(Population 17,179)

Richland County, Wisconsin seeks a proven leader to serve as its next County Administrator. Located in southwestern Wisconsin, Richland County offers the best of both worlds: a small-town quality of life within a ninety-minute drive of the metropolitan areas of both Madison and La Crosse. Richland County’s many peaceful communities offer a variety of housing options, quality schools, growing businesses, and job opportunities. Richland County boasts year-round recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on its many rivers and streams. 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’s total land area of 589 square miles is organized into 16 towns, five villages, and one city. The County seat is the City of Richland Center (Population 4,961). Click on the following link to view the position profile.

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 twenty-one-member nonpartisan Board of Supervisors. A $42.5M total expense budget supports 248 full-time employees, 15 part-time employees, and an additional 176 authorized casual positions.

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. Promoting economic development and encouraging the type of growth that will attract families and workers to locate in the County are important long-range goals. A proven track record of success in maintaining positive and productive relationships with other units of government and among elected officials and staff are priorities.

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. A thorough knowledge of human resources is important. The successful candidate will be an innovator; an approachable leader who possesses open and positive communication skills and has a collaborative leadership style.

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $150,000 DOQ, plus excellent benefits.

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in public or business administration or finance or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A combination of education or experience may be substituted for the specific degree major. Significant experience in the administration of a complex organization with a minimum of two years in upper-level management required. ICMA Credentialed Manager certification is a plus, as is a thorough knowledge of local government. Private sector and military candidates who have led comparably sized, complex organizations are encouraged to apply.

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 Richland County, WI Administrator Search in the subject line. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mr. Hochkammer at (608) 225-3024. The deadline for applications is February 17, 2025.

Confidentiality must be requested but cannot be provided for those selected as final candidates.