County Administrator

The Position

Serving at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator manages county operations and is responsible for implementing BOC policy, and for planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities and operations of Lincoln County government. The County Administrator also develops policy recommendations for BOC action and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the BOC. Working under the general direction of the Board of Commissioners, Lincoln County's Administrator supervises non-elected department directors.

Opportunities & Priorities

Housing: This is a highly desirable place to live and work. The ocean and forests are great recreational playgrounds. A thriving arts community is a strong community asset. However, there is a shortage of decent, affordable housing that continues to be a barrier to recruitment and retention, not only for the county, but for other public and private employers.

Balancing Budget and Enhancing Services: While enhancing County services is a great priority for the County, the County Administrator must take into consideration the associated costs and maintain a balanced budget, while providing the best services possible. It is anticipated that the County Administrator will have a major role in the budget process.

Administrative Building: The County is implementing steps to ready itself for a new County Courthouse and Administration building, it will be incumbent upon the County Administrator to complete this project.

Organizational Stability: As Lincoln County moves through a period of change, maintaining organizational stability and momentum will be a priority. The County Administrator will play a key role in providing stability and continuity, building strong working relationships with the Board of Commissioners, and helping ensure a smooth path forward for the County and its team.

The Ideal Candidate

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or political science and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible administrative or staff experience in municipal government with at least five (5) years in municipal administration and three (3) years of high-level administrative responsibility as a department head or Assistant City Manager level or above is required.
• A master’s degree in a related field as well as previous Oregon County Administration experience is preferred.
• Candidates must possess a valid Oregon State driver's license at time of appointment.
• Candidates may possess any combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrates their ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be committed to excellent customer service.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of municipal government administration and operation, policy development and implementation, leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution, and pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Ability to competently analyze a budget and technical reports, provide solutions and problem solve department cost recommendations and interpret and evaluate staff reports.
• Strong political acumen, with the ability to navigate a complex and evolving political environment, remain respectful and resourceful, and understand the political balance of issues.
• Skilled at managing difficult conversations, addressing sensitive or contentious issues in the most effective and appropriate manner while maintaining trust and professional relationships.
• Experience analyzing problems, identifying alternate solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Ability to assist the BOC in developing and implementing County policies and demonstrate tact and diplomacy with the public.
• Ability to work confidently side by side with the BOC, treating all members equally and fair in discussion and resolution.
• The ideal candidate will be a strong, experienced manager with a keen knowledge of all local government processes, and the ability to engage in regional issues.
• Ability to take a mentorship role with the staff, providing leadership and maintaining good employee relations, and building trust with the BOC, staff, and the community.
• Skill as a collaborative leader and team player with a strong work ethic, and the ability to show integrity and earn trust within the organization.
• Demonstrated experience managing a county, and the ability to keep the BOC headed down the right track.
• A track record of being fiscally responsible, with extensive hands-on experience in government finance and budgeting, strong knowledge of local government financial operations, and the ability to look down the road to find opportunities or forecast issues before they arise.
• Skill as a people person who is approachable, process oriented and personable, and has the ability to gain respect of staff and the community.
• The ideal candidate will be a big picture thinker who is bold, innovative and has attention to detail.
• Experience dealing with issues related to economic and community development, and project management. Land use experience is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• $165,149 - $221,945 DOQ
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (County pays 90% of premium)
• Life, Long Term Disability & AD&D Insurances
• Paid Time off accrued at 10.16 hours per pay period
• 11 paid Holidays
• 11% County Contribution to 401(k)
• Post-Employment Health Plan Account
• Portable Health Savings Account