Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 200 N. Center Street Goldsboro
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2025-003
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 01/13/2025
Closing Date: 2/12/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of Duties/Distinguished Features of the Class
Goldsboro, An Extraordinary, Diverse Experience
The City of Goldsboro in Wayne County, NC, seeks a leader with impeccable integrity, outstanding leadership skills, and a track record of being an entrepreneurial, business-savvy, and visionary consensus builder to be their next City Manager. With the ability to build and inspire teams and maintain a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability, the successful candidate will have extensive experience creating a high-performing organization through partnering and collaborating with staff, community, regional partners, and the Council. This highly skilled, motivated leader and manager will wear multiple hats, emphasizing outstanding interpersonal engagement, excellent fiscal management, and economic development skills. The City Manager must relate well to the community, build relationships, and partner with an engaged Council to carry out the City's strategic priorities.
Community Description:
Goldsboro (population 33,804) is a city steeped in history and characterized by its diverse populace and vibrant community. When Wayne County was formed in 1789, the town of Waynesborough developed along the banks of the Neuse River around the county courthouse that was built there. In the late 1830s, the Wilmington and Raleigh (Weldon) Railroad line was built to the east of Waynesborough. At the intersection of the railroad and the New Bern Road, a hotel was built, and a community began to establish itself. This community became known as Goldsborough's Junction after Major Matthew T. Goldsborough, an Assistant Chief Engineer with the railroad line. The town of Goldsborough was incorporated in 1847, and the name officially changed to Goldsboro in 1869.
The City of Goldsboro became the county seat for Wayne County in 1847 and has expanded to an area encompassing over twenty-five square miles with a transportation center for the area's agriculture industry.
The modern population represents a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds*: Black or African American: 53.3%, White: 36.2%, Hispanic or Latino: 5.5%, Asian: 1.8%, Native American: 0.2%, Two or more races: 7.1%. This diversity is not just statistical; it's woven into the fabric of everyday life, influencing the City's culture, cuisine, and community interactions. The median age of 36.7 years signifies a relatively young and dynamic population, brimming with energy and potential. However, the economic landscape is varied. While the median household income is $47,005, the poverty rate of 20.8% and designation as a Tier 1 community underscores the economic disparities that a significant portion of the population faces. *Source: Census.gov.
Goldsboro's cultural scene is a vibrant mosaic shaped by the diverse influences of its residents. Festivals, art exhibitions, and musical performances celebrate this diversity and foster a sense of shared identity. Goldsboro is more than just a collection of buildings and streets; it's a community where people live, work, and play. Residents take pride in their city and actively participate in community events and initiatives. The city offers a variety of recreational opportunities, from parks and trails to sports facilities and cultural centers. The nearby Cliffs of the Neuse State Park provides a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts, while the city's numerous festivals and events bring people together for celebration and shared experiences.
The City of Goldsboro is the proud home of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, home of the 4th Fighter Wing and 916th Air Refueling Wing. Seymour Johnson received the Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award - Air Force for 2001, the highest award given to a military base. Spanning more than five decades and five wars, Seymour Johnson AFB's 4th Fighter Wing is one of the most distinguished fighter units in the world. The 4th Fighter Wing of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., puts airpower on target, on time for America. The wing is home to the multi-role, all-weather F-15E Strike Eagle and provides worldwide deployable aircraft and personnel capable of executing combat missions supporting the Aerospace Expeditionary Force.
The City's economic roots were deeply embedded in agriculture and manufacturing. While these sectors continue contributing, the City's economy has diversified in recent years. In addition to an engaged partnership with the Air Force Base, Healthcare with institutions like Wayne UNC Health Care, and education with Wayne Community College, government services are now major employers. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, located just outside Goldsboro, is a cornerstone of the local economy, providing jobs and stimulating businesses. The City is also making strides in attracting new industries and promoting entrepreneurship.
Goldsboro values education as a catalyst for personal and community growth. Wayne Community College offers a range of academic and vocational programs, while the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Highway Safety Research Center contributes to research and innovation. The city's public school system strives to provide quality education to all students, preparing them for future success.
