ABOUT THE ISLE OF PALMS, SC
The Isle of Palms is a seven-mile-long, one-mile-wide barrier island located eight miles east of Charleston on the South Carolina coast. Known for its pristine beaches and clean water, natural wildlife as well as world-class resorts, spas, golf and delightful restaurants, Isle of Palms was voted #6 among Top 10 North America Islands by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

The island is bounded on the north by Hamlin Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway, on the east by Dewees Inlet and Dewees Island, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Breach Inlet and Sullivan’s Island. Isle of Palms is primarily a residential community with resort amenities and a relatively large commercial base when compared to other barrier island communities in the area.

The City is home to approximately 4,370 residents with a median age of 52. The City has a highly skilled and educated citizenry, with 99.2% of the City’s population having at least a high school graduate degree or higher.

POSITION SUMMARY – CITY ADMINISTRATOR
The City of the Isle of Palms, SC is seeking an experienced and dynamic municipal leader to join the City as City Administrator. The City Administrator will provide broad leadership to departments heads while planning and directing the administrative and operational activities of the City. Additionally, the City Administrator will advise the Mayor and Council regarding key policy decisions and will ensure implementation of the policies set by Council. The new Administrator will oversee the enforcement of City ordinances and will monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of City services and operations.

The ideal candidate will be an inclusive and inspirational leader whose experience may include some of the unique circumstances relevant to the Isle of Palms such as tourism and its impacts on city services and coastal dynamics such as flooding, beach renourishment, etc. The successful candidate will be a skilled communicator who can interact effectively with a highly engaged citizenry, excellent staff, and external partners/stakeholders committed to the success of the City.

To view the full position profile, please visit:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oq1G96yztuTE2pN8bXdH0OQhNA-JaeCw/view?…

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Supervision:
Oversee and manage all appointed department heads and their respective departments, inspiring staff while holding leaders accountable for established departmental goals.
Coordinate city government activities across various agencies at the local, county, state, and federal levels.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for the city’s administrative functions, including key departments such as fire, police, public works, recreation, and building inspections.

Budget and Financial Oversight:
Prepare and present the proposed annual operating budget to the City Council for review. Manage the execution of the approved operating and capital budgets.
Prepare a five-year capital program and update it annually.
Monitor the city’s financial health, analyze monthly financial reports, and advise the City Council on financial matters.
Ensure that financial expenditures are within budget and notify the Mayor and Council of potential budget overages.

Personnel Management:
Conduct annual performance evaluations for department heads. Develop performance improvement plans, when necessary, to ensure employees have the resources and guidance to be successful.
Supervise the hiring, suspension, and dismissal of department heads, with necessary City Council approvals, ensuring suspension or dismissal activities occur in a timely manner.
Implement employee grievance procedures when necessary and maintain compliance with personnel policies.

Policy Implementation and Compliance:
Ensure the enforcement of all City ordinances, policies, and regulations. Implement policies and directives established by the City Council.
Recommend and enforce policies related to purchasing procedures, inventory control, and personnel management.
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing city operations.

Operational Efficiency and Accountability:
Maximize City resources by implementing process improvements, consolidating staff positions when necessary, and seeking efficiencies that can positively impact the City.
Establish internal controls to prevent fraud, waste, or misuse of city resources.
Monitor and recommend changes to improve service delivery methods across city departments.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting on the city’s financial and administrative activities.

City Council Relations:
Attend all City Council meetings and provide guidance and support on administrative matters.
Advise the City Council on matters of policy, financial stability, and major projects or initiatives, creating awareness of budgetary or other issues impacting the City.
Provide regular updates on operational and financial activities to the City Council; provide annual reports, annual budget documents, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or a related field is required for consideration.
Five or more (5+) years of progressively responsible experience in local government administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong understanding of public and private sector business administration.
In-depth knowledge of personnel management, including employee rights and regulations. Familiarity with public works operations, modern planning, land use, and capital budgeting.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to city governance.
Expertise in supervision, training, and performance evaluation practices. Understanding of rules governing public meetings.
Ability to interpret and apply city policies, laws, and regulations effectively.
Proficient in analyzing complex problems, generating alternative solutions, and making informed decisions.
Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Skilled in preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse range of individuals.
Ability to deal with the public on a wide variety of issues and concerns.

COMPENSATION
The expected compensation for this position is between $135,793 – $202,795, depending upon qualifications. Budgeted allowances will be provided for professional development and participation in professional organizations.

Insurance
The City pays 100% of group health insurance, including major medical, vision and dental coverage for full-time and regular part-time employees working 30 hours per week. The City pays between 50% – 62% of dependent health coverage depending on whether the coverage is for a spouse (54%) children (50%) or full family (62%).

Retirement
Employees contribute 9% of your base salary towards your state retirement plan. The city will contribute 18.56%.

Wellness & Professional Development
The City partners with First Sun for the Employee Assistance Program to provide numerous resources to employees and their families to deal with life issues and enhance their emotional, financial, professional, and intellectual wellbeing. The City has two fully equipped fitness centers available 24 hours a day. Employees also have access to the Recreation Center’s Cardio Room and fitness classes at no cost. The City’s Tuition Reimbursement Program provides full-time, eligible employees with tuition reimbursement for successful completion of college credit hours earned.