Deputy County Administrator

Salary: $189,173.92 - $217,260.78 Annually
Location : Gallatin County Courthouse- 311 W. Main St, Bozeman, MT
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00847
Department: County Administrator
Opening Date: 06/23/2026


POSITION OVERVIEW
Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Deputy County Administrator assists in the leadership, management, and administration of County government operations. The position supports the County Administrator in advancing the County Commission's goals and priorities through strategic planning, organizational leadership, policy implementation, operational excellence, and effective service delivery.


The Deputy County Administrator serves as key member of the County's executive leadership team and provides oversight of departments, programs, initiatives, and special projects as assigned by the County Administrator. The position works collaboratively with department heads, elected officials, County staff, community stakeholders, governmental partners, and private sector organizations to ensure effective coordination of County services and operations.


The Deputy County Administrator plays a central role in organizational development, strategic planning, performance management, and continuous improvement efforts. This position helps align county operations with Commission priorities and community expectations while promoting accountability, transparency, innovation, and exceptional customer service.


The Deputy County Administrator reports directly to the County Administrator and serves as acting County Administrator in the County Administrator's absence.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the County Administrator in planning, directing, and coordinating the County's organizational, operational, strategic, and administrative activities.
• Supports the development and implementation of County policies, priorities, initiatives, organizational improvements, and management practices.
• Provides leadership, direction, and performance oversight for departments, programs, and initiatives as assigned by the County Administrator.
• Leads and coordinates cross-departmental efforts to achieve county goals, improve service delivery, and address complex organizational challenges.
• Leads or participates in special projects, strategic initiatives, and intergovernmental efforts as assigned.
• Participates in the development and execution of short and long-range strategic plans and organizational priorities.
• Advises the County Administrator, County Commission, department heads, and other stakeholders on administrative, operational, and policy matters.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, innovation, professional development, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Conducts organizational assessments, operational reviews, and special studies; develops recommendations to improve efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and customer service.
• Builds and maintains productive relationships with elected officials, community organizations, public agencies, business leaders, and residents.
• Represents the County Commission and County Administrator at meetings, public events, and interagency forums as assigned.
• Serves as acting County Administrator in the absence of the County Administrator.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs a variety of other duties assigned by the County Administrator. If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatening disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive knowledge of public administration principles, organizational leadership, strategic planning, governmental operations, budgeting policy development, and performance managements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, build high-performing teams, and foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Ability to think strategically while effectively managing operational priorities and organizational change initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, project management, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of local government functions, applicable laws and regulations, and contemporary best practices in public administration.
• Ability to develop and implement organizational goals, performance measures, and operational improvements.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with elected officials, department leaders, staff, community members, and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive matters.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, develop, and motivate staff while fostering employee engagement and professional growth.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to Bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in governmental policy and management.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and driving screening.

To please be prepared to attach the following required documents to be considered:

• Resume
• Three (3) work references
• Cover Letter

Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction.
HEALTH BENEFITS:

• Individual health benefits premium is paid at 100% for full-time employees and pro-rated based on hours worked for part-time employees
• Includes limited vision and dental coverage (Dental is provided by MetLife and includes a dental buy-up option)
• Dependent health benefits premium is offered at very low costs
• Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• Talkspace: In-Network behavioral health support through virtual counseling & psychiatry
• Optional Supplemental Coverage is offered through Mutual of Omaha including Voluntary Accident Policy, Voluntary Critical Illness Policy and Voluntary Life Insurance Policy (also available for dependents)
• FREE unlimited access and care to PMR Clinic East. This is a private Clinic and is available to all employees and family members who are enrolled in our health benefits.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Optional pre-tax, out-of-pocket medical expenses & day care expenses

COUNTY PAID LIFE INSURANCE: $50,000 Group Life Insurance Policy (eligible employees only) (age reductions apply)


COUNTY PAID LONG TERM DISABLITY INSURANCE: Eligible employees only, benefit duration shortens once a specific age is reached

RETIREMENT:

• County employees are covered by the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
• County Deputies and Detention Officers are covered by the Sheriff's Retirement System (SRS)
• An optional supplemental 457 deferred compensation plan/ROTH is available through Empower and Nationwide

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:

• Eligible employees are offered a maximum of six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave for the bonding and care of a newborn child or adoption of a child

SICK AND VACATION LEAVE:

• Employees accrue 12 sick days and 3 weeks of vacation per year, depending on years of service. (Hours are pro-rated for part-time employees)
• Leave starts accruing on an employee's date of hire and can be used as soon as time is in the books.

HOLIDAYS:

• The County observes 11 legal holidays in even numbered years (Federal Election Day) and 10 legal holidays in odd numbered years.
• A Floating Holiday is available to eligible employees after six months.

HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIPS: Discounted rates are offered at participating clubs with payroll deduction.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

• Offers a confidential counseling hotline and up to six sessions with a Licensed Professional Counselor at no cost to the employee. This program is also available to dependents.

WORLDWIDE TRAVEL EMERGENCY PROGRAM AND WILL & LEGAL PREPARATION SERVICES:

• Limited 24/7 services anywhere in the world
• Will and limited legal service

TUITION ASSISTANCE:

• The County offers partial reimbursement of qualifying tuition expenses

BILINGUAL PAY:

• Gallatin County allows for bilingual pay to employees that provide translation services to County departments and offices. The bilingual pay allows for extra compensation to employees that provide this service.