POSITION SUMMARY
The Town Administrator is the Town’s senior appointed administrative official, responsible for the day‑to‑day management of municipal operations under authority delegated by the Mayor and consistent with policies adopted by the Town Council. The Administrator performs administrative duties under the executive authority of the Mayor, who serves as the Town’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Officer pursuant to the Town Charter. The Administrator’s authority is derivative. It is exercised under the direction of the Mayor and may be modified or withdrawn by the Mayor.
The Administrator ensures the effective delivery of Town services, supervises departments, manages the budget process, oversees internal controls, and implements policies adopted by the Council. The position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, staff, residents, and partner agencies. The Administrator must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to efficient, transparent, and customer‑focused government.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Administrative & Operational Leadership
- Directs and supervises Town departments and contractors in accordance with Council‑adopted resolutions and delegated authority.
- Ensures implementation of Town ordinances, policies, and procedures.
- Oversees preparation of Town Council agendas, staff reports, and recommendations.
- Provides regular updates to the Mayor and Council on Town operations, issues, and needs.
- Ensures high‑quality customer service to residents, businesses, and visitors.
- Reviews contracts, agreements, correspondence, and operational documents. All contracts, agreements, and similar documents must be submitted to the Town Attorney for legal review and approval, and the Administrator is responsible for ensuring legal compliance.
- Ensures compliance with all Town contracts, facility use agreements, permits, and grant agreements, including monitoring performance, tracking deadlines, verifying documentation, and ensuring adherence to approved terms and conditions.
- Maintains awareness of municipal trends, legislation, and best practices affecting Town operations.
2. Budget, Finance & Internal Controls
- Develops the annual Town budget in coordination with department heads; submits to Mayor and Council for review and adoption.
- Monitors revenues, expenditures, and financial performance to ensure sound fiscal control.
- Implements the adopted budget and ensures efficient use of Town resources.
- Ensures proper accounting practices, internal controls, segregation of duties, and financial reporting.
- Assists departments in preparing budget requests and financial projections.
- Provides financial status updates and long‑range fiscal planning recommendations.
- Ensures compliance with grant requirements, procurement rules, and financial policies.
3. Policy Implementation & Council Support
- Provides professional recommendations to the Mayor and Council on matters requiring action.
- Prepares reports, analyses, and policy options to support informed decision‑making.
- Requests preparation of proposed ordinances and resolutions through the Town Attorney, and prepares proclamations and administrative policies as directed.
- Ensures Council directives are communicated clearly to staff and implemented effectively.
- Attends all Town Council meetings unless excused by the Mayor or Council.
4. Intergovernmental & Community Relations
- Represents the Town in communications with agencies, organizations, and the public.
- Maintains effective working relationships with county, state, and federal partners.
- Attends meetings of other governmental bodies when Town matters are involved.
- Responds to citizen inquiries and works to resolve issues promptly and professionally.
- Promotes positive public relations and communicates Town initiatives and accomplishments.
5. Personnel Management
- Supervises department heads and staff; conducts evaluations and recommends personnel actions consistent with Town policy.
- Has no supervisory or directive authority over the Town Attorney, the Town’s independent auditor, or any other independent review or oversight function. These report to the Mayor and Town Council. The Administrator cooperates with and refers matters to them but does not direct or control them.
- Ensures departments operate efficiently and effectively.
- Communicates Council actions and personnel directives to staff.
- Promotes a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.
- Ensures compliance with Town personnel policies, safety standards, and training requirements.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $109,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- Do you have budget, finance and internal control experience?
- Have you ever worked for a municipal government?
- Do you have experience with personnel management?
- Do you have planning experience?
- Do you have experience in Public Safety?
- Are you willing to work weekends or holidays?
- Are you willing to relocate to Highlands County, FL?
Education:
Experience:
- Public sector management: 6 years (Required)
- Administrative & Operations: 6 years (Required)
- Public speaking: 6 years (Required)
- Town Administrator : 6 years (Required)
Location:
- Lake Placid, FL 33852 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Lake Placid, FL 33852: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
