Assistant City Manager

About the Department

Are you a strategic leader who’s passionate about community impact?

The City of Wilmington is seeking an Assistant City Manager for Community Excellence to join its executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the City Manager, this role serves as a trusted advisor and operational leader providing strategic vision and overseeing a new, diverse portfolio of departments focusing on economic development, emergency management, compliance, community building, and planning and development.  

Position Duties

• Plans, prioritizes, and oversees departments and divisions as assigned; ensuring appropriate staffing, resources, and quality control; monitors progress, resolves complex issues, and provides status updates to executive leadership and elected officials as needed.

• Provides executive-level leadership in strategic planning and organizational performance excellence, including evaluating programs and services, recommending goals and improvements, and implementing and monitoring changes to meet evolving City needs.

• Directs and coordinates department and division leadership, works to build a cohesive, high-performing team, and ensures operations comply with established policies, standards, and organizational objectives.

• Leads and manages special projects on behalf of the City Manager and City Council, coordinating with internal departments, external agencies, and the public to achieve City goals.

• Supports development and management of operating and capital budgets, including financial oversight, contract and invoice approval, and monitoring revenues and expenditures for compliance.

• Prepares for and participates in City Council, Commission, and executive meetings, including agenda development, staff coordination, presentations, and follow-up communication.

• Communicates and collaborates extensively with elected officials, City leadership, staff, community members, and external partners to coordinate activities and resolve issues.

• Oversees administrative and documentation processes, including reports, correspondence, records, and data management, using standard office software and systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in public administration, urban studies, planning, or a closely related field and ten (10) years of progressive experience in local government, including at least five (5) years of managerial experience overseeing a diverse portfolio of work assignments, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

• Complete required NIMS/ICS courses (100, 200, 700, 800) and any additional Incident Management Team–specific training within six months of hire.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• A specific knowledge base in one or more of the identified portfolio areas is considered preferred and highly beneficial but is not explicitly required.

• Demonstrated skill at both high-level vision setting and ensuring the successful execution of that vision as new and innovative efforts that support community excellence are identified and implemented.

• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams and interdepartmental initiatives.

• Deep knowledge of municipal operations, council–manager governance, and public administration, with proven skill in aligning multiple departments with City priorities.

• Proven strategic and operational leadership with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Skill in executive-level leadership, program and project management, fiscal oversight, grant administration, and fostering high-performing, accountable teams.

• Exceptional ability to communicate complex policy and technical issues, build consensus, and cultivate strong relationships with elected officials, staff, developers, community members, and external partners.

• Excellent community-building skills and comfort participating in a variety of community engagement-related initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and be responsive to evolving community needs and priorities.

• Team player and leads by example with a balanced mix of professionalism, approachability, empathy, and ability to hold self and others accountable.

• Genuinely passionate about the work and the people needed to complete it successfully.

Other Qualifications

• Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.

• Field Work: require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting or carrying objects up to 10 pounds occasionally. Employees may encounter uneven terrain, traffic, construction areas, and outdoor weather conditions and must use appropriate personal protective equipment.

• General Requirements: The position involves occasional travel to meetings, evening events, and after-hours response, as needed, in support of a 24-hour municipal operation. All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention