County Administrator

CASS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

Find more information about this job at https://casscountymi.org/1621/County-Administrator-Job-Posting. Submit Letters of Interest, resumes, Cass County applications and all credentials via email to adminhiring@cassco.org. Find the application and detailed job description at casscountymi.org/1621/County-Administrator-Job-Posting, or scan the QR code.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator serves as the chief administrator and fiscal officer of the county, responsible for implementing policies set by the Board of Commissioners and overseeing the daily operations of the county government. This position ensures compliance with Michigan laws governing county administration, employee and labor relations, collective bargaining, budgeting and financial management, facilities management, technology, and other internal services. The Administrator also serves as the liaison between the County Board of Commissioners, County Elected Officials, other regional, state and local agencies and authorities, and community organizations.

The County Administrator is responsible for the following departments: Administration (Finance, HR/Payroll, Marketing/Communications), Facilities, Information Systems, GIS/Remonumentation, Equalization, Veterans Services, Parks & Recreation, and Public Defender. The Administrator performs a full range of oversight including supervising, hiring, performance evaluation, training and professional development, leave approval, disciplinary actions and terminations.

Essential Job Functions County Administrator:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

The County Administrator’s performance is measured across key areas, as assigned by the Board of Commissioners, including but not limited to:

• Executive leadership and strategic planning
• Managerial and organizational effectiveness
• Financial planning and budget management
• Human resource management and contract negotiations
• Policy development
• Public service and communication
• Economic development

1. Collaborates with the Finance Director, elected officials, department heads, and other board committees/partners to develop and recommend a balanced budget in compliance with Public Act 2 of 1968 and The Municipal Finance Act for the Board’s approval. Ensures coordination with the Finance Director for proper financial reporting and audit readiness.
2. Monitors the County’s operating budget to ensure financial transparency, compliance, and fiscal responsibility. Apprises the Board on the fiscal health of the county. Supports the Finance Director in ensuring compliance with the annual audit.
3. Directs labor negotiations. Researches compensation, fringe benefits, pending legislation and personnel rules. Alerts the Board to upcoming labor matters as they arise in a timely manner. Makes authoritative recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on these matters.
4. Collaborates with department heads and elected officials to resolve operational issues within current practices and policies. Revises and develops policy dealing with new or changing circumstances for Board consideration. Advises departments and elected officials of relevant Board and committee actions for implementation.
5. Works in cooperation with the Board of Commissioners, its committees, elected officials, and department heads to address matters requiring Board action, including contractual and professional services, contract renewals and approvals, collective bargaining, policies, resolutions, grant applications, and requests from independent boards and agencies.
6. Serves as the Risk Manager for the County and is responsible for identifying, assessing and mitigating risks which could impact county operations, finances, employees and residents. Oversees and directs internal staff on operations, practices, policies, claims processing and compliance.
7. Oversees employee compensation and benefits programs, the county’s centralized HR system, and all aspects of personnel management. Collaborates with internal and external professionals to classify positions, update HR policies and procedures, and ensure legal compliance for the Board adoption. Advises department directors on HR matters.
8. Provides management direction and supervision of the County purchasing program with the Finance Director including making operational and procedural changes as needed.
9. Supervises, oversees and directs the maintenance and repair of all County buildings and grounds, while contributing to infrastructure planning, including facilities, capital outlay, and critical long-term needs.
10. Assists the County Board and Committees in policy development. Receives broad goals and objectives from the Board of Commissioners and develops operational systems and alternatives to achieve them. Monitors implementation to ensure compliance with existing policies.
11. Prepares Board and committee meeting agendas, coordinating with relevant parties. Attends meetings to advise, present pertinent data, and aid the Board in decision making. Ensures follow-up on decisions and policy matters.
12. Coordinates matters involving outside legal counsel, seeks legal advice and opinions, and advises the Board on recommended actions. Reviews county contracts with corporate counsel and collaborates on litigated matters, including arbitration, mediation, and hearings. Exercises settlement authority within established limits.
13. Engages with the Board, citizens, consultants, contractors, and departments to assess county needs, develop programs and services, and evaluate operations while fostering strong partnerships with local governmental units, surrounding counties, nonprofits, private industry, and professional organizations to enhance service delivery needs.
14. Stays informed on legislative and regulatory developments, administrative best practices, and emerging issues through ongoing education and professional development. Attends relevant conferences, training, and workshops.
15. Acts as County Board spokesperson and public relations liaison to community groups and interested parties as required or as directed by the Board.
16. Serves as the ADA Coordinator and Public Information Officer (FOIA) for non-elected departments of the County and directs staff in fulfilling requests.
17. Assumes other responsibilities and duties as may be deemed necessary and appropriate by the Board.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance or related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in county government with responsibility for budgeting, personnel, purchasing, and administrative functions.
• Knowledgeable in the Michigan county government structure, laws, policy development, municipal accounting standards (fund accounting) and budgeting.
• Considerable knowledge of public finance and fiscal planning, HR, labor relations and the collective bargaining processes.
• Skilled in executive leadership, decision-making, negotiation, conflict resolution, public speaking, and communication.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity and respect while interacting positively with colleagues, elected officials, and the public from diverse backgrounds.
• Builds consensus among diverse stakeholders, lead and motivate professional staff, respects the co-employer relationship between the Board and elected County officials.
• County employees are expected to possess and maintain a record of orderly, law-abiding citizenship, sobriety, integrity and loyalty as it pertains to and reflects upon their employment with the County.
• County employees must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of their position without excessive absences.
• ·Possesses a valid driver’s license and proficient in computerized applications including Microsoft Office products.
• In addition to the above requirements, all County positions require the ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language as necessary for the position, including the ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. Complete dexterity of hands, fingers and wrist are needed. The employee is often required to talk or hear and view written documents. Ability to access departmental files, ability to enter and retrieve information from computers, ability to access all locations of County government and ability to travel to various locations within and outside the County for meetings.

Working Conditions:

Works in office conditions and various locations within and outside the County.