County Administrator

Gfoat; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 265,000 - 295,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement contributions

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Hall County is seeking a dynamic County Administrator to lead day-to-day operations and implement a forward-looking strategic plan for Northeast Georgia’s growing community.

The candidate will work with the Board of Commissioners, manage a multi-year budget, and drive efficient service delivery while advancing economic development and quality of life for residents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Public Administration or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible management experience in an organization with similar complexity.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of Hall County government.
• Collaborate with Board of Commissioners to implement policy and strategic plans.

Skills

Public Administration

Budget Management

Strategic Planning

Leadership

Collaboration/Relationships

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Public Administration or related field

ICMA Credentialed Manager designation

Job description

Hall County is seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as its next County Administrator. If there is such a thing as the perfect place to make a living and raise a family, Hall County ranks high on the list. Bordered by Lake Sidney Lanier and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the sheer beauty of the landscape inspires families to grow and thrive. Lake Lanier attracts over 14 million visitors annually to enjoy boating, fishing, water sports, and parks along the 400 miles of shoreline. Hall County, with a population of over 226,568 and an area of 393 square miles, is the epicenter of a diversified economic base in Northeast Georgia that provides shopping, medical, financial, and educational institutions that are second to none. The labor market is stable and thriving with a regional labor market estimated to be 775,000 from Hall and surrounding counties. Gainesville, the county seat, is a bustling city of more than 47,000 people. Located 50 miles northeast of Atlanta and 35 miles northwest of Athens, Gainesville is the trade, medical, educational, industrial, retail, cultural and recreational center of Northeast Georgia. Eight other municipalities are located in Hall County: Oakwood, Flowery Branch, Buford, Braselton, Clermont, Gillsville, Rest Haven, and Lula. Hall County has excellent educational opportunities from pre-kindergarten to college. Gainesville- Hall County offers students educational opportunities of the highest caliber. There are two public school systems, several private schools, a public university, private university and technical college. Eight major universities are located within an hour’s drive of Gainesville-Hall County. Hall County is the headquarters for Northeast Georgia Health System, which has become the 3rd largest regional health system in Georgia. They are a premier healthcare provider and have a tremendous economic impact on Hall County and the Northeast Georgia Region. Hall County operates as a Commission/Administrator form of government governed by a five- member Board of Commissioners. The County has a history of being a stable local government and being supportive of professional management. The Board appoints a County Administrator who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the government, including appointments of all Department Directors not appointed directly by the Elected Officials. Hall County’s General Fund budget for FY 2026 is $ 135,118,118, and the total capital budget is $97,086,064 with a total of 1899 total full-time and part-time employees.

Hall County is seeking a dynamic, ethical, and experienced Administrator to serve as the County Administrator. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, a collaborative problem solver, and an innovative leader who can help guide the County’s vision while ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Experienced Public Administrator – Demonstrated expertise in local government operations, budget management, policy development, and strategic planning. Experience working in a fast-paced government environment, preferably at the county or municipal executive management level.
• Visionary & Strategic Leader – Ability to anticipate challenges, develop long-term solutions, and implement policies that support economic growth, infrastructure development, and quality-of-life improvements for residents.
• Strong Financial Acumen – Skilled in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation to ensure responsible fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency.
• Collaborative & Relationship-Driven – Adept at building partnerships with elected officials, constitutional officers, department heads, community leaders, citizen groups, and external stakeholders to advance the County’s goals.
• Innovative Problem-Solver – Capable of identifying creative solutions to complex challenges, embracing technology, and implementing best practices in public administration.
• Effective Communicator – Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences, present complex information clearly, and foster transparency.
• Commitment to Public Service – Passion for serving the community, enhancing government efficiency, and ensuring the well-being of Hall County residents

Candidate Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Business Administration, Public Administration or other related field. Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible management experience in an organization with similar complexity to Hall County is expected, preferably with a combination of backgrounds in local government and private industry. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position will be reviewed and considered.
• Working knowledge of public financial administration and procurement; experience overseeing capital improvement projects, intergovernmental agreements, and proven ability to conceptualize and lead an organizational vision. Leadership and effective communication are critical components in this role. Must possess the necessary and required ability to swiftly address crises, analyze complex policies, and manage organizational changes without interrupting public services. Additionally, must possess the ability to lead, motivate, and implement accountability, as applicable, relating to direct and indirect reports, fostering a cohesive and productive work environment.
• Evidence of continued professional development, such as the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation, is a positive indicator of dedication to the profession and will be noted during the candidate vetting process.

Compensation & Benefits:

• The expected starting salary range for this position is $265,000 - $295,000 DOQ (depending on qualifications), with a very comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Health, dental and vision insurance, Family Health Center and Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Retirement: The County Administrator receives a 10% contribution to the 401a Money Purchase Plan and a dollar for dollar match up to 6% in the 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts, Short/Long-term Disability & Life Insurance
• Paid time off (personal time, vacation and holidays) and Car Allowance and relocation assistance negotiable