Assistant County Administrator

Salary : $73,049.60 - $93,932.80 Annually
Location : Washburn, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-10
Department: County Administrator
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
Closing Date: 3/2/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON

Description

This position provides support to the County Administrator in the areas of budget, project management, grants, legislative tracking, intergovernmental relations, internal program analysis/operational process improvement, public relations, strategic marketing initiatives, implementation of the county's strategic and comprehensive plans, and oversight of staff.
Examples of Duties

Administration

Assists the County Administrator with oversight of the administrative and management functions of the County; recommends and implements administrative practices to ensure proper use of human, financial and physical resources.

Assists County Administrator in the formulation of strategic and organizational planning, including furthering initiatives identified as priorities by the County Board.

Coordinates and oversees major county projects such as major capital improvement projects as delegated by the County Administrator.

Assist in preparation of meeting agendas and materials for various committees or meetings as requested.

As delegated by the County Administrator, serves as the representative of County government, acts as spokesperson on many issues with other units of government, state and federal elected officials, other agencies, interest groups, the public and the media, and may represent the county at legislative meetings and hearings.

Review, develop and recommend policies related to personnel, finance, administration and planning.

Serves as mediator for issues, problems and disputes involving Staff, Committees, public and intergovernmental matters as delegated by the County Administrator.

Draft and/or review contracts, leases and property transfers related to county operations and provide recommendations for approval or modification.

Attends various Committee, Board, Ad Hoc or external meetings as needed or requested by the County Administrator.

Works with Corporation Counsel and Labor Relations Attorney as needed to obtain proper legal counsel for the County as directed by the County Administrator.

Provides or arranges for information, reports and studies required by the County Board, Committees, Boards and Commissions.

Attends professional, educational, governmental, public and other meetings to maintain and increase professional competency and to keep abreast of developments pertaining to the Administration of the County.

Assist with monitoring and recommending modifications to county ordinances.

Assist with reviewing and recommending action to keep County insurance programs as cost effective as possible while providing sufficient coverages.

Investigates all EEO or other complaints promptly and recommends appropriate actions based upon the investigation.

Recommends objectives and associated goals for various departments/services to achieve the most cost effective and efficient operation possible.

Develops press releases and helps with providing local media updates. Assists departments with matters involving interdepartmental functions and/or public relations.

Provides oversight and acts as lead on complex studies, programs, and projects as assigned.

Prepares and presents various routine and non-routine reports relating to projects, activities, and potential new initiatives.

Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues.

Assists the County Administrator to develop policy and procedural recommendation for consideration by the Board of Supervisors.

Other Duties as Assigned by the County Administrator.

Financial

Works closely with the County Administrator and Finance Director in preparation and monitoring of the annual budget. This will include analyzing and making recommendations related to staffing levels, programmatic efficiencies, contracts for services, or other budget input.

Assists with preparation and presentation of budget amendments and adjustments as necessary throughout the year.

Assists with research, application, implementation and associated coordination of grants, grant deliverables, tracking and reporting.

Assists with the annual audit process as needed.

Personnel

May directly supervise department Directors/Managers, contractors, or other staff as delegated by the County Administrator.

Plan and implement training programs in coordination with departments and Human Resources.

Assist with approval and tracking of staff leave requests for department heads and employees whose leave exceeds that which may be authorized by their direct supervisor.

In conjunction with the County Administrator and Human Resources, actively involved with hiring, training and coaching of staff including disciplinary actions and discharge when necessary.

Assists Human Resources with oversight of the county personnel program that includes development and implementation of personnel policies, appropriate and consistent policy applications, assisting with staff development and analyzing employment related data/statistics.

Assists with collective bargaining and ensures that terms of collective bargaining agreements are adhered to.

Supervises County offices/programs in the absence of a department director; oversees performance of assigned staff; collaborates with agencies to plan effective operations.

Acts as liaison with assigned departments regarding achievement of the County Administrator and County Board of Supervisor directives/policies; represents County Administrator's position on policy questions; and assists department staff in establishing programs and achieving objectives.

Responsible for duties of County Safety Officer. Investigates or assigns the investigation of accidents and based upon the investigation takes appropriate actions to prevent future accidents. Coordinates County Risk Management Committee activities.

Complies with County HIPAA Policies and Procedures.

Adheres to and promotes safety as a priority in the workplace.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates dependable attendance.

Qualifications

Per Wis Stats 59.18(3) the County Administrator may appoint assistants at his/her discretion.
Preferred qualifications:

Equivalent of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration or a related field.

Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in municipal government, in a leadership position with a public entity, or experience providing increasingly responsible administrative and analytical skills to a high-level management position, preferably within a local government environment.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience supervising staff.

