Established in 1893, the City of Winder located in the center of Barrow County, Georgia, is seeking an experienced professional to serve as City Administrator responsible for implementing the Mayor/Council’s vision and directing programs and operations of the city’s government. Winder is a full-service community with a population of 21,000 and has Fort Yargo State Park within its city limits. The City has a combined operating budget of +/- $41 million and 263 full- and part-time employees across thirteen (13) departments.
The Mayor/Council appoints a City Administrator to act as the administrative head of the city through delegated powers from the mayor and serves at the pleasure (under contract) of the Mayor/Council, carries out its policies, and directs business procedures. He/she is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the city government and manages all departments and offices of the city except for the City Attorney, Municipal Judge, and appointed Boards who report directly to the Mayor/Council.
The following are the expected qualifications for successful performance:
- Minimum of ten (10) years of management level experience in municipal government as city manager/administrator, assistant administrative administrator/manager, or department head experience (primarily in Planning, Utilities, or Finance). County experience qualifies.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of experience (as defined above) in municipal/county government with an operating budget of $30 million and one hundred (100) full-time employees.
- Minimum of five (5) years working in a municipal government with the following departments: water and sewer utilities, police, full-time fire, public works, and planning.
- Local government experience in Georgia preferred.
- Successful completion of a background and credit check is required.
- Valid United States driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Georgia license within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to be bonded as a city administrator in Georgia.
** Essential Functions**
- As the face of the City’s Administration, the City Administrator will administrate all municipal functions at a professional level, which includes managing day-to-day operations, supervising municipal purchasing, administering service contracts, and overseeing city finances, preparing the annual operating budget.
- Communicates official plans, policies, and procedures to staff and the general public.
- Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision-making purposes.
- Serves as a liaison between City Boards and communicates directives and addresses issues with City Council.
- Advises the Mayor and Council on policy and operational matters.
- Overseeing the organization’s 263 full- and part-time employees, a talented, hard-working staff motivated by consistent direction, professional mentorship, and advocacy.
- Directly supervising thirteen departments (HR, Planning and Development, Finance, Fire, Police, Public Works, Golf, Utilities, City Clerk, IT, Communications, Customer Service, and Engineering).
- Performs other duties as assigned, necessary or required.
**Ideal Candidate**
- Strong conservative financial management;
- Strong understanding of enterprise utilities;
- Strong understanding of municipal planning;
- Strong understanding of stormwater operations;
- A result-oriented approach is required with strong fiscal management skills and the ability to make effective/efficient use of available resources;
- Team-builder who values accountability and staff development;
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work closely with the Mayor, City Council, staff, residents, and community partners;
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with a record of handling a wide variety of projects at one time, and with the ability to be nimble in changing course or direction;
- Ability to facilitate meaningful conversations with those who may have differing viewpoints and a true passion for public service with the desire to make a difference;
- Candidates must possess well-developed active listening and communication skills with the ability to give engaging public presentations as well as ensure that internal communications are effective and keep employees apprised of organizational initiatives;
- Candidates must be approachable, with a genuine desire to connect with all stakeholders and residents and the ability to engage in conversations with compassion and empathy; approach life and public service with flexibility, humility, and integrity;
Salary range: **$160,000 (minimum) - DOQ**
Benefits include Medical/Dental paid, 2.5X salary life insurance, retirement up to 6% City match, paid PTO, take home vehicle allowance of $600.00 and paid professional development allowance determined by contract.
Winder City Administrator Search
ALL DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICLY THROUGH THE CITY’S WEBSITE
City Administrator | Careers | Winder, GA
Attn: Dr. Niki Graham, PHR, SHRM-CP, ACHRM
Apply by September 7, 2026 (First review)
Equal Opportunity Employer
For Questions:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 678-425-6847
