County Manager

The County Manager helps turn County Council’s vision into services and investments that make a difference in residents’ daily lives. As York County’s chief administrative leader, the Manager guides daily operations, supports employees, and connects Council’s priorities with responsible financial management, thoughtful capital planning, and responsive public service. The role includes advising Council, preparing and administering operating and capital budgets, carrying out approved policies and directives, and building relationships with municipalities, public agencies, community organizations, businesses, external stakeholders, and residents.For the next Manager, this is an opportunity to build on York County’s strengths while helping the organization navigate an important period of growth and renewal. Rapid development, infrastructure and service demands, leadership vacancies, and differing views on growth will call for careful listening, clear priorities, and steady follow-through. Capable employees, established strategic priorities, improving municipal relationships, quality-of-life assets, and regional connections provide a foundation for strengthening organizational confidence and shaping the County’s future alongside Council and the community.Reporting Relationship: Appointed by and accountable to York County Council.Total Employees: 1420FY 2026 Budget: $185.2M General Fund; ~$550M Total BudgetResidency Requirement: The County Manager must be a resident of York County pursuant to County Code.IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILEYork County seeks an experienced local-government leader who is ready to invest in the community, build lasting relationships, and help guide the County through a period of organizational renewal and continued growth. The ideal candidate will lead by listening, take time to understand what matters to residents and employees, and build trust with every member of County Council. With sound judgment and professional independence, this leader will offer candid, fact-based advice, respect differing perspectives, and carry out lawful Council decisions while honoring the distinct roles of governance and administration.The next Manager will bring broad local-government experience and the ability to connect day-to-day decisions with the County’s long-term needs. A strong foundation in finance, capital planning, infrastructure, utilities, growth management, personnel leadership, policy implementation, procurement, and public accountability will be important. Experience serving a growing community with both urbanizing and rural areas will be especially valuable. This leader will help Council and the community understand how land-use and service decisions relate to infrastructure capacity, multi-year financial forecasts, responsible funding options, and measurable results.Just as important is a genuine commitment to the people who serve York County. The next Manager will be an accessible, supportive leader who recognizes employees’ contributions, invests in their development, and gives them clear expectations and the authority to succeed. This includes thoughtfully assessing leadership and departmental needs, retaining and developing talent, filling critical vacancies, and addressing performance or structural concerns when needed. In the organization and throughout the community, the Manager will listen respectfully, explain complex issues clearly, and bring steady judgment to challenging conversations and public scrutiny.Above all, York County seeks a leader who pairs integrity and humility with the confidence to make thoughtful decisions and follow through. The ideal candidate will welcome different perspectives, approach challenges with both care and resolve, and remain focused on practical results. For someone ready to make a long-term commitment to the community, this role offers the opportunity to strengthen the organization, support thoughtful growth, and build lasting public confidence through accountable leadership and responsive service.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESCouncil Relations, Governance, and Policy Implementation Advise Council on County affairs, emerging issues, and organizational needs through factual analysis, candid recommendations, and equitable communication that respects governance and administration boundaries.Attend Council meetings and coordinate agendas, notices, materials, and records to support informed policy decisions.Implement approved policies, ordinances, resolutions, programs, and directives; perform other duties assigned through the chairperson or established by ordinance or resolution.Executive Leadership and County Operations Direct departments, offices, agencies, and services under Council jurisdiction through department leaders, coordinating work, resolving cross-departmental issues, and setting consistent standards.Translate short- and long-term priorities into actionable plans with clear ownership, milestones, and measures of progress.Review operations, accounts, records, and personnel practices; recommend improvements, safeguard County property, and maintain accountability to Council.Financial Management, Budgeting, and Capital Planning Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets, aligning multi-year plans and investments in facilities, equipment, vehicles, construction, and technology with County priorities and responsible funding strategies.Advise Council on financial conditions, risks, and resource needs; provide required financial and operational reports and evaluate revenue, reserve, debt, and other funding options.Growth, Infrastructure, Utilities, and Service Capacity Align land use and development with infrastructure capacity and service needs, helping Council balance property rights, rural and agricultural character, green space, affordability, and geographic priorities.Coordinate water and sewer, transportation, fire/EMS, facilities, and other capital planning; prioritize rehabilitation and expansion with disciplined project sequencing, procurement, contractor oversight, and delivery.Talent, Culture, and Organizational Accountability Lead personnel administration under Council jurisdiction, including hiring, supervision, evaluation, development, discipline, and dismissal, consistent with law and policy; oversee compensation, benefits, employee relations, training, and safety.Assess departmental capacity, fill critical vacancies, develop and retain talent, and strengthen employee confidence through clear expectations, delegation, open communication, and follow-through.Promote equitable access to County facilities and programs.Procurement, Compliance, Records, and Administrative Stewardship Ensure purchasing delivers value through competitive bidding and compliance with the procurement ordinance; stay informed on legislation, practices, and technology affecting County operations.Safeguard the corporate seal and Council records; support execution and recording of legal instruments as assigned; manage official correspondence and prepare reports, policies, procedures, and presentations for Council and its chairperson.Community, Intergovernmental, and External Relations Represent the County in public and regional forums and build partnerships with municipalities, schools, public-safety agencies, government officials, boards, regional organizations, civic and business groups, media, and residents.Respond thoughtfully to public inquiries and concerns, explaining priorities, decisions, constraints, and trade-offs clearly to strengthen public understanding and confidence.LEADERSHIP PRIORITIESBuild trust and clarify governance: Establish productive relationships with all Council members, define communication practices and decision rights, and reinforce appropriate governance-administration boundaries.Stabilize and