Valid Driver License

Physical Requirements
A. Sit for extended periods of time.
B. Extensive keyboarding and viewing of a computer monitor.
C. Dexterity sufficient to type, answer a telephone and use a 10-key calculator.
D. Vision sufficient to read a computer monitor and written documents.
E. Requires minimal lifting, occasionally up to 20 lbs.
F. Auditory ability sufficient to hear and interpret speech in a standard meeting setting.
G. Ability to navigate uneven terrain in woods and around buildings.
H. Ability to drive standard automobiles.
Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and local government structure, services, programs, and functions.

Knowledge of secretarial and administrative support practices; modern office management practices; office equipment and filing systems; standard office automation software and other electronic tools, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, Internet search engines, and e-mail and calendaring programs; standard English grammar, usage, and composition.

Ability to analyze situations and data and make sound decisions; prioritize work of self and others;

Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Ability to learn and perform any specialized operations of the county, such as the County's budget and agenda review processes; meet strict deadlines; adjust to changing priorities.

Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to represent the County appropriately and effectively, with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy, at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives, including with a wide range of people, including high-level government officials, community leaders, union representatives, county employees, and members of the general public and to develop and maintain effective and appropriate liaison relationships with the County Board, elected officials, County employees, and representatives of other agencies and local governments.

Work requires the exercise of considerable judgment, initiative, strategic visions, and discretion

Must demonstrate exemplary ethics and act with integrity

Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, and make effective decisions

Ability to develop and execute strategic plans and managerial policies, prioritize the needs of the County, champion and manage change, and articulate County leadership's priorities

High degree of accuracy/attention to detail with multi-tasking capabilities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including analytical report writing.

Ability to interpret and explain complex policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws.

Ability to plan, direct and evaluate the work of others, while maintaining positive working relationships

Considerable independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness are needed to interpret circumstances, and to make decisions in major areas where there may be uncertainty in approach, methodology, and interpretation

Ability to work independently and prioritize the work of self and others to meet deadlines

Excellent time management skills, with the proven ability to continuously manage multiple tasks, competing demands, and dealing with frequent changes, delays, or unforeseen circumstances

Being highly organized with strong project management and project team leader skills

Being a collaborator with the ability to work with teams of employees from all levels of the organization to accomplish specific goals and objectives

Innovation and proven experience in conflict resolution and problem solving are critical as they aid in the research and evaluation of issues, proposal of actions, policies, and solutions for a growing and progressive community

Shifts and Work Hours:
Generally, the courthouse is open from 8:00am until 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. The work week is 40 hours per week (2080 hours per year).

Insurance:
Health insurance through the State of Wisconsin Employee Trust Fund is available to employees that are eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System. The employer pays a portion of family, and single plan premiums. Coverage is effective upon completion of one full calendar month of employment. The health insurance includes a prescription drug plan.

Both Disability and Life Insurance are available. Employer provides basic disability insurance coverage at no cost to the employee. Employee may purchase enhanced disability insurance. Employee may purchase basic, supplemental and spouse/child life insurance through payroll deduction.

Voluntary Insurances: Voluntary insurances including Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Care, Short Term Disability and Cancer Care are also available.

A Section 125 Plan (Flexible Spending) is available.

Sick Leave:
Sick time is accumulated at the rate of eight days (64 hours) per year. New employees are allocated 40 hours of sick leave upon hire, which may be used for any purpose during the first year of employment.

Vacation (full-time employees):
Upon Hire: 40 hours
After one (1) year: 80 hours
After Five (5) years: 120 hours
After Ten (10) years: 160 hours
After Fifteen (15) years: 200 hours

Up to 40 hours of vacation may be carried over to the next year and must be used within 6 months of your anniversary date.

Holidays:
New Year's Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Spring Holiday (Friday before Easter), Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Christmas Eve

Retirement:
Wisconsin Retirement System. The employee is responsible to contribute the statutory employee share (appx 6.95%) of retirement. An optional Deferred Compensation Program is available.

Employees are required to utilize a direct deposit account for payroll purposes. Funds may be directed into a maximum of 3 separate bank accounts.

Benefits for Management Employees may be negotiable dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits are subject to change at any time.
01

Are you able to meet all of the physical requirements of this position as identified in the job description?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have attained?

• High School Diploma/GED/HSED
• Some College or Technical School
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor Degree
• Masters Degree or Higher
• Less than a High School Diploma

03

How many years of management experience do you have?

• No Management Experience
• 1-3 Years Management Experience
• 4-5 Years Management Experience
• 6 or More Years Management Experience

04

How many years of experience do you have working in a leadership position with a public entity?

• No Experience
• Less Than Five Years of Experience
• Five or More Years of Experience

Required Question