Town Manager

Overview The Town of Boone, North Carolina, invites applications from highly skilled and experienced candidates to serve as its next Town Manager. Boone is located in the Appalachian Mountains near North Carolina’s northwestern border just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town is home to Appalachian State University, a constituent of the University of North Carolina attended by approximately 21,000 students. The Town has a permanent population of approximately 20,600 residents (inclusive of some resident students) and is a major tourism destination. An outstanding natural setting and climate, outdoor recreation opportunities including several nearby ski mountains, growing arts community, and historic downtown provide year-round opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of cultural, sports, and outdoor activities. The town is recognized by travel journalists as an “ultimate outdoor adventure destination.”

The Town of Boone operates under a council-manager form of government. The mayor and five council members are elected by popular vote of the citizens. The Council approves the annual budget, establishes Town policies, and enacts ordinances and resolutions. The Town Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Town Council. The Town Manager is responsible for all town operations, acting as administrative head and executing the laws and policies enacted by the Council. The Town Manager has full responsibility for selection and management of Town staff, preparation and administration of the Town’s budget, and oversight of daily operations, which include water supply and sewer public enterprise systems. The Town has 186 full-time employees and 25 part-time employees working in departments of Administration, Cultural Resources, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Police, Planning & Inspections, and Public Works. The Town’s total annual budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 is approximately $43 million, including water and sewer funds. The Town Manager works with the Town Attorney and Town Clerk, who also are appointed by the Council.

Education and Experience

Substantial public sector management experience as manager, deputy or assistant manager, or department director for a local government is required. A master’s degree in public administration or a related field is preferred. Experience working in a university-based community with a strong tourism base is a plus.

The past experience of a competitive candidate should demonstrate a high level of interest and effectiveness in local government management and in community and economic development; effective communication with elected officials, staff, local businesses, residents, and other community stakeholders; skillful teambuilding and management of local government operations; and development and administration of realistic budgets in a challenging economic environment. ICMA credentialing or similar professional certifications is a plus.

Salary

The anticipated hiring range is $175,000 to $215,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include participation in the North Carolina Retirement System; vacation and sick leave; health, dental, vision and group life insurance, payment of professional dues and conference expenses, and, as appropriate, a relocation allowance. Residency within the Town of Boone corporate limits is required within two years of hiring.

Deadline

OPEN UNTIL FILLED Review of applications will begin November 6, 2026.

Application Requirements

All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a controlled substance screening and thorough background check. Town of Boone is an equal opportunity employer.

To be considered, please submit a Town of Boone application, cover letter, resume and three professional references to: Linda Councill, Human Resources Specialist, Town of Boone, PO Drawer 192, Boone, NC 28607 or [email protected]. Online applications can be completed at https://townofboone.net/FormCenter/Boone-Town-Manager-Search-24/Town-of-Boone-Town-Manager-Career-Applic-117

Loading