strengthen the organization: Assess leadership and departmental capacity, address vacancies and gaps, retain strong talent, and improve accountability, delegation, employee confidence, and retention.Advance disciplined growth management: Evaluate planning leadership, ordinances, staffing, and processes, and better align land-use decisions with infrastructure capacity and community character.Create an integrated infrastructure and financial roadmap: Connect near- and long-range forecasts to priorities for utilities, roads, fire/EMS, facilities, and other capital needs, supported by responsible funding strategies.Strengthen utilities and capital execution: Understand the condition and obligations of the water and sewer system, prioritize rehabilitation and capacity needs, and improve project governance and delivery.Improve communication and public confidence: Provide clear, credible, audience-centered information to residents, employees, municipalities, partners, and Council.Sustain strategy and measurable execution: Refine priorities with Council, assign ownership, track milestones, report results, and take corrective action when needed.Reinforce external partnerships: Deepen productive relationships across municipalities, schools, public-safety partners, the state delegation, regional organizations, civic groups, and the business community.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducation and ExperienceMaster’s degree in public administration, management, personnel administration, or a closely related field. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered only if permitted by the County.At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in local-government administration, preferably including service as a County Manager, City Manager, Deputy or Assistant County Manager, or Assistant City Manager.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesExtensive knowledge of public-administration principles and practices across local-government operations, as well as laws and regulations affecting local-government responsibilities, authorities, and functions.Demonstrated responsibility for a broad operating portfolio, enterprise-wide decisions, executive-team leadership, and advising an elected governing body in a complex organization.Substantial experience preparing and administering operating and capital budgets and aligning financial resources with strategic and operational priorities.Demonstrated ability to lead personnel programs and executive teams, including recruitment, evaluation, development, retention, accountability, and necessary leadership changes.Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interpret legal, financial, technical, and policy materials; prepare complex reports and presentations; and address professional, civic, employee, and public audiences.Other RequirementsValid state driver’s license.Ability and willingness to establish and maintain residency in York County as required by County Code.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSLeadership in a fast-growing Southeastern county or a comparable jurisdiction influenced by a major metropolitan area.Experience in a community that includes both rapidly urbanizing population centers and significant rural or agricultural areas.Direct involvement in water or wastewater acquisition, turnaround, rehabilitation, expansion, or major capital financing.Experience with road and transportation capital programs and growth-related mitigation strategies.Experience modernizing fire/EMS service delivery, including volunteer, combination, consolidation, or career-system transitions.Demonstrated success securing state appropriations, grants, or other intergovernmental funding.Experience restoring productive governance boundaries or leading effectively where elected officials have been deeply involved in operations.A strong professional network in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, or the broader Southeast.CORE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIESGoverning-Board Relations and Political Judgment: Builds trust across differing viewpoints, offers candid recommendations, remains professionally neutral, and understands when to advise, facilitate, challenge respectfully, or execute.Strategic and Systems Leadership: Connects policy, operations, people, finance, capital, and performance measures, turning broad priorities into practical plans.Organizational Stabilization and Talent Leadership: Distinguishes individual performance concerns from system issues, protects strong talent, raises expectations, delegates authority, and addresses vacancies and turnover.Growth, Planning, and Community Character: Balances development, property rights, infrastructure limits, rural and agricultural identity, green space, and varying community expectations.Financial and Capital Acumen: Builds realistic scenarios and funding plans, evaluates revenues, debt, reserves, state resources, and other sources, and communicates trade-offs clearly.Infrastructure and Utilities Leadership: Understands capital programs, water and wastewater operations, system rehabilitation, roads, project sequencing, procurement, contractor oversight, and public communication.Communication and Public Engagement: Listens actively, simplifies complex matters, provides equitable information to Council, responds to residents, and communicates credibly during contentious issues.Consensus Building and Conflict Navigation: Creates productive dialogue across political, geographic, departmental, and community differences without avoiding hard choices or compromising professional standards.Integrity, Accountability, and Resilience: Applies policies consistently, owns decisions, withstands pressure, and maintains composure and sound judgment in a visible environment.Intergovernmental and External Relations: Builds productive partnerships with municipalities, schools, public-safety agencies, legislators, regional organizations, businesses, and community groups.COMPENSATIONThe salary range at the time of hire is expected to be between $250,000 - $280,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with experience. The County Manager may receive additional benefits, which will be outlined in the contract provided by Council.York County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:Health insurance, with York County paying a significant portion of the premium for employee and dependent coverageDental, vision, life, and disability insurance optionsParticipation in the South Carolina Retirement System, with required employee and employer contributionsAccess to the S.C. Deferred Compensation Plan (401(k))11 official holidays plus three optional/personal holidays each calendar yearAnnual and sick leave, each accruing monthly.Parental, bereavement, and Family and Medical Leave benefits for eligible employeesEmployee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling for employees and immediate family membersLongevity pay beginning after 10 years of serviceBenefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements and York County Government policies.TO APPLYInterested candidates are asked to apply prior to the November 23rd application deadline.Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis with final review occuring the week of November 23rd.Candidates may direct questions to Christin Mack, Practice Lead, Public Sector, Nonprofit, and Community Impact Executive Search, at cmack@fgp.com.York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.CONFIDENTIALITY South Carolina FOIA laws require the release of the finalist’s names (at least three finalists) should the agency receive a FOIA request. Confidential interest will be possible early in the process; however, candidates should be aware of the FOIA requirements as the process moves towards finalist selection.