Sumter County is accepting applications for their next County Administrator. Sumter County is located in the southwestern part of Georgia about 135 miles south of Atlanta and is known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly neighborhoods. The current population is approximately 29,616. The county seat is Americus, a charming city with a mix of historical architecture and modern amenities. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to excellent healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and recreational activities. The county is home to beautiful parks, lakes, and outdoor spaces, providing a healthy and active lifestyle for its residents. Sumter County has five incorporated cities: Americus (county seat), Andersonville, DeSoto, Leslie and Plains and offers a diverse economic landscape, with opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors. The presence of major industries provides a stable foundation for economic growth. Sumter remains a rural county where cotton remains the major crop with up to 35,000 acres under cultivation, followed by wheat, peanuts, and corn. Sumter County boasts a strong educational system with quality public and private schools. The Board of County Commissioners is comprised of five part-time members who serve single member districts for four-year staggered terms. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board are elected each year by the members. Sumter County operates under a County Administrator form of government and the Board appoints an Administrator to supervise, direct, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the government. County services are provided through nine (9) departments with 226 full-time employees and 36 part-time employees. The County has an Operating Budget of $29.1 million for FY24.
Find details about the position expectations by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com
The ideal candidate for the County Administrator position should be a visionary leader who is well-organized, gives attention to detail, and demonstrates the ability to implement effective management and leadership principles. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong leadership and problem-solving skills and experience in project and financial management, community development, and motivating employees to deliver quality customer service. The successful candidate should demonstrate moral and ethical character and have the ability to build consensus by developing partnerships with community stakeholders, economic development officials, and other government entities. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator who values transparency of government operations, provides ongoing information to all citizens concerning delivery of services, ensures that ordinances are uniformly enforced in the community, and is willing to make bold recommendations to the BOC which sometimes may be challenging and unpopular.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university with a major in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, Economic Development or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Six years of progressively responsible management experience is required; experience directing a large department, overseeing multiple departments, or managing county-wide projects is highly desired; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• Local government management experience as a seasoned county/city manager or assistant in a similar-sized community and complexity as Sumter will be a significant advantage for a candidate seeking this position.
• Evidence of continued professional development such as ICMA Credentialed Manager designation is a positive indicator of dedication to the profession and will be noted during the vetting process.
Compensation & Benefits:
Sumter County is offering a competitive starting salary of $140,000-$160,000 based on qualifications of the candidate. In addition to a competitive salary, they offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision insurance, flexible spending and wellness benefits. The county offers a retirement plan with ACCG and a 401a and 457 with county matching contributions. In addition, the incumbent will accrue PTO on a monthly basis and car allowance. Relocation expenses are negotiable.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, at least five job related references (with email and phone numbers), as well as salary history no later than close of business on June 7, 2024 to Lisa Ward, Senior Associate lisaward912@gmail.com. Please contact Lisa Ward with any questions at 706-983-9326.

Alan Reddish, Senior Associate, 107 Indigo Lane, Athens, GA 30606, Cell: 706-614-4961