Deputy County Administrator

Deputy County Administrator

Our client, Washtenaw County has an immediate executive opportunity for the Deputy County Administrator.

www.washtenaw.org

County Vision

Washtenaw County will be a world class service provider. To do this we must be a leader in:

• Developing innovative prevention approaches to dealing with governmental responsibilities
• Facilitating cooperation and collaboration aimed at enhancing services
• Increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of mandated services
• Sound fiscal management to ensure long-term economic stability
• An inspired and involved workforce equipped with the skills, knowledge and resources to provide world class service

County Guiding Principles

• Ensure long-term fiscal stability for the County
• Reduce the cost of conducting the County's business
• Enhance customer service
• Provide the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to County employees to carry out these principles
• Ensure adequate provision of mandated services
• Focus on the root causes of problems that affect the quality of life of County citizens by aggressively pursuing prevention strategies
• Provide leadership on intragovernmental, intergovernmental and intersectoral cooperation and collaboration aimed at improving services to County citizens

County Overview

Washtenaw County was established in 1827. Today, the County consists of six cities and two incorporated villages:

• Ann Arbor
• Chelsea
• Dexter
• Milan
• Saline
• Ypsilanti
• Village of Manchester
• Village of Barton Hills

In addition, Washtenaw County includes twenty Townships.

County Profile:

• Total Population: in excess of 365,000 citizens
• County team members: approximately 1,400 regular employees plus seasonal/part-time employees
• County annual expense budget: approximately $365 million

The Opportunity: Deputy Administrator

The Deputy County Administrator is a key role with strategic reporting relationship/accountability to the County Administrator and serving as a member of the Administrator's Executive Team. In collaboration with the County Administrator, performs managerial and administrative duties in directing and supervising the day-to-day operations of County departments, programs, and activities. Performs strategic and organizational planning, policy guidance, and provides oversight of assigned departments and programs. Assumes the responsibilities of the County Administrator as assigned or as required in their absence.

The role has responsibility for supporting the County Administrator in overall operations of the Administrator's office in support of the County's values and goals. The successful candidate will be deeply aligned with the Administrator and their priorities, with an understanding of the hierarchical structure of the role. The Deputy Administrator will assist in the administration of budgets and plans, and organizes, assigns, directs, and reviews the work of support staff. In addition, cultivating strong working relationships with collective bargaining partners, department heads and elected officials is essential.

Key Performance Measures/Deliverables:

Align Values into Operational Practices:

• Propagate the County's values and priorities throughout all operational policies and practices. Ensure alignment between standards and values with strategic priorities and plans.
• Establish collaborative relationships with department leaders, collective bargaining partners and elected officials to drive strategic plan attainment. Lead decision-making activities with a focus on group involvement and collaboration.
• Serve as primary point-of-contact for key County leadership team members to provide information, problem-solving, coaching, and professional growth opportunities. Provide first point-of-contact for day-to-day needs, budget modification and systems changes.
• Assess the needs of elected officials and leaders, and continuously develop and deliver strategies to assist the success of the team.

Advocate for and Advance Equity:

• Advance progress of quality-of-life indicators for all members of the community; with a focus on advancing equity in access to health care, housing, and recreation opportunities.
• Eliminate barriers to equitable treatment for underrepresented and marginalized groups.
• Collaborate and create policy and systems from an equity lens, addressing bias and promoting inclusive systems.
• Approach policy and program work with a culturally-competent, trauma-informed lens, ensuring to offer care and support that respects, empowers and gives voice to all persons regardless of socioeconomic status or varied experience with quality-of-life indices. Be responsive to trauma wherever and however it exists within the County.

Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong collegial working relationships with collective bargaining partners.
• Foster positive working relationships with all internal County stakeholders, as well as citizenry, affinity groups and collaborators (i.e., business entities, institutions, nonprofit organizations, other government entities).
• Bring various stakeholder groups together for meaningful dialogue in the spirit of collaboration.
• Facilitate strategies to promote Washtenaw County as an "Employer of Choice."

Policy Development/Innovation:

• Provides innovative thought leadership in advancing policy formulation for team discussion and review.
• Leads from a base of deep understanding of systems of government and municipality operations; uses this expertise to advance change and innovation.
• Serves as a champion for change, as needed, and for the successful implementation of new programs, policies, or systems.

Talent Management/Succession Planning:

• Support systems and strategies to maximize retention of valued team members.
• Ensure the design and launch of programs and policies to develop team members for promotion-readiness, thereby creating career growth and paths to succession.
• Assist County Administrator with the development and advancement of emergency, interim and regular succession plans for all key positions (executive team and department leads).

The Qualified Candidate

Washtenaw County seeks a strategically focused collaborative partner with a proven track record in municipal settings. Experience leading operations focused on stakeholder satisfaction, and providing trusted, valued counsel and support to all team members. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5-10 years of proven executive level experience. The selected candidate will be a relationship-centered, values-oriented, collaborative, innovative and a strategic thinker with impeccable credibility.

Specific requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration or closely related field; Master's degree is strongly preferred. (Equivalent education and experience may be considered).
• A minimum of 5 to 10 years progressively responsible municipal leadership experience
• Personal competencies:
  • Personable with strong relationship and trust-building skills
  • Highly credible with personal integrity
  • Flexibility in handling change, juggling multiple demands, and adapting to shifting priorities
  • Proactive and highly responsive
  • Solution-oriented/Innovative
  • Results and goal-oriented
  • Excellent communications skills
  • Ability to advance issues/solutions through collaboration and personal credibility/influence
  • Proven ability to uplift and inspire others

This position is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Current Openings for Deputy County Administrator Jobs at Karen Andrews Group