships, and support the County’s long-term strategic goals.

Reporting directly to the County Manager, the Deputy County Manager oversees critical internal support departments, including Information Technology, Facilities and Fleet Management, and manages two Special Project Managers. In addition, the position will serve as a liaison to the Register of Deeds, Tax Department, and Board of Elections as well as serving as the liaison to the County’s committees, advisory boards, and task forces. The position also provides strategic oversight for cross-departmental and regional projects in areas such as economic development, capital and infrastructure planning, courthouse operations, non-profit funding, and legislative affairs. The Deputy County Manager directs special project managers within the Manager’s Office, ensuring that policy research, strategic planning, and operational initiatives are executed effectively and aligned with countywide objectives. They will also support the Board of Commissioners agenda management process with the County Manager and work closely with the County Clerk and County Attorney.

The Deputy County Manager plays a critical role in promoting the standardization of processes to ensure projects and programs are managed effectively and aligned with a focus on governance, resource management, and performance reporting to maximize value and success. Success in this position is measured by the ability to align departmental business plans, budgets and operational priorities and advance key initiatives, improve operational efficiency, foster strong internal and external relationships, and maintain transparent communication with elected officials, staff, and the public.

This leadership role requires a proven record of managing complex, cross-departmental projects; strong financial, project management, and fiscal acumen; and exceptional skill in policy development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in public administration, preferably within county government, and demonstrates the ability to lead collaboratively while driving meaningful outcomes for the community.

Priorities

• Establish productive, collaborative relationships with the County Manager, Assistant County Managers, and department heads through regular meetings and one-on-one check-ins.
• Assess departmental and cross-departmental operations to identify opportunities for efficiency, improved service delivery, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Partner with the County Manager and Board to organize and manage work plans for standing committees, ensuring staff efforts are aligned with committee objectives and outcomes are clearly communicated.
• Establish a strategic work plan for key interlocal and regional partnerships (e.g., water/wastewater, economic development, and transportation). Identify short—and long-term goals for interlocal work, convene key players to develop regional objectives and roles for each organization, and determine if interlocal agreements are needed.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive, multi-year Facilities Master Plan that addresses deferred maintenance, provides a strategic approach to capital replacement, and ensures appropriate, productive work environments for all County departments. Utilize internal and external expertise to develop this long-term plan and identify funding sources and timeline as needed.
• Support the transition toward a results-based budget and performance accountability model in collaboration with the Budget Director, including developing an inventory of County services and identifying key benchmarks and indicators for continuous improvement.
• Support the coordination of the County’s legislative strategy by consulting with departments and aligning efforts with legislative support services, the County Attorney and Clerk. Identify key issues for each legislative session, develop internal infrastructure to work with lobbyists, and set short and long-term state legislative goals.

The Successful Candidate

The next Deputy County Manager for Guilford County will be a strategic, highly capable leader who excels at building collaboration and alignment across a large, complex organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in county or local government management, with experience overseeing multiple departments and leading cross-functional initiatives. They will be skilled at aligning operational priorities with strategic goals while maintaining transparency, integrity, and high ethical standards.

This leader will have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and be able to convey complex policy, fiscal, and operational issues clearly to the County Manager, elected officials, department leaders, and community stakeholders. They will thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while helping staff prioritize to achieve both day-to-day and long-term objectives.

The successful candidate is a collaborative, approachable executive who inspires and motivates teams, fosters professional growth, and champions a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and mutual respect. They will provide expert guidance on policy, operational best practices, and performance management, ensuring that the County continues to deliver high-quality services efficiently and effectively.

A strong foundation in public administration and county operations is essential, including experience in budget and capital planning, project and performance management, intergovernmental relations, and legislative strategy. The ideal Deputy County Manager will be comfortable navigating complex issues, building consensus across departments and jurisdictions, and driving organizational improvements that benefit both residents and staff. Technological proficiency, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to innovation and service excellence are hallmarks of the candidate who will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field. This position requires a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience, including significant tenure as a department director, county manager, assistant county manager, or equivalent senior executive in a complex public sector organization. Candidates with a relevant master’s degree may be considered with four (4) years of equivalent experience.

Preferred qualifications include a strong foundational background in traditional local government principles, with experience in county administration, particularly within North Carolina. A master’s degree (MPA or MBA) is strongly preferred. Furthermore, the Deputy County Manager must demonstrate superior skills in leadership, communication, and motivation, coupled with proven strategic decision-making abilities and technological proficiency. Finally, a sound financial and fiscal background is essential, including extensive experience in budget preparation, fiscal oversight, and successful resource development, such as securing competitive grants.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The County may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.