Like any city, Goldsboro faces its share of challenges. Poverty, crime, and infrastructure needs require ongoing attention and collaborative solutions. However, the City's potential for growth and development is immense. Its diverse population, rich history, and strong sense of community are valuable assets. Goldsboro is charting a course toward a brighter future by leveraging these strengths and addressing its challenges head-on.
Goldsboro, North Carolina, is more than just a dot on the map; it has a unique identity, a rich tapestry of stories, and a promising future. It's a place where history whispers, diversity thrives, and community spirit shines. As Goldsboro continues to evolve, it remains committed to preserving its heritage, embracing its diversity, and creating a better quality of life for all its residents.
Essential Duties and Tasks
About the Organization and Position:
The City Manager is responsible for implementing the policies of the City Council, directs business and administrative procedures, and appoints departmental officers. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor and six members representing six districts and serving four-year terms. The Mayor is a voting member of the City Council. This full-service municipality employs 496 full- and part-time workers and has an FY 2024-2025 budget of nearly $86M. The tax rate for Goldsboro is $.825 per $100. This increase of 9.5 cents per $100 for FY2025 was necessitated primarily by flat revenue growth and the implementation of a new pay plan for police and fire employees in March 2024 to stem recruitment and retention issues. Taxes were also raised in FY2024 by 5 cents and in FY2023 by 3 cents. Other than those three tax rate adjustments, taxes had not been raised since at least FY2010. Revaluation in Wayne County is planned for 2025, earlier than the 8-year schedule; the last revaluation was done in January 2019. The City Manager is supported by one assistant manager, the City Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Assistant to the City Manager, and Public Information Officer. The City Manager oversees 19 staff departments , including a theater and a golf course.
The Strategic Plan establishes goals and metrics for ensuring the City moves forward. Goals include: Safe and Secure Community, Strong and Diverse Economy, Exceptional Quality of Life, Racial and Cultural Harmony, and Model for Excellence in Government. Elected officials and staff strive to meet the goals by applying the organizational values of Professionalism, Integrity, and Customer-Focused.
The next City Manager must maintain and enhance the quality of life desired by residents while continuing to drive economic diversity, enhancing excellent local and regional partnerships, proactively planning and managing infrastructure investment, improving safety, and encouraging citizen engagement. Critical infrastructure projects include water/wastewater treatment plant expansion, a new public safety building, road improvements, and other capital projects. An ability to proactively assess issues and seek innovative solutions, including maintaining and developing partnerships, will be critical for success. A track record of innovation in delivering on strategic initiatives and increasing collaborations, effective governance, and service delivery is essential. More information about the City can be found .
Key priorities for the next City Manager are:

• Enhance the manager/staff relationship and partnership with the City Council to improve collaboration and trust while also establishing, preserving, and protecting the reputation and image of the City and ensuring quality customer service delivery.

• Strategically and swiftly evaluate the social determinants of poverty, the unhoused, mental health challenges, and crime that impact the viability and vitality of the community by prioritizing safe, secure environments for residents and businesses to flourish through leveraging intergovernmental and private-public partnerships.

• Facilitate fiscal health and excellence through strategic leadership and innovation that ensures compliance with all required reporting, educating stakeholders on the impact of fiscal decisions on project adoption and completion, staff attraction and retention, economic development, job development, affordable housing, infrastructure maintenance, and planning; and,
• Conduct an organizational assessment to evaluate operations, staffing, and programs to ensure outstanding customer service, fiscal responsibility, and achievement of strategic objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Qualifications
Candidates with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or equivalent graduate degree, and ICMA-CM certification will be given preference over candidates with lesser credentials. Ten years of progressive management experience at division manager, department head level, or higher within a small to medium-sized municipal government organization is required. Five or more years of experience at the level of Department Head, Assistant City Manager, or City Manager experience is preferred. Prior experience in a military community is desirable.
