Cortland County Administrator

Job Title: County Administrator

Jurisdiction: Cortland County
Jurisdictional Class: Unclassified

Position Overview

The County Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of Cortland County, overseeing all executive functions and serving as the budget officer. This management role carries the full authority of the head of the County’s administrative branch, ensuring the smooth operation of all County departments, agencies, and offices.

The County Administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Cortland County Legislature, working under its general direction. The position involves administrative oversight of all department heads and officials.

Administrative Leadership/Legislative & Policy Coordination

• Provides administrative direction to all County department heads, except where otherwise required by law.
• Assigns and monitors work, conducts performance appraisals, authorizes time off, disciplines employees, and resolves personnel issues.
• Recommends to the Legislature the appointment and/or dismissal of all non-elected department heads.
• Ensures compliance with County policies and procedures and coordinates administrative functions across departments.
• Conducts regular meetings with department heads to facilitate policy implementation.
• Serves as the liaison between the County Legislature and various County entities, including departments, agencies, special districts, boards, commissions, and advisory committees.
• Provides data analysis to the Legislature for policy considerations, including collective bargaining.
• Advises the Legislature on the impact of legislative proposals on the tax base and economic development.
• Undertakes administrative and management studies and provides recommendations to the Legislature.
• Attends County Legislature meetings and its committees, submitting reports and recommendations as requested.
• Ensures coordination of services between County employees, the Legislature, and its committees.
• Ensures that no action taken by the County Administrator impairs the powers, duties, or responsibilities of the County Legislature as provided by law.
• Does not curtail, diminish, or transfer the powers of any elected County official.

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Prepares and presents the tentative County budget to the Budget and Finance Committee and then to the full Legislature for final adoption.
• Researches and identifies Federal and State revenue sources and assists in developing grant applications.
• Prepares, analyzes, and estimates costs related to County insurance and self-insurance liability accounts.
• Manages County insurance policies and oversees risk management.

Human Resources & Labor Relations

• Participates in all labor relations activities, including:
• Collective bargaining
• Contract administration
• Grievance proceedings

Procurement & Operations

• Establishes and maintains a uniform purchasing system for the lease, purchase, sale, rental, and servicing of all supplies, materials, equipment, and services for the County and its departments.
• Oversees quality control and compliance with purchasing specifications.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

(a) Master’s Degree (or higher) in Public Administration or Business Administration from an accredited institution and four (4) years of full-time experience in public or business administration.

(b) Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) from an accredited institution and six (6) years of full-time experience in public or business administration or industrial enterprise.

(c) Ten (10) years of full-time experience in public or business administration or industrial enterprise.

(d) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined in (a), (b), and (c) above.

Special Requirement

• Residency Requirement: The County Administrator must reside in Cortland County within 90 days of appointment and maintain residency for the duration of employment.
• Degree Verification: If the degree was obtained outside the U.S., applicants must provide independent verification of equivalency from an approved evaluation service. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. Applicants are responsible for any evaluation fees.

Salary

• $140,000 annually – commensurate with experience and education.

More Information

• Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with benefits
• Benefits: New York State Retirement System, Low Deductible Health Insurance Plan, Generous Paid Time Off including 13 Paid Holidays, Tuition Assistance available. Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Pre-employment screenings required.

CORTLAND COUNTY PERSONNEL/CIVIL SERVICE DEPARTMENT

60 Central Avenue

Cortland, NY 13045

607-753-5076

https://www.cortlandcountyny.gov/263/Personnel-Civil-Service

Application: https://www.cortlandcountyny.gov/266/JobExam-Application

You are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter; however, a job application is required.

SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE ADDRESS ABOVE OR VIA EMAIL TO:

Pers-dept@cortlandcountyny.gov

EOE Cortland County is committed to equity and inclusion. We encourage those with similar values to apply.

ISSUED: 3/26/2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $140,000