COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

HORRY COUNTY GOVERNMENT; Conway (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Horry County Government is seeking a County Administrator to serve as the chief executive. The role requires an experienced leader to guide strategic initiatives, oversee operations, and ensure high-quality public services for residents of Horry County.

Top candidates will demonstrate executive-level experience, strong management skills, and the ability to navigate complex governmental structures and laws, including Home Rule provisions, to advance county priorities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in Public Administration, preferably at senior level leadership.
• Strong experience in growth management, administration and planning or transportation infrastructure.
• Proven budgeting processes, customer service and people skills.

Responsibilities

• Acts as Chief Executive Officer for the County, implementing County Council policies.
• Oversees development and monitoring of annual budget and financial plans.
• Coordinates with elected officials and department leaders to address organizational and financial issues.
• Directs capital improvement programs and modernization efforts.
• Reviews County operations and provides improvement recommendations to Council.
• Represents the County in meetings, committees, and public hearings.

Skills

Public administration

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Executive communication

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree

Public administration related degree

Job description

The County Administrator serves as the chief executive of Horry County Government and is responsible for providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of county operations. This position requires an experienced executive with a demonstrated record of successfully leading and managing an organization at the highest level of leadership. Candidates must possess the executive-level experience, leadership capabilities, and organizational management expertise necessary to oversee complex operations, guide strategic initiatives, and ensure the effective delivery of services to the citizens of Horry County.

Top three finalists will be disclosed to the press under FOIA requirements; however, due to the requirements of assembly for County Council and the public nature of the position, Horry County Government cannot guarantee confidentiality for any applicant or candidate.

Duties for this Position:

• Serves as Chief Executive Officer for the County in the execution of prescribed ordinances, resolutions and regulations, including implementing all policies set forth by County Council in a timely and efficient manner.
• Recommends and oversees implementation of the County’s policies, rules, and regulations as established by the County Council.
• Plans, directs and oversees the County’s organizational, operational, management, administrative and financial operations.
• Develops annual County financial plan and budget in accordance with policies established by the County Council and monitors monthly expenditures.
• Confers with County elected and appointed officials, as well as the Administrator’s direct reports (Deputy County Administrator, Assistant Administrators for Public Safety, Infrastructure & Regulation and Administration, Airport Director, and County Attorney) to discuss, identify and assess their organizational, management, administrative, budget, and financial problems and solutions as needed.
• Plans, organizes and directs capital improvement programs and works with direct reports in analyzing individual needs for example; office space, furniture, equipment needs and etc. as required in modernizing functions and operations.
• Analyzes and evaluates effectiveness of County operations, services, programs and reports to offer recommendations for improvement to County Council or County elected officials.
• Develops short-range and mid-range operational and financial plans for the County for recommendations of enhancing the County’s operations and services in collaboration with the County Council.
• Attends and participates in Council meetings and numerous other committees or board meetings and public hearings, advising and providing necessary information.
• Executes the policies, directives and legislative actions of County Council to the workforce.
• Directs the administration and works with both elected and appointed County Officials to create internal organizational guidelines including but not limited to personnel policies, salary classification plans approved by Council, etc.
• Reviews and revamps County policies, procedures and codes and recommends improvements and adjustments to the County Council.
• Performs liaison activities to other local, State and Federal agencies and organizations.
• Performs related duties as may be required.
• Participates in community organizations/activities.

Additional Information:

• Education: Master’s or Bachelor’s desired but not required.
• Experience: Extensive experience (minimum of 10 years) in Public Administration, preferably at senior level leadership. Proven skills and experience in growth management, administration and planning or transportation infrastructure improvement programs, innovative problem-solving techniques, budgeting processes, effective customer service, and strong people skills are essential.
• Must have general knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws and ability to interpret respective duties, authority and responsibilities as applied to the principals and practice of public administration.
• Must have specific understanding of the operation of South Carolina’s “Home Rule” law and its requirements regarding the operation of Horry County business and the governing responsibilities and relationships between the Administrator, County Council, the State of South Carolina legislature and/or other governing or judicial bodies.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be substituted for any minimum requirement.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass the required pre-employment physical and background check.