The successful candidate:

• strategic and innovative regarding areas for growth, new development, and redevelopment;
• a progressive leader with a proven track record in innovative municipal management;
• knowledgeable in utility service delivery and management;
• enjoys proactively engaging with the community, telling its story, advocating for opportunities, and marketing community strengths;
• effective in leading a diverse group of employees with varying backgrounds, tenures, and skillsets;
• one who models, communicates expectations, and holds employees accountable for delivery of excellent customer service to both internal and external customers;
• a constructive advocate for and provides guidance to the City Council in helping them achieve their vision and priorities;
• experienced in developing and supporting staff to achieve excellence and has developed organizational succession plans in preparation for turnover through retirements;
• experienced in evaluating and implementing opportunities to work with the City Council in order to strategically diversify the City's tax base while creatively assessing ways to increase revenue and manage expenses;
• a responsive, detailed and deadline-oriented professional who continuously monitors and engages in process improvement in a service-driven organization;
• resilient in the face of challenges and seeks innovative solutions to problems;
• knowledgeable of principles and practices of public administration to include planning, administration, and supervision, and preparing and implementing proposals which affect the operations of City government;
• an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing and possesses outstanding interpersonal skills both one on one and in groups;
• experienced in the areas of strategic planning, finance and budget development, critical thinking, administration, and intergovernmental relations;
• diplomatic in engaging with diverse stakeholders such as the school system, individual community members, community groups, Council members, employees, and regional, state, and federal authorities in order to leverage the City's opportunities and mitigate challenges;
• a spokesperson for the City, representing the City at local, regional, and state meetings such as ICMA and NCLM;
• skilled in utilizing and implementing methods of technology to improve processes, procedures, and communication across departments; and,
• values accountability and holds high expectations of self and staff while also being an effective and respected leader.

Additional Information
Salary Range:
The anticipated hiring range is $180,000-230,000. Salary depends on qualifications. The City offers excellent benefits In addition, the City has provided a health/wellness initiative for over 20 years. It employs a full-time Occupational Health Nurse who provides nursing services and monthly health beat sessions for city personnel. Residency within City limits is required within a negotiated timeframe.
Application and Selection Process
To apply , go to and click on the - City Manager - Goldsboro link. To learn more about the selection process, visit Client Openings (or copy and paste into your browser: All applications must be completed and submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal -NOT the City portal, nor any other external website; it is insufficient to send only a resume. Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application. Application review begins February 12, 2025. Finalists will participate in virtual skill assessments on March 20-21, 2025. Interviews with the Council will follow at a subsequent time. The City of Goldsboro is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes all applicants.
Developmental Associates, LLC is managing the recruitment and selection process for this position. All inquiries should be emailed to
Benefits Summary
The following is a summary of the City of Goldsboro benefits:
Vacation Leave : Employees earn vacation leave as follows:
Years of Service Days per Year
0 - 4 years 12
5 - 9 years 15
10 - 14 years 18
15 - 19 years 21
20 + years 23
A maximum of 30 vacation days may be carried over from one calendar year to the next. Any excess of 30 vacation days on December 31 of each year may be transferred to employees sick leave balance, provided that they have taken five (5) days of vacation in the calendar year.
Holidays : City paid holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2 days) and Christmas (3 days).
When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday shall be observed. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed. In order to receive a paid holiday, an employee must be on paid status before and after the holiday.
Sick Leave: Sick leave is accrued at one day per month or 12 days per year.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and covered dependents on the employee's health insurance plan. Part-time employees who work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis are also eligible for EAP services. Employees and dependents each receive three free visits per year. Services include, but are not limited to, financial counseling, depression, mental illness, and end of life/terminal illness.
Medical and Dental Insurance: The City of Goldsboro is fully-insured, and provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through the State Health Plan (SHP), MetLife, and Community Eye Care respectively. Medical, dental, and vision coverage is available to all full-time employees. Part-time employees who are scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis may, if they so desire, purchase available group health through the City for themselves and qualified dependents. The coverage for medical is the first day of the month following the date of employment and dental is effective on the first day of employment, vision insurance is effective the first day of the month following the effective date of employment. Medical insurance is provided to full-time employees at a minimal cost and pro-rated for part-time employees. The types of coverage available are individual (Employees only), Employee/Child, Employee/Spouse, and family. Dental and vision insurance is available at cost to the employee and/or his/her dependents. Premiums are paid through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.
