County Administrator

Job Summary

Performs highly responsible leadership and managerial work as chief executive officer of the county. Responsible for the administration of all County Board ordinances, regulations, resolutions, and policies and for the administration and direction of all programs and functions of government under the jurisdiction of the Board of County Commissioners. Provides direction to county division heads and provides oversight in the planning, development, management, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of overall administration of county affairs. Charged with leading the organization and building an organizational culture that supports and implements the county vision, mission, strategies, and goals. Appointed as the County Administrator pursuant to MS 375A.06.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Keeps the County members informed and updated on the status of county business, communicates with County Commissioners as needed and appropriately to educate, inform, and update them on county projects, activities, and issues. 
• Organizes and directs the preparation of agendas for regular and special meetings of the County Board; attends County Board meetings.
• Prepares and recommends policies to the County Board regarding the operation of county business activities; prepares and recommends annual County Board goals, advises the County Board regarding short- and long-range projects, and recommends appropriate actions pursuant to the stated objective.
• Represents the county in a variety of professional and community settings, exuding pride and competence in public service.   
• Leads and coordinates a variety of staff services in the following areas: budgeting and finance, public works, community development, internal services, community services, employee relations, and public affairs and information; works closely with the judiciary functions operating within the government center. Assimilates new/changing information and applies it to planning.
• Supervises division directors and other personnel; establishes and builds relations with other elected officials in Scott County, including the County Sheriff and County Attorney; responsible for achievement of the County Board goals through collaborating with and motivating and leading a high-performance management team; fosters a success-oriented accountable work environment.
• Keeps County Board advised of the financial condition of the county, including the status of major projects and programs and all state and federal funds received; recommends budget and financial strategic plans and policies.
• Provides initiative and leadership to the County's Strategic Initiatives, in particular the priority to enhance and maintain a supportive organizational culture.
• Coordinates, in conjunction with county staff, the state and federal legislative agenda, advises County Board on status of relevant pending legislation, provides testimony as required, and communicates with our state and federal legislative delegation.
• Responsible for maintaining a county building and land acquisition plan and program; develops a long-term capital plan and program for building and land assets, including regional park land.
• Represents the county in intergovernmental relationships and collaborations at local, state, regional, and federal levels, such as: Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE), relations with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Association of MN Counties, etc.; maintains effective working relationships with intergovernmental partners, the business community and other agencies that work together with Scott County.
• Attends professional meetings, keeps up to date on professional trends and information which will assist in the conduct of duties, and otherwise keeps informed of new developments in local and county government.
• Writes articles, columns, and communications on behalf of the county in county-related newsletters, documents, and correspondence; develops and maintains a strong communication philosophy and program with employees and the general public.
• Communicates with the media regarding county business. Promotes a positive relationship with media of all forms, including radio, television, newsprint, and online.
• Drives innovation in public service delivery by leading change strategies and the development of new systems and processes.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires equivalency of a Master's Degree in Public Administration or related field and six years of related administrative management and organizational leadership experience, particularly at the advanced management level. Preference given for public sector advanced management experience. The incumbent shall provide a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

Supervisory Controls

• Performs highly responsible leadership, and managerial work as chief executive officer of the county. The employee is under broad policy guidance and direction from the County Board. Work is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and the accepted standards and practices of public administration. The Administrator has wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and decision making for the administration and direction of all programs and functions of government under the jurisdiction of the Board of County Commissioners.
• The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

Core Competencies and Abilities
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of effective communication media, tools, and practices.
 
Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration as applied to county government.
 
Knowledge of organizational theory and effective management practices.
 
Knowledge of public budgeting, accounting, and programming.
 
Knowledge of Minnesota Public Data Practices as it relates to the use and exchange of information.
 
Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities –Ability to make sound, independent, tough decisions from broad comprehensive data; ability to develop and implement short and long range administrative objectives.
 
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate the many functions and activities of county government and lead committees and small groups of people to achieve stated goals and objectives.

Ability to drive results, inspiring others to achieve results by promoting involvement, participation and cooperation.
 
Ability to direct, supervise, and delegate work for the effective management of limited resources.

Ability to establish objectives and performance measures as well as communicate, support and evaluate the achievement of those objectives and measures. Remains strategically flexible and can change direction as circumstances require it.
 
Ability to speak and present information to small and large groups of people for the effective delivery of a message or the exchange of ideas and information. Adept at building partnerships and exercising influence with and without authority.
 
Ability to plan, administer, and evaluate programs and division performance.
 
Ability to prepare and interpret plans, budgets, and technical and administrative reports.
 
Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
 
Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.
 
Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services. Some travel is required. Evening and weekend work is required in attending a variety of meeting, events, and community oriented activities.
Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.