Town Administrator

GENERAL SUMMARY: Coordinates the daily administrative functions of the office of Selectmen; supervises daily operations and administers the personnel, financial and purchasing policies of the town.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as principal advisor to the Board of Selectmen on a variety of technical and administrative issues regarding budget, funding, development of procedures for effective management, long-range planning, development of goals and appropriate programs and the establishment of open and candid public relations/awareness programs.
• Actively seeks grant opportunities and prepares or directs preparation of grant applications for the town, departments and commissions as appropriate.
• Serves as Safety and Risk Manager.
• Coordinates the daily administrative functions of the office of the Selectmen; serves as liaison between the selectmen and town departments. Handles advertising and legal requirements for all departments and committees on request; coordinates the preparation of agreements and contracts. Develops timetable for town programs and services.
• With approval of the Board of Selectmen performs the personnel function of employee hiring, evaluation and discipline. Attends to training needs of department heads in administrative, personnel, and financial procedures. Advises Selectmen on personnel matters. Enforces personnel policies of the town.
• Attends all Selectmen meetings. Supervises the preparation of the weekly agenda and gathers pertinent supporting data. Oversees the weekly expenditure and account posting of the manifest. Arranges meetings at the request of the Selectmen. Advises the Board of Selectmen in all municipal areas.
• Conducts staff meetings with all department heads.
• Answers public inquiries and complaints, as directed by the Selectmen. Notifies Selectmen of inquiries and complaints as necessary. Attends public meetings as schedule permits.
• Represents the Selectmen whenever they are unavailable and monitors the activities of committees appointed by the Selectmen. Oversees the requirements of RSA 91-A “The Right to Know Law” in regards to the dissemination and notifications requirements for all departments, committees and board of the Town of Farmington. Prepares press releases and reports as required. Handles Selectmen's correspondence and prepares responses as needed. Makes appointments for Selectmen.
• Attends conferences, seminars, and meetings relating to municipal management. Makes presentations at public meetings and local groups as requested. Studies trade publications and pertinent internet sites to stay informed as to changes in State law that affect the Town and to learn of programs that may benefit the community.
• Prepares Warrant for annual Town Meeting; consults with Town Attorney and Department of Revenue Administration as necessary for correct format and wording of Warrant Articles. Posts notices of annual and special Town Meetings; attends Town Meetings and provides input and information upon request.
• Assists department heads in budget preparation and coordinates preparation of the town budget and its daily administration; analyses expenditure trends and reports potential problems to the Selectmen. Oversees completion and submission of required budget forms and reports.
• Establishes procedures for and coordinates all purchasing to include the review of all purchase requisitions and the drafting of specifications and the evaluation of competitive bids received. Monitors department budgets to avoid over expenditure.
• Manages insurance programs and ensures that Farmington complies with the New Hampshire labor laws.
• Keeps abreast of and researches Federal and State programs that make funds available to municipalities and makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen as to the application for such funds. Prepares grant applications when directed by the Board of Selectmen and coordinates grant proposals to ensure that each proposal is consistent with Town policies, State and Federal laws.
• Prepares routine and cyclical reports for submission to Town, State, and Federal Organizations.
• Plans, organizes, and prepares the annual Town Report, including gathering and compiling Report information, reviewing and editing submitted departmental reports, and proofing Report prior to submission to a printer; selects printer.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs other related duties as requested.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Bachelors degree in Administration, Public Administration, Management or related field; five years administrative experience, preferably in a municipal setting; OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to plan, organize, assign, supervise, inspect and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel engaged in preparing comprehensive research studies, analyzing problems, preparing technical reports and formulating recommendations.
• Ability to delegate responsibility.
• Ability to speak, listen, write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the employees, officials and the public.
• Ability to deal with public relations problems courteously and tactfully.
• Ability to re-direct and de-escalate emotional or volatile situations.
• Knowledge of financial reporting and bookkeeping practices.
• Knowledge of state statutes dealing with town administration.
• Skill in personnel administration functions such as hiring, firing, promoting, training, etc.
• Strong familiarity with town office administrative procedures.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are required.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Works as a liaison between department heads and the Board of Selectmen, facilitating communications between the Board of Selectmen and the Department Heads and provides necessary administrative resources and guidance to Department heads and staff. Directly or through subordinate supervisors, supervises administrative staff as directed by the Board of Selectmen. Carries out all supervisory functions in accordance with Town’s rules, policies and applicable laws. Provides technical support and direction to the Board of Selectmen on hiring, dismissal and disciplining of employees subject to Board of Selectmen approval. Prepares recommended personnel evaluation of department heads.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION: None

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Computers, calculator, copier, fax machine, phone and other general office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this 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 stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, speak, see and hear. Employee must occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is primarily performed in office setting. Attendance at night meetings is required. Some travel to offsite locations may be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Ability to Commute:

• Farmington, NH 03835 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Farmington, NH 03835: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person