Life Insurance: All regular employees are provided a basic term life insurance coverage policy in the amount of $10,000.00 at no cost.
Wellness Assistance Benefit
The City of Goldsboro offers a wellness assistance benefit of $25/month to employees. This can be used to offset the cost of dental insurance or gym membership. Employees must meet eligibility requirements for the State Health Plan and show proof of membership (if gym membership is selected).
Flexible Spending Account
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) provide you with an important tax advantage that can help you pay for health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. By estimating your family's health care and dependent care costs for the next year, you can lower your taxable income and save money. The City of Goldsboro offers a FSA through Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) . The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is available to all full-time employees who are scheduled to work 40 hours per week. The FSA is effective the first day of the month following the date of employment. These are some of the expenses FSAs can be used for: medical and dental services, chiropractic services, orthodontia, and the child or adult dependent care.
Social Security: The City employees are members of the Social Security System. The employee contributes 6.2% (FICA) and 1.45% (Medicare) for a total of 7.65% of their annual salary and the City contributes the same amount. Social Security benefits include retirement and disability payments and survivor's insurance.
Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement is available to all full-time employees up to $1100 per fiscal year for job-related courses or required courses leading to a job-related degree. This is subject to department approval and an employee must complete probation before reimbursement is granted.
Promotion Opportunities: Employees are encouraged to apply for internal positions. Employment opportunities for current employees are posted on the City's Intranet.
Retirement: All employees who are in a regular position that requires 1,000 hours or more of service per year are covered under the North Carolina Local Governmental Employee's Retirement System (NC LGERS). The employee contributes 6% of their annual salary on a tax deferred basis. The City contributes to the employee's retirement account. Eligibility for unreduced monthly benefits begins upon retirement after 30 years of service at any age, at age 65 with 5 years creditable service or at age 60 with 25 years creditable service. Police Officers and Park Rangers may retire at age 55 with 5 years of service and receive an unreduced benefit. Eligibility for reduced monthly benefits begins after you reach age 50 and complete 20 years of creditable service or you reach age 60 (age 55 if you are a firefighter) and complete five years of creditable service. Police Officers may retire early with a reduced retirement benefit after you reach age 50 and complete 15 years of creditable service as an officer.
457 & 401K Supplemental Retirement Plan: The City of Goldsboro offers the NC Supplemental Retirement Plans, 401K and 457. The City contributes 3% to the 401K for all non-sworn full-time employees and 5% for sworn police officers (as approved by the Council) and the 457 plan is voluntary with no contribution by the City.
The 457 and the 401k allow employees to set aside funds which is through payroll deduction and is tax deferred. Income tax is due when the deferred earnings are returned to the individual normally at retirement.
Worker's Compensation: All City employees are covered under the North Carolina Worker's Compensation Act. This act covers those employees who suffer injuries as a result of an accident while performing duties. The Workers' Compensation program will pay medical expenses and a portion of the employee's salary, after 7 days, if the individual is out of work as a result of a work-related disability.
Compensation, Performance Appraisals and Merit Process: The City of Goldsboro is committed to hiring and retaining high quality personnel. As a result, we offer competitive salaries that are consistent with market growth. New hires may serve a six month probationary period upon date of hire and are evaluated in six-month increments.
The eligibility for merit is based upon the following criteria:
Employee must have an overall appraisal rating of 2.0. Employee should score at least 2.0 in competencies; any competency with a score less than 2.0 will result in employee's ineligibility.
The appraisal process in the City of Goldsboro includes an evaluation of each employee's duties and responsibilities applicable to their position. Upon completion of the probationary period, employees are evaluated on an annual basis. The appraisal period is from October 1 - September 30 of each year.
The City of Goldsboro may provide merit incentives for high performing employees subject to City Council approval.