Inside the Organization

Guilford County operates under a Council-Manager form of government, with a nine-member Board of Commissioners appointing a professional County Manager to oversee the County’s operations. The County Manager provides executive leadership, directing and supervising all County offices, departments, and agencies under the general control of the Board. Serving as the Chief Administrator, the County Manager works closely with the Deputy County Manager and two Assistant County Managers. Together, the leadership team prepares and administers the County’s annual budget and capital improvement program, advises the Board on fiscal and policy matters, and ensures the fair and effective implementation of the Board’s policies, laws, and strategic goals.

For Fiscal Year 2025–2026, the County adopted an $847.3 million General Fund budget and employs approximately 3,032 personnel. The budget highlights the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to education, public safety, and essential community services:

• Education: $499.3 million allocated to Guilford County Schools (GCS) and Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC). GCS receives $467.6 million, including $282.5 million for operations, supporting the Board of Education’s highest priorities. Funding also covers $87.8 million for existing and planned school debt, $47.3 million set aside for future debt service on the $2.0 bond program, and $50.0 million for capital systems replacements and renovations funded with bond proceeds. GTCC receives $31.7 million, including $19.7 million for operations, $1.55 million for capital needs, and $10.4 million for debt obligations.
• Public Safety and County Services: The budget included restoring capital equipment replacement for public safety functions and improving emergency medical response capability though the addition of 24 positions within Emergency Services to support the addition of four (4) peak demand units. Additional funding supports the Sheriff’s Office real-time crime center, reentry programs for incarcerated residents, and community initiatives such as the Family Justice Center, Camp HOPE, and the Tenant Education Advocacy Mediation (TEAM) program. Eight (8) positions were added to Animal Services to stabilize operations in support of the recently opened animal services center.
• Additional limited staffing additions in Health and Human Services: Twenty-six (26) positions to support Social Services Protective Services to support assessments and foster care, eight (8) positions to support the Food and Nutrition Services Program, and three (3) positions to support daycare services.
• Rural Fire Districts and Special Initiatives: Tax rates approved as requested by local fire district boards provide sustainable funding for personnel, equipment, and operational needs. Opioid Settlement Funds continue to be leveraged to address the opioid crisis.

The County is rated Aaa/AAA by Moody’s and S&P, maintains a total fund balance of $334 million, and updated the County’s compensation and total rewards plan in 2023. The County’s tax rate is $0.7305 per $100 of assessed value.

This budget reflects Guilford County’s commitment to providing high-quality, responsive services while strategically investing in its people, infrastructure, and community well-being.

The Community

Founded in 1771, Guilford County is the third-most populous county in North Carolina. Guilford County was named after Francis North, the first Earl of Guilford, and was formed from parts of Rowan and Orange Counties to centralize government and the Courts of Guilford. The Guilford Courthouse became the location of General Nathanial Greene and Lord Cornwallis’ famous battle, which was a turning point in the war and is still reenacted today. Guilford County, part of the beautiful Piedmont Triad area of north-central North Carolina, includes the cities of Greensboro and High Point and several towns and smaller communities. The County historically served as one of the major manufacturing and transportation hubs of the Southeast, most notably for textiles and furniture, and to this day has the largest furnishings trade show in the world, the High Point Furniture Market.

With a rich history of anti-slavery activism, Guilford County is a stop on the historic Underground Railroad, a nationally known landmark within the civil rights movement. Abolitionist Levi Coffin noted Guilford College Woods (historically called New Garden Woods) as a refuge for the Underground Railroad, now a protected area. Additionally, historic segregation protests in 1960 happened at the then white-only lunch counter at the Woolworth store in downtown Greensboro. Helping to fuel similar efforts across the nation, the former Woolworth store location is now the site of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

The County is presently home to historical sites and institutions, as well as the host of notable recreational and cultural events such as the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, the North Carolina Folk Festival, the Wyndham Championship Golf Tournament, the Greensboro Grasshoppers and High Point Rockers baseball teams, and a variety of collegiate events. The public enjoys multiple regional parks within Guilford County, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor recreation activities.

Guilford County residents benefit from strong educational programs. The County is home to many higher educational institutions, including North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, High Point University, Bennett College, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Elon University School of Law, and Guilford Technical Community College. Guilford County Schools is the third-largest school district in North Carolina and serves 70,000 PK-12 students at more than 120 schools with over 10,000 employees.

Guilford’s cities and towns are noted among the top U.S. cities for their low cost of living, which is almost 10% below the national average. These areas boast friendly, walkable neighborhoods, vibrant social scenes, plenty of cultural attractions, and a central location perfect for enjoying the abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. A three-hour drive east brings you to the beautiful North Carolina coast, while a three-hour drive west places you on Mount Mitchell in the magnificent North Carolina mountains, the highest point east of the Mississippi River.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $185,000 - $236,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about working for Guilford County and benefits here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning November 26, 2025.

Questions

Please direct questions to Catherine Tuck Parrish at ctuckparrish@raftelis.com and Kelsey Batt at kbatt@raftelis.com.

Download the Recruitment Brochure