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POSITION SUMMARY
The County Council of Laurens County is seeking a County Administrator to serve as Chief Administrative Officer for the County. The Administrator will provide broad leadership to the County Government and will advise County Council regarding current and future needs of the County. Work involves administering County policy on a daily basis as established by County Council directing the personnel and activities of all County departments through subordinate department directors managing the preparation of the County budget providing leadership in the development and implementation of the Countys economic development program serving as County spokesperson and performing related administrative and supervisory work as required. The Administrator will ensure high quality services are delivered to citizens and that the agency is a responsible steward of the Countys financial resources.
The full position profile can be viewed here: Laurens County Position Profile
The Administrator reports to seven council members each elected from single member districts. Laurens County operates under a Council form of government. The Administrator implements all policies as directed by vote of the Council.
The County organization includes a total staff of approximately 500 and 12 departments reporting into the Administrator.
The ideal candidate will have prior local government leadership experience and is interested in growing with the county. A strong communicator this candidate will be a collaborative transparent leader who engages with Council members community leaders and staff to understand the needs and desires of the community and the strategies that will allow for the accomplishment of short and long-term goals.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
- Serves as the Countys Chief Administrative Officer; directs and coordinates all operational and administrative activities of County government.
- Directs the activities and services of all County departments offices and institutions through subordinate non-elected department directors.
- Implements the directives and policies of the County Council; Enforces all directives ordinances resolutions regulations of the County Council and state and federal laws relevant to the County.
- Ensures department and division leaders understand all policies and procedures relevant to County services; Establishes regular communication and leadership team meetings to create alignment and compliance with adopted and approved policies.
- Establishes accountability measures and key performance indicators for County operations; works with the leadership team to evaluate progress towards established goals.
- Serves as spokesperson for the County; represents the County to the news media and other county city and state agencies; coordinates County activities with those of other agencies and organizations as appropriate.
Crisis Management
- Leads during crisis situations such as weather emergencies; advises Department Directors during emergency events.
- Manages the media response during emergency situations ensuring that citizens are appropriately informed. Guides the development of media talking points and response to media inquiries during times of crisis.
- Ensures that personnel in all departments receive training for crisis situations and that emergency response teams are adequately equipped to respond.
- Orders any department under his/her jurisdiction per County Code to perform any task typically performed by another department on a temporary basis if deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the County. Delegates administrative duties and responsibilities to the Department Directors and other County personnel.
Financial and Budget Oversight
- Prepares annual operating and capital improvement budgets for submission to County Council; supervises the expenditure of funds appropriated by the Council.
- Establishes accountability measures for department leaders regarding effective budget management.
- Ensures appropriate internal controls are implemented to provide safekeeping of tax-payer funds assets and the maintenance of financial accounting records.
- Assists elected and appointed department heads regarding budget creation and presentation to meet program needs and requirements of planned services.
- Collaborates with the Finance Director to ensure the completion of the annual audit.
- Evaluates equipment needs and authorizes procurement of equipment with the approval of Council.
- Manages capital improvement programs; gains an understanding of personnel space and equipment needs through collaboration with department leaders.
Strategic Planning & Strategic Initiatives
- Oversees the planning and implementation of strategies for the development of urban and non- urban areas to provide for population and economic growth and the necessary expansion of public services; develops incentive packages to attract development; negotiates agreements between developers industry leaders and County officials.
- Evaluates all County services and implements strategies to improve overall efficiency and service. Works with County Council and other elected County officials to discuss recommendations for improving County services operations and programs.
- Advises Council on analysis and trends of services; makes recommendations for change as necessary. Directs and coordinates short-term and long-range work planning to include goal setting prioritizing funding monitoring and reporting.
- Develops long-term goals and long-term strategic plans in conjunction with the County Council.
- Implements action items and establishes evaluation and accountability procedures.
- Continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Implements actions to improve services as approved by County Council.
- Organizes special projects to address organizational administrative and management needs.
Talent and Team Development
- Appoints Department Directors and other members of County service who serve at the discretion of the Administrator. Employs pursuant to positions authorized and the County Code the personnel necessary to administer County functions and services.
- Selects employs promotes and supervises all personnel under his or her jurisdiction filling all budgeted vacancies and authorized positions. Employs strategies to attract new talent utilizing innovative methods. Employs strategies to retain existing employees.
- Adjusts compensation levels per the Countys Personnel Policies and Classification and Compensation Plan. Keeps County Council abreast of the increasingly competitive talent landscape.
- Ensures that procedures are in place for County personnel to participate in standardized onboarding and orientation activities as well as on-going training/professional development opportunities.
- Coaches mentors and guides senior leadership staff providing necessary training and support to accomplish goals set for their respective departments.
COMPENSATION
The salary offered at the time of hire is expected to be between $130000 - $160000 with the broader salary range offering long term salary growth within the role.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates are asked to apply through the FGP posting at . The deadline to apply is July 27th. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the FGP team with the final review conducted the week of July 28th. Interviews with County Council will begin shortly thereafter.
Candidates must meet the requirements above in order to be considered. Questions about the role may be directed to Christin Mack Manager of Public Sector Executive Search at
South Carolina FOIA laws require the release of the finalists names (at least three finalists) should the County receive a FOIA request. Confidential interest will be possible early in the process; however candidates should be aware of the FOIA requirements as the process moves towards finalist selection.