City Attorney

A search is underway to hire a community-minded City Attorney to be a part of the leadership for the City of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Our city leadership strives for excellence, focusing on actions for the betterment of our community now and for the future, with a willingness to act boldly and creatively to achieve our goals and objectives.

The City of Jacksonville is a vibrant military host City with an overall population of 72,800. Our leadership team is committed to improving the quality of life for all community members through focused efforts on dynamic projects and initiatives that help shift economic development. Based on Council priorities we strive to provide unparalleled services, programs, and opportunities for all ages, and expand on the sustainable health of our people, waterways and public spaces that help make Jacksonville a great place to work, live and play.

Jacksonville’s strong military presence of Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station makes this community unique. Our long-standing positive relationship and partnership with our military is a key factor in our community success. Tangible experience at a military installation, understanding protocols and an energetic vision for continual collaboration within the City’s leadership team is vital.

With tourism, growth, and economic development in mind, the City is planning and implementing several economic development initiatives. Prime among these is the development of a 400-acre parcel which, upon completion, will function as a hub for community recreation, organized sports as well as a nexus for regional sporting and other events.

The Successful Candidate

Jacksonville seeks a City Attorney who is open-minded and is ready to navigate through and engage with community partners that work to keep our community thriving and economically sustainable. The successful candidate is a well-seasoned civil servant with deep understanding of municipal law and the ability to successfully navigate community issues, initiatives, and partnerships.

As part of the City leadership team, the City Attorney will join our forward thinking, high-functioning management team that works together to implement City Council vision and strategic goals. The City Attorney acts as legal counsel for City Council and the City Manager’s leadership team, where the working relationship is one of trust, collaboration, and transparency. While members of the City Manager’s Office have assigned areas of responsibility, a team-based approach that includes functional partnerships to achieve results is important to the organization’s culture.

The successful candidate will bring seasoned successful municipal law experience, energy, and influence to build on our positive community partnerships and networks. The City Attorney plans, organizes, integrates, and directs staff in legal matters and plays a central role in developing and providing direction to staff related to implementation of City policy, strategic goals, and priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

A four-year undergraduate degree is required, in political science, government, public administration, or a related field, pre-law or fields involving critical thinking and analysis preferred and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required. City attorneys must maintain an active law license in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar, including meeting continuing legal education (CLE) requirements. At least ten years’ experience in a government or public sector legal office is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The full pay range for the City Attorney position is: Minimum: $139,378.46  Midpoint: $181,192.00  Maximum: $235,549.60

Starting salary is based on the individual’s demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education.

The City of Jacksonville provides an excellent benefits package, including health and dental coverage and NC Local Government Employee Retirement Plan participation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit by email to Jeff Hale, Mercer Group Associates, jeffhale1968@gmail.com: a cover letter, resume, a list of at least five job related references (with email and phone numbers) no later than November 22, 2024. Please do not send applications to the City as it will only delay receipt.

For questions please contact:

Jeff Hale, Mercer Group Associates

jeffhale1968@gmail.com, 706-371-6126