What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy County Manager position at Adams County Colorado?
What Success Looks Like In This Job
THE OPPORTUNITY
Committed to professional governance, continuous improvement, and innovation, Adams County offers an exciting career opportunity for a dynamic leader to serve as its next Deputy County Manager. With a thriving economy, a strong sense of community, and a dedicated Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and professional staff, this position is ideal for an experienced municipal leader with a passion for internal operations.
ABOUT ADAMS COUNTY
With rich traditions and history, Adams County seamlessly blends suburban convenience with rural charm—offering vibrant cities, welcoming small towns, and abundant recreational opportunities. Located northeast of the Denver metro area, Adams County is Colorado’s fifth-largest county serving a diverse population of more than 540,000 residents. Adams County is 17 miles north to south, 72 miles east to west, for a total of 1,224 square miles. The county encompasses the cities of Brighton (the county seat), Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn, and Thornton, as well as portions of Arvada, Aurora, and Westminster, along with smaller towns and unincorporated communities.
Adams County is experiencing dynamic growth, attracting new residents and businesses that contribute to a thriving economy and vibrant community. As one of Colorado’s fastest-growing regions, it stands as an example of social equity and economic opportunity, where diversity and innovation are valued and celebrated.
COUNTY GOVERNANCE & OPERATIONS
Adams County is governed by the BoCC, who is supported by a professional County Manager who oversees day-to-day operations. The County Manager works closely with elected officials, department directors, and community partners to implement strategic priorities and enhance service delivery.
Adams County operates on an all-funds budget of $836 Million, including a capital fund budget of $22.7 Million. These funds allow the county’s more than 30 departments and offices to employ nearly 3,000 regular full-time employees (RFT) and to provide essential services to the community. The County Manager has direct oversight of nearly 1,800 employees, while over 1,100 employees report to elected offices. The County Manager oversees a broad array of services such as administrative support services to all offices, elected and non-elected. The Deputy County Manager will focus on internal services across all departments, including internal support and public facing services including Community & Economic Development; Public Works; Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts; Human Services; and more. The Deputy County Manager also collaborates with elected officials, including the Assessor, Sheriff, Clerk & Recorder, Surveyor, Treasurer and Public Trustee, Coroner, and District Attorney. Collaboration is key, given each elected office operates autonomously but is still centrally funded by the commissioners.
THE POSITION
This Deputy County Manager (DCM) position is part of the County Manager’s executive leadership team. This individual will lean into the complexities of highly visible portfolio projects which advance the County Board’s vision involving numerous stakeholders leveraging their team's assets and those of their peers across the organization to ensure maximum success. The position requires a self-aware leader who will excel in a cohesive team environment, demonstrate high performance habits, possess well-defined leadership principles and a growth mindset while focusing on the establishment of a culture of continuous improvement.
This DCM will have primary oversight of the County’s internal services departments, including People and Culture (P&C), Information Technology and Innovation (ITi), Fleet and Facilities Management (FFM), and Communications. The Deputy County Manager will have a strong operational background, which could include experience in employee relations and human resources, technology project development, facilities management, organizational development, strategic communications planning, fleet management, and other internal services; strong financial acumen including long-term financial planning and experience in balancing local government financial needs and capital improvements; demonstrated success in creating systems/processes that balance fiscal responsibility with human-centered service delivery; and the ability to lead the alignment of internal service departments to deliver a seamless “shared services” experience for employees and departments.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader committed to continuous quality improvement, innovation, customer service, and performance management. ln addition to being a highly ethical and qualified servant leader, the Deputy County Manager must be an experienced county or municipal executive able to guide the county through a period of change, growth, and opportunities with collaboration and integrity.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum requirements for the position of Deputy County Manager:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business or related field. A Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration is highly preferred.- Experience: Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in local government or similar organization, with significant experience at a senior level interacting with elected officials and other stakeholder groups.
- Certification: ICMA Certification preferred.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The anticipated hiring range for the Deputy County Manager is $220,000 to $235,000. The County Manager will negotiate a highly competitive salary that is commensurate with overall qualifications and experience with the selected candidate. The County also offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; compensated leave; short-term disability; parental leave; and retirement benefits.
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the recruitment brochure for additional benefit information by following the link below.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as résumés and cover letters will be reviewed as they are submitted and screened for consideration. Interviews are scheduled to take place in January. Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter at https://www.mosaicpublic.com/career/2549-deputy-county-manager .
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Julie Baca | julie@mosaicpublic.com | 970.209.0404
Adams County complies with Colorado’s Job Application Fairness Act (“JAFA”). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant’s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.
Salary : $220,000 - $235,000
