Summary:
Serves as the Chief Administrative Official of the County and is responsible for the administration of all departments and offices (except the Sheriff’s Office, see 30-A, M.R.S. §401) under the direction of the County Commission, in keeping with County policy and the laws of the State of Maine as they relate to county government. Note: Refer to County Charter Article IV for County Administration. Performs all other related work as required.

Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

● Directs and supervises the operations of all County departments and offices (except the Sheriff’s Office, see 30-A, M.R.S. §401); oversees and coordinates the work of department managers.
● Responsible for Personnel Administration; duties include interviewing, hiring, resolving employee issues, attending grievance hearings, and ensuring compliance with the Personnel Policy Handbook and Union Contracts.
● Works with all collective bargaining units that govern County employees, negotiates terms for contract renewals, and oversees compliance with all contract provisions.
● Attends meetings throughout the state on County business, including but not limited to legislative hearings, MCCA director’s meetings, MCCA Risk Pool director’s meetings and meetings with town officials, as well as attending special meetings requested by a Commission member (which may include town meetings or meetings with selectpersons).
● Responsible for the appointment of all administrative officials and employees, other than those officials duly elected by the voters of the County, with the appointment of department managers subject to confirmation by the Commission. The functions and duties of each administrative official and employee of the County and the qualifications for each appointed County office or position shall be prescribed by the Administrator, subject to the advice and approval of the Commission.
● Develops and implements administrative policies and procedures once approved by the Commission and ensures that they are faithfully and fairly executed and followed.
● Develops an annual County budget in conjunction with the County Commission, department managers and the County Budget Committee; works closely with department managers in reviewing revenues and expenses on an ongoing basis in order to monitor adherence to the established budget; ensures that all capital improvement plans are in place and current.
● Informs the County Commission and the Budget Committee as to the County’s financial condition.
● Attends all Commission meetings and assists in the preparation of documents and information relating to agenda items. Ensures that all duties and responsibilities assigned by the law to the Clerk of the County are properly performed.
● Negotiates various leases or agreements for the County, including but not limited to, land leases, building leases, and employment agreements, for review and approval by the Commission.
● Oversees the maintenance of all County-owned facilities and grounds; plans for capital improvements, seeks bids, obtains approvals, and oversees projects.
● Acts as purchasing agent for all County departments and offices.
● Communicates and exchanges information with administrative officials in all municipalities, special districts, and agencies in the County in accordance with policies adopted by the County Commission.
● Directly performs the duties of a department manager, including interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training, supervising, and evaluating direct reports, resolving employee issues, and ensuring compliance with the Personnel Policy Handbook.
● Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, establishing professional networks, and participating in professional associations.
● Performs various job-related duties that may evolve with the changing requirements of the County.

Supervision Received and Exercised
Works with considerable independence while receiving policy direction from the County Commissioners. Supervises all Department Managers, Information Technology Director, and the Executive Assistant to the County Administrator. Oversees all Appointed County Officials.

Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; master’s degree is highly desirable, five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in municipal or other governmental administration/management; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance, budget management, personnel management, collective bargaining, and intergovernmental relations. Thorough knowledge of the laws which affect local government. Comprehensive understanding of the County court system, municipal government, and the New England Town Meeting process. Knowledge of Maine General Laws, grant writing, warrants and legal requirements.

Ability: Ability to direct the work of professionals. Ability to negotiate contracts, agreements and appropriate working arrangements and achieve timely results. Ability to maintain positive internal relations and to direct, supervise and motivate staff. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to bring people together around complex goals and develop consensus among groups and individuals who may not share common priorities. Ability to successfully communicate policy and administrative priorities while remaining responsive and respectful of individual concerns.

Skills: Strong conflict resolution and public relations skills; skill in operating computers and effective utilization of common office software applications; excellent organizational, managerial and communication skills. Skill in the utilization of technology as a means of strengthening the organization and its services.

Job Environment
▪ Office work is performed under typical office conditions; the work environment is moderately quiet.
▪ Operates computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, and other standard office equipment.
▪ Makes frequent contact with department managers and management, local, state, and federal agencies, and the public. Contacts are by phone, through correspondence, and in person; they generally consist of an information exchange dialogue, discussing routine and semi-complex issues.
▪ Has access to confidential information including personnel and financial records, which requires discretion and professional office protocols.
▪ Errors could result in delays of department services and have legal and/or financial repercussions.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for prolonged periods of time and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and use their hands to operate a standard computer keyboard. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.