Riley County Administrator

Riley County, KS•Manhattan, KS

7d•$151,225 - $170,104•Onsite

About The Position

The County Administrator coordinates the administrative operations of Riley County, consistent with the budgets, policies and strategies set forth by the Board of County Commissioners. Subject to input from the Board, the Administrator evaluates appointed department head performance and provides feedback for improvement and professional and personal goal development for departments. The Board of County Commissioners retains the sole authority to hire, fire and discipline appointed department heads. This position provides centralized leadership and serves as the primary point of contact for internal operations and external partnerships, ensuring efficient coordination across departments and agencies. The Administrator oversees administrative service functions and provides executive leadership working collaboratively with appointed department heads and independently elected officials. The position is responsible for advancing strategic priorities, improving organizational performance, and modernizing county operations to support growth and service delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, or related field required.
Valid Driver’s license.
10 years of progressively responsible executive or senior management experience.
Significant experience in local government operations, budgeting, and organizational leadership.
Demonstrated experience working with elected officials and governing bodies.
Executive leadership and organizational management.
Strategic planning and implementation.
Financial and budget management.
Intergovernmental relations and negotiation.
Strong communication and public engagement.
Ability to lead organizational change and modernization.
Demonstrated ability in personnel management and relationship building with employees, peers and governing bodies.
Must consider diverse viewpoints and establish a common understanding, suitable alternatives or a satisfactory solution to controversial problems.
Must be able to set goals, develop and implement policies and administrative methodology.
Must have ability to understand complex oral and written instruction, ability to speak and write effectively, and ability to give clear, concise instruction orally and in writing.
Must be able to research a logical solution to a problem and convincingly apply that to a narrative.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MPA, MBA, or related) preferred.
ICMA Credentialed Manager, Certified Public Manager certification, or similar credential preferred.
2+ years’ experience writing or administering grants preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages Riley County Human Resources, Financial Services, and Public Information divisions and services.
Administers policy, fiscal management, procurement and equipment/facilities planning for the department.
Attends BOCC meetings; presents recommendations; advises on operational, financial, and strategic matters.
Serves as chief administrative officer and implements policies established by the Board of County Commissioners.
Develops and implements countywide strategic plans aligned with Board priorities and community needs.
Serves as the central coordination point (single POC) for county operations and intergovernmental collaboration.
Represents the County in interactions with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and the public.
Strengthens partnerships to support economic development, planning, and community services.
Responds to citizen concerns and ensures appropriate resolution.
Provides leadership, guidance, and performance insight to appointed department heads.
Ensures alignment of departmental goals with countywide priorities and performance expectations.
Promotes cross-department collaboration to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and county financial and administrative regulations.
Coordinates services and operations with elected officials (Treasurer, Clerk, Register of Deeds, County Attorney) while respecting statutory independence.
Provides administrative support, data, and coordination to enhance countywide effectiveness.
Uses data and performance metrics to guide decision-making and resource allocation.
Facilitates communication and alignment between elected and appointed offices and administrative department.
Coordinates with the various agencies at all levels; federal, state and local.
Oversees presentation of the annual recommended operating budget and capital improvements and long-range strategic plan for county operations to the Board for review, revision and approval.
Oversees financial planning, procurement, and administrative policies, including grant oversight, through the Finance Officer.
Monitors organizational performance, expenditures, and operational outcomes, and implements improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
Collaborates with Human Resources in staffing and personnel development.
Coordinates with the County Counselor execution of contracts and official documents approved by the Board.
Coordinates department inventory assignments.
Identify and recommend appointments to boards commissions and appointment to non-employee officers for which the Board of County Commissioners is the appointing authority by law.
Ensures Human Resources and Department Heads collaborate for appointment, compensation, discipline and change in status of non-department head personnel in the departments of non-elected department heads.
Ensures same support and collaboration for elected department heads.
Performs additional duties as assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.