Deputy County Administrator

Under general supervision of the County Administrator/Controller assists in overall management and administration of County services and functions. Assists the County Administrator in strategic and organizational planning. Assists in all resource and fiscal planning, County policies and programs approved by the County Board of Commissioners. Acts on behalf of the County Administrator as directed and during absences. The position is highly responsible, complex and requires confidentiality of all matters not deemed to be public information. Wide leeway is allowed for the exercise of independent judgment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Assesses County operations, staffing levels, facilities, and equipment. Analyzes resource needs, makes recommendations for improvements, and implements changes. Plans, organizes, and directs County departments as assigned by County Administrator. Assists County Administrator in the formulation of strategic and organizational planning. Recommends objectives and associated goals for various departments/services to achieve the most efficient operation possible. Involved in the general management of county departments, including personnel, labor relations, fringe benefit levels, policy development and implementation, risk management, overall buildings and grounds, purchasing and other facets of general County administration and operations. Ensures that the Board's direction is carried out and County policies, rules, regulations, and services are properly implemented. Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues. Oversees special projects associated with overall County development, at the direction of the County Administrator. Acts on behalf of the County Administrator/Controller as directed and during absences. Represents the County at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives and developing liaison relationships between the community and the Participate as an active member of the County upper level management team, as well as effectively represent St. Clair County in meetings with governmental agencies, the public, and staff. Participate in all labor negotiations. Other duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Work is performed under the general direction of the Administrator/Controller SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Supervision is exercised over Departments as assigned by the Administrator/Controller EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public management, fiscal/budgetary preparation, oversight and control, along with managerial control over multi-departmental operations at a level exercising considerable independent judgment and authority. A Human Resources background in a unionized work environment preferred. Possession of a Bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major work in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance or closely related field required. Master's Degree Preferred. Advanced proficiency in communication – up and down the organization and with other groups. Understands and utilizes business communication methods and techniques. Knowledge of the principles and practices of local government administration including organizational forms and structures, and operating methods and procedures. Advanced knowledge of related economic, governmental, accounting, budgeting, and risk management principles and practices, and applicable Federal, State, and County laws and regulations, internal audit procedures and budgets. Knowledge of County functions, organization, and the department's role and relationships with agencies/jurisdictions. Knowledge of risk management/insurance issues, economic development, and government procurement. Understanding of organizational culture, employee engagement and organizational dynamics in implementing a proactive structure and systems to promote positive image of the County and within all departments. Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with the County Board of Commissioners, customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies. Knowledge of supervisory and employee management principles, as well as knowledge of labor relations and union contract negotiations. Knowledge of applicable employee rights, protections, and avenues of appeal. Knowledge of applicable policies and procedures governing the hiring, employment, and separation of employees. Skill in assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments. Skill in mentoring and training employees with varying educational backgrounds and aptitudes. Skill in anticipating potential personnel issues and taking appropriate action. Skill in crisis management, including the management of critical incidents. Ability to work in a unionized environment; ability to negotiate and facilitate labor/management issues; ability to make tough personnel decisions firmly, fairly, and respectfully. Ability to lead with vision and demonstrate strong leadership qualities. Ability to take initiative and drive results based organizational excellence. Ability to develop and implement managerial policies and prioritize the needs of the County. Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, champion, and manage change, and articulate County leadership's priorities. Ability to identify and resolve problems that may impact the mission of the department and the County. Ability to represent the County appropriately and effectively at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives, and develop liaison relationships between the community and the County. Skill in researching and resolving problems to ensure compliance. Ability to persuade others to gain concurrence or to resolve problems and gain cooperation. Ability to interpret and explain complex policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws in layman's terms. Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment. Excellent project management and oral and written communication skills. Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity. Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job. Ability to facilitate meetings effectively and efficiently. Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries. Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently. Possess and maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License and must maintain eligibility to drive. Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations. Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills–Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary. ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance. Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking. Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule. Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement. Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information. Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public. Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline. Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook as required. Proficiency may be tested. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references. Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator’s License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County’s vehicle policy throughout employment in this position. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will 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: Speak to others to convey information effectively. Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals. Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences. Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception. Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment. Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level. Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner. Stand and walk, climb stairs. Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Generally works in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions. AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran. #J-18808-Ljbffr