Town Clerk

Job Description

Town Clerk

Town of Cornelius, NC

Hiring Range: $69,000 - $92,000

The Town of Cornelius is seeking a highly organized and service-oriented professional to serve as our next Town Clerk. This role is essential to supporting Town leadership, maintaining official municipal records, and ensuring transparency and compliance in local government operations. This opportunity is available due to the upcoming retirement of our long-tenured Clerk, who has provided over 16 years of dedicated service in this role.

Why Join the Town of Cornelius?

Located along the shores of Lake Norman, Cornelius is a thriving community committed to excellence in public service. Led by our Town Manager with over 23 years of service to the Town and supported by a stable, high-performing, long-tenured leadership team, we prioritize employee growth and career development while fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and dedication to serving our residents.

Key Responsibilities

Town Board & Meeting Coordination

Attend Town Board of Commissioners meetings and prepare accurate meeting minutes for approval

Maintain custody of official minutes, ordinances, and resolutions, and answer inquires regarding Board actions

Manage and publish online meeting agendas using Granicus software (experience with Granicus preferred)

Coordinate meeting schedules with Town leadership, elected officials, and partner agencies

Ensure compliance with North Carolina open meetings laws, including public notices and meeting calendars

Records Management & Compliance

Serve as custodian of official Town public records, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, and deeds

Maintain organized indexing systems for easy access to public records

Coordinate updates and publication of the Town Code of Ordinances and Charter

Partner with the State Division of Archives and History to preserve Town records

Clerical & Administrative Support

Respond to inquiries received by the Clerk’s Office or route them appropriately

Prepare legal notices, official forms, and documentation in compliance with state statutes

Draft Mayoral Proclamations and assist with official correspondence

Manage submissions for operating and support grants and complete required reports, including the annual Powell Bill Certified Statement

Maintain confidential personnel files for Town employees

Process payroll changes and other documentation related to employee life cycle

Petitions, Legal Processes & Elections

Process and track petitions (annexation, street closings, public improvements)

Verify compliance with applicable state laws and coordinate filings with the Register of Deeds

Prepare schedule of activities for municipal elections using General Statute references

Complete forms and documents in connection with bond referendums/issues and related official filings

Additional Duties

Complete research requests, surveys, and questionnaires from agencies and organizations

Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge & Skills

Strong knowledge of municipal government operations and procedures

Familiarity with North Carolina statutes governing public meetings and records

Ability to manage records systems and maintain organized office operations

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive matters

Self-starter, strong work ethic, ability to work collaboratively and independently

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related administrative software

Education & Experience

High school diploma (or equivalent), supplemented by advanced coursework from the Institute of Government related to Town Clerk functions and activities

3–5 years of experience in municipal/county administration, including office management experience

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Preferred Credentials

North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk (NCCMC)

International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) Certification

Requirements

Valid driver’s license

Public Notary certification

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring Range: $69,000 – $92,000, depending on qualifications and experience

Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with significant discounts for dependent coverage

Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1x annual salary

Participation in the North Carolina Local Government Retirement System (LGERS)

5% employer contribution to 401(k)

Access to retiree benefits after 20 years of service with the Town of Cornelius

Paid parental leave

13 paid holidays annually

Vacation leave accrual based on total years of service within NC government

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Ability to perform basic life operational functions of standing, reaching, fingering, grasping, feeling, communicating, and repetitive motion

Ability to perform light physical work (lifting up to 20 lbs occasionally)

Possess visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, and do extensive reading

Ability to operate a motorized vehicle

Additional Information

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Full-time