Amelia County is seeking an experienced professional to serve as County Administrator, the chief administrative officer responsible for directing programs and operations of the County government. The previous administrator resigned after serving in the position for twelve (12) years. A retired Berkley Manager is currently serving as the interim manager and is not a candidate for the position.
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
An exciting opportunity in a growing rural county in the Piedmont region of Central Virginia, Amelia is close to the Richmond metropolitan area but retains much of its traditional country charm. The metropolitan area comprises over 1.2 million people and an array of state governmental, legal, financial, and professional services. This region also boasts many healthcare and higher educational assets. The county is a vibrant community of approximately 13,500, blessed with natural beauty, a rich history, and an exciting future.
Amelia County has a strong agricultural economy, but many citizens work in neighboring counties. The Appomattox River runs along the county's northern border offering potential recreational opportunities. The County encompasses 361 square miles of gently rolling topography. It is made up of farms, forests, homes, and businesses.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to lead and manage the County governmental operations within a scenic community that has a high quality of life and a reasonable cost of living close to a major metropolitan area. The County anticipates future growth and development while maintaining its rural characteristics. The County provides services in an efficient and sound manner to maintain the quality of life that is attractive to its citizens.
THE COUNTY
The county provides a full range of services to its citizens. With county offices and facilities concentrated in Amelia Courthouse, the county is poised for the right kind of growth. The county government is stable and there is a strong relationship between the Board of Supervisors and the Constitutional Officers.
The county strives to keep its rural nature while diversifying its taxbase along the US 360 Corridor. Growing the park and recreation opportunities, including capitalizing on its rich history is a priority. The county is also anticipating completion of broad-band initiatives to provide access to all citizens within a few years.
Public safety is another area of growing interest. The county is beginning the transition from volunteer to paid EMS services. Improvements are also being made in animal control facilities as well as with building codes and inspections.
The county school system in very stable and provides for excellent quality education. It is a relatively small system that makes integration of new students very easy. There are 1761 students attending the three county public schools.
Amelia County has a proposed budget for FY25 of $49.4 million. This includes the school system, public utilities, constitutional officers and general fund.
THE POSITION
The Amelia County Board of Supervisors appoints the County Administrator to act as the Chief Administrative Officer of the County. The County Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Board, carries out its policies, and directs business procedures. This person is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county government, manages and supervises all departments, agencies, and offices of the County, except the County Attorney, who reports directly to the Board. The County Administrator also is the liaison to the offices of the various Constitutional Officers. The County Administrator is responsible for developing, and upon adoption by the Board, implementing the annual operating and capital budgets. The County Administrator recommends policies and priorities for Board consideration and leads the County workforce in delivering services and responding to citizen issues and concerns. The County Administrator also serves as Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. The County Administrator serves as the County Purchasing Agent. The County Administrator also serves as the Social Services Administrative Board, with a full time Director, and an Advisory Board appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The County Administrator serves on the Juvenile Detention Board, the Board of the Regional Jail Authority, and serves as staff advisor to the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The County Administrator serves as the liaison between the County Board and other regional, state, and local agencies and authorities, and community organizations.
ISSUES, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES
1. The County currently has several vacancies in key staff positions. Recruitment is underway for a Finance Director. Once this position is filled a comprehensive effort is needed to modernize and update the functions and processes within this department.
2. The position of the Director of Community Development is also vacant. The new Administrator will be tasked with filling this vital position and integrating the new hires into the County’s team.
3. The Comprehensive Plan is currently undergoing a complete review and update. This process should be completed in 2025 and come before the Board for consideration. Community surveys will be distributed in November 2024. This plan guides development and the County Administrator will be a key player in development and implementation of the recommendations.
4. The County borders on a rapidly growing area to its east. Achieving necessary and unavoidable growth and development while maintaining the rural, agricultural nature that makes the County such a great place to live will present a challenge and an opportunity for the new County Administrator.
5. Housing will be a continuing need for the County as growth occurs. The Board desires to see more housing opportunities and is interested in more upscale housing developments, in particular.
6. The County will need to continue to develop and finance upgrades to existing utilities. Maintaining reliable services, competitive rates, and the ability to accommodate current and future growth will be part of the challenge.
7. The financial constraints and future needs will continue to put a strain on the county budget. It will be necessary for the new County Administrator to strengthen the County’s financial sustainability and resiliency and to find revenue streams to maintain and grow the County’s financial reserves. A Capital Improvement Program is in place and needs to be maintained to guide future development.
8. The County has a competent staff with key positions needing to be filled. The new County Administrator will need to develop strong working relationships with staff, evaluate organizational needs, and recruit for open positions.
9. The County Administrator will need to guide the existing efforts to transition to paid EMS services and to complete implementation of county wide broadband services.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or related field is required with Master’s Degree preferred;
• Three to five years of progressively responsible senior level executive management experience as a chief executive/administrator, deputy executive/administrator, or department head in a high preforming comparably sized or larger community; possessing a broad skill set appropriate to the breadth of county operations;
• Excellent financial management skills and grants expertise; a strong preference for budgeting experience and leadership is desired;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, local government finance, and economic development. An understanding of the statutory authority and requirements of county government in Virginia. Local government experience in Virginia is desirable.
• A demonstrated commitment to on-going professional development through such organizations as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA)
• A demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex projects is required as well as a demonstration of excellent leadership skills;
• Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Consideration for compensation will be dependent on qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range is $125,000-$160,000. The successful candidate will be offered a generous benefits package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health insurance coverage, paid time off, professional development support, and other benefits as identified in a negotiated employment agreement.
APPLICATION PROCESS
A formal review of applicants will begin November 21, 2024 and those applicants considered to most closely match the qualifications contained in this profile will be contacted for initial interviews. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled however, timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume, with salary expectations and professional references to The Berkley Group, via email at doug.walker@bgllc.net.
For the full recruitment profile, visit www.bgllc.net