County Administrator

(All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)

The County Administrator’s performance is measured across key areas, as assigned by the Commission, including but not limited to the following: executive leadership and long term and short term strategic and operational planning; managerial and organizational effectiveness and accountability; financial planning and budget management; human resources and personnel management; policy development; public service and communication; economic development; risk management and effective issue resolution.

The County Administrator may be called upon to do any or all of the below-listed essential functions. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The essential functions are as follows:

• Develops and maintains detailed knowledge of the structure, function, purpose and operation of all County departments and elected officials, including the Sheriff, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, Probate Judge and License Director, who receive statutorily mandated funding from the Commission to insure the delivery of consistent and responsive services to the citizens of the County in compliance with Local and Federal laws.

• Collaborates with elected officials, department heads, legal counsel, and other appropriate individuals to develop and recommend a balanced budget; and ensures coordination with the Finance Director for proper financial reporting and audit readiness.

• Monitors the County’s operating budget to ensure financial transparency, compliance, and fiscal responsibility; apprises the Commission on the fiscal health of the County; and supports the Finance Director.

• Provides assistance to the Human Resources Director in regard to management direction and supervision of the County’s Human Resources functions, including personnel administration, compensation, fringe benefits, legal and regulatory compliance, and personnel policies and procedures.

• Collaborates with the Commission, department heads, and elected officials to resolve operational issues within current practices and policies; revises and develops policy dealing with new or changing circumstances for the Commission’s consideration; and advises departments and elected officials of relevant Commission actions for implementation.

• Works in cooperation with the Commission, elected officials, and department heads to address matters requiring Commission action, including contractual and professional services, contract renewals and approvals, policies, resolutions, grant applications, and requests from independent boards and agencies.

• Serves as the Risk Manager for the County and is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks which could impact the County’s operations, finances, employees, and residents; and oversees and directs internal staff on operations, practices, policies, claims processing, and compliance.

• Provides assistance to the Finance Director in regard to management direction and supervision of the County purchasing program, including making operational and procedural changes as needed.

• Provides assistance to the Facilities Director in regard to management direction and supervision of maintenance and repair of all County buildings and grounds, while contributing to infrastructure planning, including facilities, capital outlay, and critical long-term needs.

• Assists the Commission in policy development; receives broad goals and objectives from the Commission and develops operational systems and alternatives to achieve them, supported by appropriate data, analysis, and research; and monitors implementation to ensure compliance with existing policies.

• Development of Commission meeting agendas, coordinating with relevant parties; attends meetings to advise, present pertinent data, and aid the Commission in decision-making; and ensures follow-up on decisions and policy matters.

• Coordinates matters involving legal counsel, seeks legal advice and opinions, and advises the Commission on recommended actions; reviews the County’s contracts with counsel; collaborates with counsel on litigated matters; and exercises settlement authority within established limits.

• Engages with the Commission, citizens, consultants, contractors, and departments to assess the County’s needs, develop programs and services, and evaluate operations while fostering strong partnerships with local governmental units, surrounding counties, nonprofits, private industry, and professional organizations to enhance service delivery needs.

• Stays informed on legislative and regulatory developments, administrative best practices, and emerging issues through ongoing education and professional development; and attends relevant conferences, training, and workshops.

• Acts as spokesperson and public relations liaison to community groups and interested parties as required or as directed by the Chairman of the Commission.

• Serves as the ADA Coordinator and Public Information Officer for non-elected departments of the County and directs staff in fulfilling requests.

• Assumes other responsibilities and duties as may be deemed necessary and appropriate by the Commission.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job. The requirements are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public administration, business administration, finance, or related field (master’s degree preferred), or a minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in local government with senior level responsibility for budgeting, personnel, purchasing, risk management, and administrative functions.

• Knowledgeable in the Alabama county government structure, laws, policy development, public financial management and accounting standards, tax administration, budgeting, organizational development, procurement, public meetings and records, human resources, and government ethics.

• Skilled in executive leadership, decision-making, negotiation, conflict resolution, public speaking, and written and oral communication.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity and respect while interacting positively with colleagues, elected officials, and the public from diverse backgrounds.

• Demonstrated consensus-building among diverse stakeholders.

• Skilled in leading and motivating professional staff.

• Knowledgeable and respectful of the relationship between the Commission and other elected officials.

• Possess and maintain a record of orderly, law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity, and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the County.

• Physical and mental ability to perform the essential duties of the position without excessive absences.

• Possess a valid driver’s license and be proficient in computerized applications, including Microsoft Office products.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily sedentary with required standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and walking on varying terrain and equipment. The employee is often required to talk, hear, and view written documents. The employee must have the ability to access departmental files, enter and retrieve information from computers, access all locations of the County government, and travel to various locations within and outside the County for meetings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in office conditions and various locations within and outside the County with direct responsibilities during conditions associated with inclement weather events or public safety, or emergency management activities.