CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The City of Clarkesville has launched a search for a new city manager, the chief administrative officer responsible for overseeing the city’s day-to-day operations and guiding several key departments.
City officials announced that the mayor and the five-member city council are seeking qualified candidates to fill the leadership role. The city manager reports directly to the mayor and council and is responsible for supervising municipal departments including police, fire, finance, economic development, and zoning.
Although public works services — including water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, sanitation, and streets — are currently operated by a third party, those services still fall under the oversight of the city manager.
Clarkesville, the county seat of Habersham County, has a population of about 2,100 residents and operates with an annual budget of approximately $5.6 million. City leaders say the community continues to see growth in its business sector and has several major projects on the horizon, including property development initiatives and sewer infrastructure improvements.
Officials say they are seeking candidates with at least five years of progressive experience in city management and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a Master of Public Administration strongly preferred.
The city is also looking for candidates who demonstrate strong leadership skills and experience working with elected officials and navigating the political environment of municipal government. Applicants should be able to manage organizational change, develop community initiatives, and collaborate with regional partners.
Other qualifications include knowledge of municipal finances, including trend analysis and forecasting, strong organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and experience with or knowledge of water and wastewater operations. City officials also emphasize the importance of interpersonal skills and a commitment to customer service.
The position offers a salary range of $75,000 to $90,000 per year, and the successful candidate will be required to live in or relocate to Habersham County.
Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining how their experience aligns with the position requirements, along with their contact information and the contact details for three professional references.
Applications can be submitted to:
Julie Poole, City Clerk
Email: jpoole@clarkesvillega.com
Or by mail to:
City of Clarkesville
Attn: City Clerk
P.O. Box 21
Clarkesville, GA 30523
The deadline to apply is April 30, 2026.
