Chief Administrative Officer

Salary: $4,192.80 - $6,167.20 Biweekly
Location : City of Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: Appointed
Job Number: 202600119
Department: City Council
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 5:00 PM Central


Job Summary
The City Council is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and highly organized professional to serve as its next Chief Administrative Officer. This unique leadership opportunity is ideal for an experienced professional who is passionate about public service and local government. Serving as a key advisor and operational leader to the City Council, this position plays a critical role in supporting Council operations, advancing strategic priorities, and helping shape policies that impact the City of Sioux Falls. Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Plan, direct, and oversee day-to-day City Council operations and serve as the immediate supervisor as documented in the City Council Operations Manual.
• Monitor federal, state, and local legislative activities and keep the City Council informed on matters that may impact local government policy and/or its strategic plan.
• Attend and serve as support staff for all City Council meetings, including informational and work sessions.
• Draft ordinances and resolutions and present summaries at City Council meetings as requested. Conduct research and develop summary reports to the City Council on issues directly impacting City Council decisions and recommend policy alternatives at the request of the City Council.
• Represent the City Council or individual Councilors at various meetings as needed. Serve as support and staff Council-appointed citizen task forces and committees. Consult with chair to develop agendas and identify speakers, assist with meeting arrangements, and prepare background materials.
• Develop and maintain trusted working relationships with individual Councilors while exercising sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information and sensitive communications in support of the City Council and its independently elected members.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in public administration, political science, business administration, public policy, communications, law, or a closely related field with at least five (5) years' related diverse experience in managing a range of administrative areas of responsibility, including legal analytics, research, and policy analysis, preferably in the public sector; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority. An advanced degree in public administration or related field is desirable.

Supplemental Information

• Well-organized and self-directed team player.
• Knowledge of South Dakota Codified Laws and City ordinances, policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with ability to plan and prioritize work, multitask, set and meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality of information where appropriate and necessary.
• Articulate individual who can relate to people at all levels of an organization and community and who possesses excellent communication skills.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, communicate, and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies on a federal, state, and local level.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, finances, and budget preparation.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make public presentations.
• Knowledge of computer and business software application skills.

The City of Sioux Falls takes pride in being an Employer of Choice including our Culture, Values, and Compensation and Benefits. Apply today to become part of ONE Team and help us take care of today for a better tomorrow!

• Competitive salary with other public and industry positions, including step advancements.
• The City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System . Employees receive a 6% match . Additionally, employees may choose to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Competitive rates for single, 2-party, and family.
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal leave days each calendar year.
• New employees are granted 40 hours of vacation at time of hire and accrue an additional 2 weeks in their first year.
• Sick leave accrues over 96 hours per year.
• The City of Sioux Falls is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.