County Administrator

Ellis, County of•Historic Courthouse, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The County Administrator serves as Ellis County’s chief administrative and operational officer, overseeing day-to-day county government operations under the direction and authority of the Commissioners Court. The role supports the Court’s strategic goals and policy directives by providing leadership, coordination, and operational oversight to county departments. Working collaboratively with department leaders, the County Administrator helps ensure their work aligns with the Court’s priorities and promotes efficient, transparent, and fiscally responsible county services. The position provides leadership among county departments, facilitates long-range planning, oversees operational performance, and promotes responsible stewardship of county resources. It serves as a liaison between Ellis County and municipal governments, regional organizations, state and federal agencies, business leaders, community stakeholders, and the public. The County Administrator works with elected and appointed officials to support efficient, accountable, and service-oriented county operations. The County Administrator directs and supervises personnel in the Office of the County Administrator and provides administrative and operational oversight of employees in departments assigned by the Commissioners Court. The position has executive management responsibility for assigned departments and authority over hiring, supervision, evaluation, discipline, and termination of their department heads and employees. The role oversees countywide planning, budgets, performance management, administrative policies, interdepartmental coordination, and Commissioners Court support functions. It is an office-based county government position involving frequent interaction with the public, county officials, and staff, with travel within the county and region as needed. Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as availability for after-hours and weekend emergencies, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Planning, Engineering, Finance, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.
At least ten years of progressively responsible management or administrative leadership experience, preferably in local government or public sector administration.
At least five years of experience as a department head, assistant administrator/manager, or equivalent.
Demonstrated commitment to professional, nonpartisan public administration.
Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, budgeting, and operational oversight.
Experience working with elected officials, governing boards, or executive-level decision-makers.
Ability to coordinate multiple departments and manage complex organizational initiatives.
Experience in budget preparation, fiscal management, capital improvement planning, and strategic planning and budgeting.
Knowledge of public administration, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and performance management.
Knowledge of Texas county government, including Commissioners Court functions and the roles of elected officials.
Knowledge of government budgeting, financial management, and capital improvement planning.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies affecting county operations.
Knowledge of human resources, contract administration, project management, and organizational effectiveness.
Knowledge of intergovernmental relations and regional collaboration.
Executive leadership and organizational management skills.
Skills in strategic planning, policy implementation, and change management.
Skills in budget development, financial analysis, and fiscal oversight.
Written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly.
Skills in stakeholder engagement, consensus building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Analytical problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and performance measurement skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, multi-department environment.
Ability to provide objective, professional advice to the Commissioners Court and translate policy into effective operational outcomes.
Ability to align departments toward shared goals and foster accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
Ability to build productive relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and external partners.
Ability to evaluate organizational effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and lead with integrity, transparency, and professionalism in a politically sensitive environment.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record required.
Ability to travel to various locations within the county and region as needed.
Must be available for after-hours and weekend emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), Public Policy, or a related discipline.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Professional certification such as Certified Public Manager (CPM), Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM), or similar.
Membership in relevant professional organizations, such as the International City/County Management Association or National Association of County Administrators (NACA).

Responsibilities

Serve as the appointed Chief Administrative Officer and provide executive management of departments assigned by the Commissioners Court, ensuring implementation of adopted policies and priorities.
Provide strategic leadership for long-range planning, growth management, organizational effectiveness, and continuous operational improvement.
Advise the Commissioners Court on administrative, fiscal, operational, and organizational matters and provide recommendations for policy decisions.
Lead development, coordination, and execution of countywide strategic goals, performance management initiatives, and operational priorities aligned with Commissioners Court direction.
Coordinate county departments to promote efficient, consistent, and cost-effective delivery of county services.
Oversee preparation, administration, and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets, including fiscal forecasting, expenditure controls, and identification of cost-saving opportunities.
Provide administrative oversight and executive supervision of assigned departments, including organizational alignment, operational performance, and service delivery outcomes.
Exercise hiring, supervision, evaluation, discipline, and termination authority for department heads and employees within assigned departments.
Establish departmental performance metrics and accountability standards and evaluate organizational effectiveness.
Develop and implement administrative policies, procedures, and operational standards supporting Commissioners Court direction and county personnel policies.
Facilitate communication and coordination among elected officials, department directors, and the Commissioners Court to advance countywide initiatives.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, analyze their operational impacts, and ensure timely implementation of Court-approved initiatives.
Serve as liaison to municipalities, regional agencies, state and federal entities, and community stakeholders to promote intergovernmental collaboration.
Oversee Commissioners Court administrative support functions, including agenda management and coordination, contract execution, and tracking policy initiatives.
Promote professionalism, professional development, integrity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and high-performance service delivery across county operations.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Commissioners Court.