County Manager

Compensation: $130,000 - $150,000 annually

FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt

Introduction

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners is looking for the next Lake County Manager. The outgoing manager has left Lake County in a stable fiscal position through the implementation of financial and budget policies as well as operational policies for personnel and procurement and emerging asset and capital management plans and policies. The outgoing manager has developed a robust onboarding program for the Commissioners, and they are looking for someone to drive forward the onboarding, strategic planning, and policy development at Lake County Government.

The Board is looking for a dynamic leader with strong fiscal and budgeting experience, interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage various departments from Human Services to Road and Bridge. This position will be an adept leader and will help the Board navigate numerous complex issues facing the Lake County community from federal and state changes in funding for local governments, a capital project renovating the Lake County jail and courthouse, building off existing plans to address decades of deferred maintenance, an affordable housing crisis impacting local residents and the changing fabric of a historically blue collar community. This position will also play a key role in updating the community’s Comprehensive Plan (One Community Project) with the City of Leadville and Community Partners as well as a climate action plan, transit safety and improvement plan and updates to Public Health planning. Lake County has 165 FTE and a General Fund budget of $22,181,318 and a total funds budget of $39,450,107.

Geography

Covering approximately 376.9 square miles, Lake County, Colorado, is the 61st largest county in the state. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it features breathtaking landscapes, including majestic peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Home to the iconic Twin Lakes and surrounded by the Sawatch Range, the county offers endless recreational opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, mountain biking and more. Its natural beauty not only attracts tourists but also fosters a deep sense of community pride among residents, with Mount Elbert as its highest point at 14,440 feet in elevation.

History

Lake County’s rich history reflects the spirit of the American West. Established in 1874 during the late 19th-century mining boom, it became a key center for silver and gold mining, with Leadville emerging as a bustling hub. Today, remnants of this vibrant past are evident in historic architecture and museums that celebrate the pioneers who shaped the region. The county’s narrative of resilience and innovation continues to inspire current generations while preserving its mining heritage through various historically preserved cultural sites.

Demographics

Lake County is home to a friendly and diverse population of around 7,500 residents, comprised of long-time multi-generational locals and newcomers attracted by the area’s natural beauty and vibrant community. The county fosters an inclusive atmosphere, valuing collaboration and welcoming all. Residents are committed to preserving their rich heritage while embracing progressive ideas, making Lake County an ideal place to live, work, and explore. The community is especially drawn to the outdoor lifestyle, offering endless opportunities for recreation.

Economy

Lake County’s economy is a vibrant blend of tourism, recreation, mining, and local entrepreneurship. The area’s stunning outdoor amenities and historic charm attract year-round visitors. Small businesses reflect the community's creativity and industriousness. While tourism 12 including skiing, hiking, and fishing – serves as a major economic driver, the region’s mining legacy still plays a role. As Lake County grows, it remains committed to sustainable practices that benefit residents and the environment.

Transportation

Lake County is easily accessible through a network of highways and local roads, with scenic U.S. Route 24 serving as a key gateway that connects it to major urban centers while offering breathtaking mountain views. Public transportation options include multiple free transit services linking residents to surrounding counties, as well as inter-county resources that enhance mobility. These options ensure that residents and visitors can explore the county’s rich offerings at no cost.

Government

Governance in Lake County is marked by transparency, community engagement, and commitment to public service. Both the county government, led by a Board of County Commissioners, and the city government prioritize collaboration with residents to address local needs and promote sustainable growth. Through various initiatives and programs, they foster a strong sense of community and advocate for the well-being of citizens, making Lake County not only a beautiful place to live but also a vibrant community where everyone has a voice. Active participation in local governance is encouraged through public meetings and initiatives.

Position Summary

The County Manager of Lake County, Colorado, plays a crucial role in executing the vision set forth by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) while driving the County’s mission to effectively serve the community. Building on a strong foundation of governance and management practices, this position will guide the County through evolving challenges and opportunities. The County Manager ensures the successful operation of all county departments, overseeing the delivery of vital services to residents, and working with elected officials, staff, and external agencies to foster a community-driven, innovative, and transparent environment.

In collaboration with the BOCC, the County Manager will implement long-term strategies and deliver operational excellence across all departments. The role requires a dynamic leader with expertise in public administration, people management, project management, fiscal stewardship, intergovernmental relations, and community engagement.

