Listing Summary

Chatham County, GA (pop. 296,000) is seeking a highly skilled local government leader to serve as its next Assistant County Manager (ACM). The successful candidate will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and will take the lead on major infrastructure projects as well as manage related departments.   The ideal candidate possesses a balance of senior local government management experience and a strong background in engineering, construction, infrastructure development, and/or project management. They will also demonstrate a track record of successful project planning and execution.

Chatham County is part of the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The County is situated on the Atlantic Coast and is bounded by the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers and the southern border of South Carolina. The Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAA), Georgia Ports Authority, quick access to Interstates 95 and 16, and two Amtrak passenger lines make the county not only an attractive destination but an accessible one as well, welcoming leisure and business travelers year-round. Current and new manufacturing/industrial facilities are fueling economic growth in the region, and multiple higher education institutions call Chatham County home, including Savannah State University, Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), and a satellite campus of Georgia Southern University.

Chatham County has a FY2025 all funds budget of $758 million. Approximately $300 million of the budget is restricted for capital project funds, most of which have been authorized under special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) referendums from 1985 forward. The County employs over 2,200 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. It is a commission-manager government, and the County Manager has oversight responsibility for all operations and staff that fall under the purview of the Board of Commissioners (BOC). The Assistant County Manager is appointed by and reports to the County Manager.

As one of two ACMs, this position will provide executive-level customer service, problem resolution, and operational leadership to the directors of Public Works, Engineering, Parks & Recreation, Facilities Maintenance, Fleet, and Building Safety & Regulatory Services. In addition to stewarding infrastructure and capital project activities, the ACM will coordinate with the County Manager to keep him informed of ongoing priorities. To be successful in this position, candidates should be able to manage multiple projects at once, collaborate well with other counties, municipalities, and outside agencies, function as a strategic thinker, and be able to respect and mesh with the culture of Chatham County government.

Other responsibilities and expectations for the position include:

• Managing operations and programs with department heads and key management staff that fall under his/her supervision
• Monitoring and evaluating the progress of departments to achieve the goals and objectives of the administration
• Understanding of local government finance and procurement, and experience with developing and monitoring departmental, project, and program budgets
• Evaluating and analyzing interdepartmental processes for risk-mitigation, safety, quality control, and improvement
• Responding to inquiries from the public regarding issues unresolved at the departmental level
• Collaborating with the County Manager and staff to develop the County’s strategic plan, annual operating budget, and capital budgets, as directed by the Board of Commissioners
• Working with both elected and appointed County officials to solve internal organizational problems within assigned departments and divisions and across departmental lines

Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, or a closely related field is strongly preferred; and ten (10) years of progressively responsible public management experience, of which three (5) years must include senior management/senior administrative experience, preferably in the public sector at the local level of any government, especially county government; or any combination of experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

The minimum starting salary is $175,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Moving expenses may be offered, as necessary. This is an onsite position, and the incumbent is required to shelter in place with County staff during major weather events or emergencies.

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for five (5) professional references by June 4, 2025. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Dele Lowman, MGT Senior Consultant, at (847) 380-3240 x141.