Purpose & Job Related Requirements
First review of qualified applications 30 days after posting opens - March 24, 2026 .
The position will remain open until filled.
CLICK HERE for further information about the Unified Government, and the Athens-Clarke County community. APPLY: Do not send resumes in lieu of a completed application. The online application is available at www.accgov.com/jobs .
We hope you will take time to explore this opportunity to join a highly professional local government organization and a progressive, vibrant community in the heart of sunny Northeast Georgia just 65 miles from Atlanta. Home of the University of Georgia, Athens is nationally-recognized for its high quality of life, state-of-the-art educational opportunities, endless outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities such as arts, entertainment, music, and food. If this opportunity is for you, we invite you to apply, or to pass on this information to others who might find this position of interest.
REPORTS TO: Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Administrative
CLASSIFICATION: Regular Non-Merit; serves at the discretion of the Manager
PAY GRADE: Not Classified; Salary Range: $181,626 - $281,501
Anticipated Hiring Range: $181,626 - $216,359
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to assist the Manager with Executive-level administrative, managerial, and day-to-day operational duties as assigned.  Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, act as the Manager in his or her absence, leadership and management of high-profile complex projects and initiatives, creating/reviewing/evaluating/clarifying policies/procedures/organizational issues and related topics; performing strategic planning/forecasting activities; assisting with operating/capital budget preparation/monitoring/execution; preparing reports on various issues as assigned; coordinating projects with department directors/elected or appointed officials/staff; attending meetings and making public presentation as necessary; representing the manager's office on various committees/task forces; resolving problems of routine nature and emergency/unplanned events; and other duties generally associated with oversight of government activities and functions, and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with regular evening and weekend hours and events. Some overnight travel may be required.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others. Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions • Bachelor's Degree in Public/Business Administration or a related field with a minimum of eight years of experience managing operations and projects similar to those typically associated with local government functions and responsibilities required or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Local government management experience and six years local government supervisory experience in a jurisdiction of similar size and complexity as Athens-Clarke County required.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Final candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment process that includes a thorough background investigation of employment, educational history, driving history, criminal history, and credit history.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• As assigned, acts as the Manager in his or her absence.
• Leadership in planning, developing, implementing, and directing major projects and programs.
• Supervises an assigned group of Department Directors including the following duties: determining priority of projects; providing leadership and guidance; maintaining discipline; making hiring, pay, and termination recommendations /decisions; reviewing work products; and completing performance evaluations.
• As directed by the Manager , reviews departmental and governmental procedures for effectiveness, aids in the development and implementation of operating policies and procedures to ensure that the government operates in an effective and efficient manner.
• Oversees the daily and long-term activities of the overall organization of the assigned departments which includes: planning strategies, goals and objectives; planning, developing, reviewing, and revising operating procedures; and, making recommendations to the Manager concerning the allocation of resources and sufficiency of services provided.
• Serves as Project Manager for multi-departmental projects to ensure effective coordination among departments; coordinates the development of reports, studies, grant proposals, and ordinances, as requested by the Manager, to address concerns identified by the general public, elected officials, or management.
• Assists with the development and implementation of operating and budgetary policies and in the development of goals and objectives for departments and programs; assists with the development of policies and programs to assure that the goals and objectives defined by elected officials are met in an effective manner.
• Prepares and monitors annual operating and capital budgets in coordination with Department Directors.
• Reviews departmental budget requests/ reports/studies and recommends action to the Manager.
• Represents the Unified Government on committees/task forces and attends meetings of the Mayor and Commission as required .
• Assists in the development of Request for Proposals and in the selection of professional services.
• Assists in the development of recruitment documents/efforts for Department Directors and other management team members.
• Reviews draft Mayor & Commission Agenda Reports according to preparation guidelines to ensure completeness.
• Performs other duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of municipal government and public administration.
• Knowledge of the development and administration of operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of the specific duties of the position.
• Knowledge of all applicable professional principals/practices, laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
• Proficient with computer software typically used to support administrative and planning needs of the Manager's Office.
• Knowledge of resources for keeping informed of any changes in policy, methods, operations, and budgetary and equipment needs.
• Ability to establish priorities, organize work, and communicate effectively by written and oral means.
• Ability to develop, propose, and monitor short and long-range goals and plans to promote effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ability to deal effectively with organizational, management, human relations, and technical subjects.
• Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans, and activities and to monitor the performance of programs against measured, established goals.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with elected/appointed officials, management, employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County as they relate to the Manager's Office.
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret personnel and financial reports, contract documents, and related materials.
• Ability to understand engineering and technical issues typically encountered with the operations of the assigned departments.
• Ability to convey technical issues associated with assigned departments in a manner that can be reasonably understood by lay persons within the community and within the Mayor and Commission of the Unified Government.
• Ability to coordinate the technical interactions of assigned departments so as to eliminate conflicts between policies/procedures of the assigned departments which impact the community development processes.
Characteristics and traits that are essential to the success of the Assistant Manager include:
• Able to understand and successfully manage an organization with many complex and interrelated moving parts;
• Able to serve as a visionary for assigned staff with the ability to take reasoned risks, while employing creative and innovative thinking to forge solutions;
• Possess a service-oriented approach to public service;
• Able to collaborate and be comfortable in developing shared solutions;
• Possess strong analytical skills and able to think and act strategically while considering all aspects of an issue before making a decision;
• Able to be strong, enthusiastic and respectful when presenting ideas to others;
• Able to be a self-starter, people person and team builder who sets an example for others;
• Must understand the role of Deputy Manager, Manager, and Mayor & Commission within the context of the Charter and Code of Ordinances of ACCGOV;
• Able to be fair in approach to decision making, yet firm in the application of policies, rules, and laws;
• Must possess the ability to manage with confidence and "present the good news with the bad," doing what is right, even in the face of adversity;
• Must be flexible and able to adjust to the changing leadership and conditions within Athens-Clarke County when warranted;
• Must be capable of developing and maintaining good public relations with citizens, community groups, ACCGOV staff, and elected officials.
Supplemental Information (ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, calculator, and copier. Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, plans, charts, requests, and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, memos, reports, and documents using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people and groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including engineering, legal, counseling, accounting, personnel, and architectural terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; to utilize and determine percentages; to compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; to perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials; and to perform statistical calculations which include frequency distributions, reliability and validity of tests, correlation techniques, factor analysis, and econometrics.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as a computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, and. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating the other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone and to speak in public settings before an audience.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com .