Grant County, Wisconsin (Population 52,110) seeks a proven leader to serve as its first County Administrator. Located in scenic western Wisconsin, Grant County offers the best of both worlds: a small-town quality of life within 80 miles of Madison, Wisconsin, and a short drive to Dubuque, Iowa. Grant County’s many peaceful communities offer a variety of housing options, quality schools, growing businesses, and job opportunities. Bounded by the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, Grant County boasts year-round recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Thousands of acres of parks and public land are available for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and hunting, with trails for snowmobiling and ATVs. The County seat is Lancaster (population 3,907). Learn more about Grant County by visiting its website.

The County Administrator is the County’s chief administrative officer and carries out the duties and responsibilities set forth in Section 59.18 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The Administrator is appointed by and reports to a seventeen-member nonpartisan Board of Supervisors. Grant County is fiscally sound with healthy reserves. A $61.9M expense budget supports approximately 375 full-time equivalent employees who provide a diverse range of programs in areas including law enforcement, highway maintenance, administration of the courts, health and human services, recreational and cultural activities, planning and zoning, education and general administrative services. The County owns and operates a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.

The salary range for the position is $125,000 to $150,000 DOQ, plus excellent benefits

Immediate priorities for the new County Administrator include recruiting and retaining quality employees in a challenging labor market and maintaining quality services in light of strict statutory levy limits. The successful candidate must have a proven track record of creating and maintaining positive workplace cultures in the organizations they have served.

Desire a strong finance background including a sound knowledge of budget development and capital improvement planning. The successful candidate will possess exceptional strategic planning skills as well as the ability to maintain positive relationships with other units of government and County stakeholders. The County Administrator will be an accomplished leader who is an approachable and collaborative team builder. The ability to communicate openly and positively are essential.

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in public or business administration or finance or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. Ten or more years of business or government experience with five years of public sector management experience is preferred. A combination of education or experience may be substituted for the specific degree major. ICMA Credentialed Manager certification is a plus. Click here to view the complete position profile.

Email cover letter, résumé, three professional references and salary history as a single PDF to Jon Hochkammer, Public Administration Associates, LLC at jonhochkammer@gmail.com. Include Grant County Administrator Director Search in the subject line. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mr. Hochkammer at (608) 225-3024. The deadline for applications is July 19, 2024.

Confidentiality must be requested by applicant but cannot be provided for those candidates who are selected as finalists.