General Duties And Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In line with the responsibilities of County Managers across Colorado, the County Manager will fulfill the following roles:

• Visionary Leadership: Inspire a unified vision for the County’s future, working closely with the BOCC to align operational goals with community needs. Lead by example in ensuring a high level of public service and professionalism, while ensuring county services are efficient, transparent, and responsive.
• Public Safety and Emergency Management: Ensure that public safety services and emergency service functions are coordinated effectively across departments. Respond proactively to community safety needs and coordinate resources in times of crisis, working in partnership with regional agencies for disaster preparedness and emergency management.
• Fiscal Management: Partner with the Finance Director to develop the County budget, prioritize expenditures, and maximize resources. Work to identify new revenue streams and ensure that Lake County remains financially sustainable while continuing to deliver high-quality public services.
• Intergovernmental Relations: Serve as a liaison in collaboration with the BOCC between Lake County and other local, state, and federal agencies. Foster strong relationships with neighboring counties, municipalities, and regional organizations to advocate for the County’s interests, coordinate projects, and help solve intergovernmental challenges
• Strategic Planning and Policy Development: Lead the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans and policies, ensuring alignment with the County's vision. Regularly assess the County's operations and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
• Personnel Management and Employee Development: Support department heads in building strong teams and ensuring employees have the tools, resources, and training to excel in their roles. Identifying areas for interdepartmental collaboration and connection for creative and effective approaches to community service.
• Infrastructure and Capital Improvement: Develop and oversee the implementation of the County’s infrastructure projects, including transportation, utilities, parks, and public buildings. Work with the BOCC to prioritize capital improvement projects that address both immediate and future needs.
• Planning and Zoning: Ensure that planning, zoning, and land-use regulations align with the County’s growth strategies and the needs of the community. Manage and guide the planning department in supporting sustainable development while preserving the County’s natural resources.
  
  

Essential Functions

Persons hired in this position must be able to perform all the essential tasks required by the position. The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The County retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential tasks and additional functions of the job at any time. Examples of duties are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive include the following:

• Overseeing County Operations: Manage operations of all County departments to ensure efficient, quality service delivery to the community.
• Project Management: Lead manage and engage as appropriate on countywide projects from inception to completion. Provide direction and support to department heads, guiding them through the strategic planning and execution of complex projects.
• Stakeholder Communication: Regularly report to the BOCC, ensuring that they are kept informed on critical issues, trends, and developments within the County. Disseminate BOCC decisions to relevant staff and departments.
• Budget Oversight and Fiscal Responsibility: Assist the BOCC with preparing the annual budget and ensuring that financial resources are spent in alignment with the County’s strategic priorities. Monitor expenditures and revenues and adjust fiscal strategies as needed.
• Regional Collaboration: Work with regional leaders to identify opportunities for collaborative regional planning, joint ventures, and shared services that improve quality of life and service delivery for residents of Lake County and surrounding areas.
• Policy Development and Compliance: Regularly update and implement policies to ensure the County’s operations comply with relevant regulations. Stay current with local and state legislative changes and their potential impact on County functions.
• Economic Development and Growth: Promote and support Lake County’s economic development initiatives.
• Public Engagement and Communications: Establish open lines of communication with the public and ensure transparency in decision-making. Develop and implement effective community outreach programs, ensuring residents are well-informed and engaged in County affairs. Coordinate public meetings and town halls to gather input on key issues.
  
  

Peripheral duties:

• Prepare and edit reports, memoranda, and other written materials to keep all stakeholders informed about County activities, initiatives, and progress.
• Serve as a resource for the public and County employees, answering questions and facilitating solutions to concerns.
  
  

Additional Job Functions:

• Participate in special projects, committees, and working groups as requested by the BOCC. Provide leadership and direction for additional initiatives as required.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position requires strong people management and supervisory skills. They will oversee the Deputy County Manager, department heads and staff while receiving general direction from the BOCC.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, business management, or related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years in a leadership role within government or public administration, with local government preferred. Demonstrated experience in budgeting, organizational development, and intergovernmental relations required.
• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that meets the requirements of the position.
• Background Check: Employment may be subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check
• Professional References: References may be requested during the interview process
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Leadership: Proven track record of strong, visionary leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Public Administration Expertise: Solid understanding of local government operations, including budgeting, strategic planning, public safety, and intergovernmental relations.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Experience managing budgets and resources effectively in a public sector environment, ensuring operational efficiency and fiscal accountability.
• Public Engagement: Ability to communicate effectively with the public, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and foster transparency in decision-making.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and drive them to successful completion.
• Crisis Management: Skilled in managing emergency situations and coordinating resources during public safety incidents or natural disasters.
  
  

Physical Activity & Work Environment

• Ability to work indoors in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to see close up and far away, with or without glasses or contacts
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement, hot, or cold weather as required by attendance of County events or local emergencies
• Ability to work an on-call schedule when needed
• Ability to respond to incidents during Emergency Operations Center Activities
  
  

Lake County Benefits - Full-Time Employees

As a reflection of the value we place on the contributions of our employees, the County offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Please review the 2024 Benefits Guide for full details. The Guide provides information on Lake County Government's benefit offerings, including:

• Employer-Sponsored Medical and Dental Insurance Plans
• 100% Employer Paid Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employer-Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans
• 401(a) and 457(b) Employer Matched Retirement Plans
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Days and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Public Health Emergency Leave
• Discounts on concerts, major sporting events, electronics, travel, cars and more!
  
  

Lake County Benefits - Part-Time Employees

Lake County is also proud to offer paid sick time off and flexible work schedules for our part-time employees.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice Of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

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