Listing Summary

Job Title: Assistant City Manager / Community Development Director
Location: City of Lula, Georgia
Reports To: City Manager
 

About the City of Lula:

We are located in eastern Hall County along Hwy 365.  Lula is located in northeast Georgia approximately 13 miles north of Gainesville.  The city has a total area of 6 square miles.  We are one of the smaller municipalities in Hall County. 

 

Our historic community is facing significant opportunities and challenges that stem from the growth extending out from the metro Atlanta area and the industrial and warehousing growth occurring along Hwy 365 in Hall County.  We currently employ 14 full-time and 2 part-time employees assigned to 3 major departments providing services to the community.  The current General Fund budget totals approximately $1.6 million dollars and also maintain a Utility Fund of approximately $1.4 million dollars. Lula has not assessed property taxes since the 1970’s. 

 

Lula has a history of stable local governance and being supportive of professional management as demonstrated by the fact that the recently retired City Manager has served for 20 years. The current Assistant City Manager has been selected as his successor. The Assistant City Manager is appointed by the City Manager in consultation with the City Council and will assist the City Manager with the daily operations of the departments and other government functions. The Assistant City Manager will be responsible for assisting the Manager in managing the operations of the city government and will have oversight of several functions, depending on their skill sets; this may include Planning & Zoning, Building & Licensing, Building Maintenance, Finance, and Water and Wastewater Operations. 

 

Lula seeks an ethical, management-experienced Assistant City Manager who is a dedicated team player and can quickly gain the confidence of the city organization and community. The Assistant City Manager must possess the ability to build community trust through transparency of operations and development of partnerships.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to embrace and promote change; assist the City Manager and City Council through challenges that may arise; focus on details, seek partnership opportunities and demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of government operations.  Must be forward thinking, focused on best practices and bring new ideas and programs to the City.  The successful candidate will be expected to support the city’s vision of excellence, establish credibility and consistency in delivery of services, motivate others, as well as provide creative problem solving in response to issues. Exceptional interpersonal skills that treat all people with dignity and respect while motivating staff without being overly authoritative is mandatory. 

 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated leadership team during a time of strategic growth and transition.

 

Candidate Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required in public administration, finance, business administration/management, planning, human resources or related degree from an accredited university, master’s degree desired.
• A minimum of four (4) years of department director/management level experience in local governments of similar size and complexity or in a Department Director role is expected. Previous experience as a City/County Assistant Manager/Administrator is desirable. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, and work effectively with elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of continued professional development such as Credentialed Manager designation will be noted during the candidate vetting process. 
• Must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license or have the ability to obtain upon selection. 

 

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected hiring range for this position is expected to be within the range of $80,000 - $90,000, contingent upon the qualifications of the chosen candidate. The package includes comprehensive benefits including a 401(a) Retirement Plan with 100% Employer Match, 457 plan with a 3% match, as well as health, dental, and vision insurance 100% paid for the employee and 50% for family members, and employer paid term life insurance. Furthermore, a generous annual and sick leave program is offered, and relocation expenses are subject to negotiation.

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five job related references (name, email and phone numbers), as well as salary history no later than 4:00 PM on June 9, 2025. Indicate “Assistant City Manager” in the subject line of your email.

• Email: frank.etheridge@cityoflula.com

Or

• Mail: City of Lula
             ATTN: City Manager
            PO Box 99
            Lula, GA 30554

 

For additional information, please contact Franklin Etheridge at the email address above or at 770-869-3801.