Lancaster County, SC, located in the fast-growing, highly desirable Charlotte, NC region, is the third fastest growing county of the 46 counties in South Carolina with a population of over 105,000. The County is committed to managing growth and enhancing the quality of life through sound policies, innovation, capital investments, business recruitment, public safety support, and parks and recreation amenities. The County is governed under the Council – Administrator form of government and includes six elected department directors. The workforce consists of 654 full time employees and approximately 500 part-time employees and operates on a combined funds budget of over $124 million for FY23. The County consists of one city and three towns and is working to balance suburban growth and rural area service needs.

The County is seeking qualified candidates for an Assistant County Administrator position to join the leadership team with a forward-looking County Administrator focused on high performance and a cohesive seven-member County Council. The Assistant County Administrator will be a highly visible and key member of the County Management Team with day-to-day oversight of administrative and operational issues in the general services area, such as Information Technology, Human Resources, Communications & Marketing, Parks and Recreation, and Risk Management. This position will be responsible for implementing the soon-to-be-adopted strategic plan and working on a wide variety of priorities, employee-focused initiatives, and managing high-level projects that require county-wide coordination. The ideal candidate will demonstrate continuous efforts to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment to provide quality and seamless customer service. Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or related field supplemented by six to nine years of experience in government administration, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Master’s Degree preferred. Hiring range is $125,000 - $140,000 and will be based on qualifications and experience. To be considered, apply online with a cover letter and resume at the Lancaster County jobs website at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lancastersc

Position open until filled.

First review of applications will occur on June 1, 2023.

Under limited supervision, performs advanced administrative and professional work in planning, organizing and directing County government functions. Exercises considerable executive authority and applies professional techniques in accomplishing County and department objectives. Supervises and evaluates the work of designated professional employees in the County; serves as County Administrator in his/her absence. Performs related administrative, professional, and supervisory work as required. Reports to the County Administrator.

Assists the County Administrator in the planning, coordination and oversight of County operations and personnel.

Carries out the County Administrator’s Directives regarding interpretation of policies, represents the County Administrator in resolving problems and conflicts that may arise in County government and helps establish good management practices.

Collaboratively integrates, coordinates, and recommends changes; assists in the establishment of programs, policies, strategies, and initiatives for submission to the County Administrator and County Council that will aid in maintaining the financial integrity and service levels of various operations of the County.

Leads continuous improvement efforts to define performance goals, enhance operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality and seamless customer service.

Supervises designated professional staff of the County from a portfolio of General Services Division departments, including Information Technology, Human Resources, Risk Management and Communications. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending and approving employee transfers, promotions, discipline and recommendation of discharge, and recommending salary increases. Assists in the development and monitoring of budgets for assigned departments.

Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.

Provides for the adequate training and professional development of assigned staff. Coordinates the annual planning/ goals session for the staff leadership team, as well as the County Council.

Assists with the preparation of the County's annual budget including identification of additional sources of revenue.

Interprets County policies and procedures within broad guidelines established by the County Administrator and County Council.

Works with the County Administrator to prepare recommendations for County Council and to ensure the policies of Council are enacted; attends Council meetings and confers with Council members.

Serves as liaison to the County Administrator, County Council and to County operating departments, and designated boards and committees; represents the County at designated public meetings and at conferences with other public and private groups, and local, state and federal agencies.

Consults with department directors and other staff as often as necessary for proper communication, administration and coordination of County operations and services.

Participates in public relations activities on local, state and national levels to promote County goals and objectives; responds to media inquiries, in consultation with the County Administrator and appropriate department directors and gives presentations to various school / community / civic organizations. Coordinates data gathering and analysis to identify citizen desires for Lancaster County.

Participates in economic development activities and assists the Economic Development Department in promoting Lancaster County to various business entities.

Keeps abreast of current and pending legislation affecting County government; conducts detailed studies and analyses of County policies and operations; makes recommendations for changes in County policies, procedures and operations as necessary to ensure compliance, efficiency and effectiveness.

Oversees the Risk Management program for the county. Coordinates various safety inspections and follows up to insure recommendations are adopted.

Investigates public complaints and resolves or recommends potential solutions to the Department Directors, County Administrator and/or various boards as applicable.

Provides guidance and administrative support to various special project committees and task forces.

Acts as County Administrator as required in his/her absence.

Receives and reviews various records and reports including department reports, budgets, budget requests, billing invoices, citizen complaints, Council inquiries, memos, correspondence, etc.

Prepares and/or processes performance appraisals, study reports, recommendations, budget documents, resolutions, ordinances, analytical reports, spreadsheets, and various other reports, memos and correspondence.

Operates a vehicle, calculator, computer, telephone, etc.

Uses a variety of tools such as standard office tools, etc.; a variety of supplies such as general office supplies, etc.; and a variety of computer software such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, accounting, or other programs.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the County Administrator, County Council, mayors and other municipal personnel, elected officials, County department directors and staff, various boards and commissions, community / civic organizations, engineers, consultants, contractors, vendors, attorneys, professional peers, news media, various other agencies and professionals, and the general public.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including but not limited to attending and conducting meetings, reviewing correspondence, preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.

Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
Requires a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or related field supplemented by six to nine years of experience in government administration, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Master’s Degree preferred. Must be able to possess a valid state driver’s license.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER