County Administrator

Orange County; Orange (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County, Virginia is seeking an experienced, service-oriented local government leader to serve as its next County Administrator. Appointed by and accountable to the five-member Board of Supervisors, the administrator directs the day-to-day operations and implements policy while balancing rural character with growing service demands.

The ideal candidate will coordinate departments, support annual budgeting and long-range planning, advise the Board on complex issues, and foster clear

Qualifications

• Substantial progressively responsible experience in local government administration.
• Experience advising elected officials and managing budgets and operations.
• Commitment to ethical public service and building durable relationships.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of County government.
• Coordinate departments and support annual budget and long-range financial planning.
• Advise Board on complex issues and represent the County in regional matters.
• Maintain timely communication with Board members and stakeholders.

Skills

Financial and budget management

Advising elected officials

Ethical public service

Education

Graduate degree in public administration or business administration

ICMA Credentialed Manager status desirable

Job description

The Position

Orange County, Virginia, is seeking an experienced, service-oriented local government leader to serve as its next County Administrator. The County is balancing its longstanding rural character and small-town identity with increasing service demands, aging infrastructure, economic development opportunities, and growth pressures from neighboring regions. The next County Administrator will help the Board of Supervisors connect policy choices, financial capacity, land use, infrastructure, and service expectations while keeping residents and stakeholders informed.

Appointed by and accountable to the five-member Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator directs the day-to-day operations of County government and carries out the duties established by Virginia law and the Board. The position coordinates departments, supports the annual budget and long-range financial planning, implements Board policy, advises the Board on complex issues, and represents the County in regional and intergovernmental matters. The administrator must bring matters forward at the right time, explain options and consequences clearly, and provide a professional recommendation grounded in law, policy, operations, and community needs.

The County has capable employees and department leaders who have sustained services with limited resources. The next administrator will strengthen coordination across departments, support accountability, develop staff, and create a workplace where employees feel valued and can succeed. The role also requires close, consistent communication with each Board member and a disciplined approach to emerging issues so that the full Board receives timely information and is prepared to act.

Qualifications

Candidates should have substantial progressively responsible experience in local government administration, including senior management responsibility for employees, budgets, operations, and policy implementation. Prior service as a county, city, or town manager or administrator, deputy or assistant administrator, or executive in a comparable public organization is preferred.

The position requires demonstrated financial and budget management ability, experience advising elected officials, and a record of leading through complex or controversial issues. Knowledge of economic development, land use and planning, public records requirements, human resources, organizational development, and intergovernmental relations is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to ethical public service and the ability to build durable relationships with employees, elected officials, residents, and regional partners.

The County will consider the combination of education and experience that best demonstrates readiness for the full scope of the position. A graduate degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field, and ICMA Credentialed Manager status are desirable.