Assistant County Manager

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on January 04, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on January 04, 2026.

 

 

Job Title:  Assistant County Manager

 

 

Department: County Manager

 

 

External Hiring Range: $131,641.46 - $210,165.58

 

 

Compensation Grade: 3016

 

 

Pay Range: $131,641.46 - $210,165.58

 

 

Posted Internally and Externally

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buncombe County Government is seeking an Assistant County Manager. This Assistant County Manager position currently supports a broad portfolio of departments including: Access and Human Affairs, Communications and Public Engagement, Emergency Services, ID Bureau, Permits and Inspections, Planning, and Public Safety Communications.
 
Buncombe County has an average of 1,800 employees who serve as sheriff deputies, nurses, social workers and caseworkers, physicians, librarians, park rangers, emergency medical workers, telecommunications specialists, building and construction inspectors, environmental health inspectors, solid waste staff, agriculture extension agents, soil and water conservationists, air quality specialists, planners, tax assessors and administrators, and vital support and infrastructure staff, all working to ensure the funding, talent, and partnerships that enable high quality delivery of services and information. With a population of more than 270,000 people and spanning 660 square miles, Buncombe County is the perfect intersection of mountain charm and creature comforts. Asheville is the county seat, and there are five other municipalities as well as a diverse mix of unincorporated areas. 

Buncombe County’s governing body is the seven-member Board of Commissioners. Buncombe County Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms through partisan elections. Buncombe County operates under the County–Manager model. Read about Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder.

Our community was severely impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, which was the largest natural disaster in the history of the state of North Carolina with an estimated impact of $60 Billion across the state. Buncombe County is located in the center of the disaster area, with over 10,000 homes impacted by the storm in our county alone. Buncombe County Government is committed to restoring and rebuilding our community with a focus on the quality of lives for all Buncombe County residents.

Buncombe 2030 is our next five-year roadmap that guides the County’s work and priorities. This plan was nearly done before Tropical Storm Helene made impact but was paused and refocused following the storm. Grounded in our mission and values, the plan sets out goals and objectives across key focus areas, including Growth and Development, Community Health, Education, Energy and Environment, and Public Safety. Read the draft here.

Our Mission:

• We promote a healthy, safe, well-educated, and thriving community with a sustainable quality of life.

• We provide effective and efficient government our residents can trust.

• We deliver needed service through a responsive work force committed to excellence, integrity, and teamwork.

Read more about our recent initiatives, awards, and news here: https://www.buncombenc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=1

This position is posted until filled, with a first review of applicants beginning on January 5th. We will hold first-round interviews by the end of January. The selected candidate will tentatively start work by Monday, March 9th.

Purpose of the position: 

The purpose of this position is to assist the County Manager in providing overall strategic and administrative leadership and supervision to County departments to ensure proper planning, implementation and direction of Buncombe County services and programs.  At the direction of the manager, this position will also work with community stakeholders, other governmental units, and departments to facilitate coordination and collaboration for the efficient delivery of services to the residents of Buncombe County.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): 
Master’s degree in Pu