The City of Bainbridge is inviting applications for the next City Manager. Bainbridge, Georgia, with a population of just over 15,000, is the perfect blend of past and present, where history seamlessly meets modern charm. The picturesque downtown, reminiscent of a scene from a Hallmark movie, showcases the town’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary amenities. Surrounded by abundant natural resources and nestled along the scenic Flint River, Bainbridge offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, from boating and fishing to trails and disc golf. Bainbridge boasts a highly successful education system, encompassing public, private, and charter schools that provide quality education and diverse learning opportunities. The town is also home to two accredited colleges, Southern Regional Technical College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
Bainbridge has operated under a Council-Manager form of government since 1977. The Mayor and six Council Members make up the governing authority of the City responsible for establishing policy and directives through enactment of ordinances and resolutions. The Mayor and Council are elected on a non- partisan basis and serve staggered four-year terms resulting in a city election every two years. The City Manager is appointed by the council and delegated the authority and responsibility to ensure services are provided in a timely and cost-effective manner, to prepare and implement an annual budget, and to manage the City’s workforce and the day-to-day operations of the city. Bainbridge is a full-service city offering services such as water, sewer, gas, and waste services, and telecommunications with commercial and residential fiber broadband. The General Fund Budget is $15,348,612.
Find details about the position expectations by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com
The City of Bainbridge seeks a proven, dedicated, responsive, and experienced individual with strong leadership and problem-solving skills for the position of City Manager. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator who supports the vision of the Mayor and Council while providing them with bold, objective, well-developed recommendations for implementation of their vision. The new Manager will be expected to develop a collaborative working relationship with the Mayor & Council that is defined by transparency, robust sharing of information concerning city operations, and maintaining regular interactions with elected officials to gain clear understandings of evolving issues, constituent needs, and Mayor & Council directives. The successful candidate must have strong financial skills that result in excellence in budgeting and fiscal management to ensure that the City effectively manages its financial resources.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate expertise in leading successful economic development projects and downtown improvements that have positively impacted the quality of life in communities he/she has served. He/She must value the expertise of current employees, promote opportunities for continued professional development of employees, empower staff to make quality decisions while holding them accountable without micromanaging their work. The new City Manager must possess the ability to build community trust through the development of partnerships with various local stakeholders, educational groups, state and other government entities. Citizens will expect the City Manager to be very visible in the community and support public events, City sponsored functions, and entertainment events. The ideal candidate must have a history of exhibiting high standards of professional and personal integrity, transparency, and objectivity in all his/her actions.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required in public administration, public finance, business administration or related degree from an accredited university. A master’s degree is highly preferred.
- Minimum of five years of executive level management experience in local governments of similar size and complexity to Bainbridge is expected. Previous experience as a City/County Manager/Administrator or Deputy is desirable.
- Evidence of continued professional development, such as the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation, is a positive indicator of dedication to the profession and will be noted during the candidate vetting process.
- Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Compensation & Benefits:
The expected starting salary range is $185,000-$200,000 based on the qualifications of the selected candidate. In addition to a competitive salary, the City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as long-term disability coverage. The City offers a defined benefit retirement plan and a 457b deferred compensation plan. In addition, the incumbent will accrue PTO and have access to supplemental insurance options. Relocation expenses are negotiable.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five job related references (with email and phone numbers), as well as salary history no later than close of business on August 1, 2024, to Lisa Ward, Senior Associate lisaward912@gmail.com. Please contact Lisa Ward with any questions at 706-983-9326.
Alan Reddish, Senior Associate, 107 Indigo Lane, Athens, GA 30606, Cell: 706-614-4961
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