The County Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer of the county, operating under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The position is responsible for overseeing county operations, ensuring efficient and effective administration of government functions, and providing administrative support to the Board in carrying out its duties. This includes developing and implementing policies, coordinating activities with departments and external agencies, and enforcing ordinances, rules, and regulations adopted by the BOCC. The role is performed with a high degree of independence while remaining accountable to the Board and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and county laws, including KSA 19-3a04.

Professional resume and cover letter is required with application submittal.
Essential Duties:

• Oversees and directs county operations to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services across all departments.
• Provides leadership to department heads and staff, including setting expectations, monitoring performance, and providing organizational guidance.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the county budget, including financial reporting, expenditure tracking, and coordination with the Finance Director to ensure fiscal accountability.
• Advises and supports the BOCC on administrative, financial, and policy matters.
• Prepares and participates in BOCC meetings and work sessions, including agenda development and drafting resolutions, ordinances, and related materials.
• Supports the BOCC in budget preparation and implementation, budget hearings, and long-range financial planning.
• Monitors and advises the Board on relevant local, state, and federal legislation.
• Coordinates communication and operations among departments, elected officials, and external agencies.
• Represents the county in community, intergovernmental, and professional settings.
• Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Assists with grant development, funding opportunities, and legislative initiatives.
• Provides leadership and coordination during declared emergencies or disasters.

Other Duties:

• Reviews and approves routine financial transactions as required, including accounts payable items.
• Participates in regular meetings with department heads, staff, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with county priorities.
• Monitors financial trends and performance through ongoing review of reports and data.
• Maintains knowledge of public administration best practices through research, training, and professional conferences.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of county government.

Education & Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field required
• Master’s degree in public administration of related field preferred
• Minimum five years of experience in a senior administrative role, including supervision
• Minimum five years of city or county government experience preferred
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Kansas driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of county government operations, policies, and intergovernmental relationships, preferably within Kansas.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct operations, manage performance, and promote organizational efficiency.
• Expertise in financial management, including budgeting, fiscal oversight, and capital planning.
• Ability to plan, organize, delegate, and complete work independently while exercising sound judgment and accountability.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively within a political environment, demonstrating integrity and transparency.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build consensus and provide clear direction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including data evaluation and decision-making in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret and apply technical, financial, and procedural information.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to adapt to new technologies.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and produce accurate work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism and accountability.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and support coordinated response efforts.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, professional development, and achieving organizational goals.

• Work location(s) of the job:
  • Indoors – Constantly. Usually well lit, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.
  • Outdoors - Occasionally
• Objectionable condition(s) found on the job:
  • Computer Use – Constantly
  • Driving/Travel – Occasional local travel, which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  • Stressful situations may occur when dealing with the public.
• Undesirable health and safety condition(s) under which employee must perform:
  • None
• Machines, Tools and/or Equipment Used:
  • Basic office equipment to include computer, copy machine, fax machine, printer, telephone system.
• Physical characteristics/requirements of the job:
  • Sit/Stand/Walk - Regularly
  • Kneeling – Occasionally
  • Crouching – Occasionally
  • Using Fingers/hands – Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
  • Talking - Frequently
  • Hearing – Frequently; noise level is usually moderate.
  • Seeing – Constantly
  • Vision Abilities – close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Lifting/Moving – Occasionally; seldom lifting/moving a maximum weight of 50 pounds.