Deputy County Administrator & General Counsel

Licking County; Newark (OH); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Licking County is seeking a Deputy County Administrator & General Counsel to join the Commissioners division in Newark, OH. The role combines executive leadership with legal and policy functions, guiding county operations and strategic priorities.

The position includes oversight of select departments, coordination of major projects, and advisory support to elected officials and administration. The candidate will provide legal guidance, draft agreements, and help develop organizational policy

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Significant experience in government, public administration, public law, or executive management.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Assist in executive management and administration of county operations.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and oversight to assigned county departments and personnel.
• Support implementation of strategic initiatives by the Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator.
• Act on behalf of the County Administrator as assigned and serve as Acting County Administrator when designated.
• Provide legal and policy guidance to the Board of County Commissioners and county leadership.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Assist with labor relations, personnel matters, risk management, and organizational policy development.
• Lead or support major projects involving facilities, infrastructure, and intergovernmental collaboration.
• Coordinate initiatives across multiple county departments and stakeholders.
• Administer and coordinate Opioid Settlement funds.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Deputy County Administrator & General Counsel

Division: Commissioners

Contact Name: Tammy Smoke, PHR, SHRM-CP

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Contact Phone: [phone]

Contact Fax: [phone]

Date Posted: 9/24/2026

Position Location: 20 South Second Street, 3rd Floor, Newark, Ohio 43055

Position Description:

Duties:

• Assists in the executive management and administration of county operations.
• Provides leadership, supervision, and oversight to assigned county departments, functions, and personnel.
• Supports implementation of strategic initiatives established by the Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator.
• Acts on behalf of the County Administrator as assigned and serves as Acting County Administrator when designated.
• Provides legal and policy guidance to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, and county leadership.
• Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts, agreements, annexations, and other legal documents.
• Assists with labor relations, personnel matters, risk management, insurance matters, and organizational policy development.
• Leads or supports major projects involving facilities, infrastructure, economic development, organizational improvement, and intergovernmental collaboration.
• Coordinates initiatives involving multiple county departments, elected officials, governmental entities, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Supports organizational development, leadership development, succession planning, and management excellence throughout county government.
• Administers and coordinates Opioid Settlement funds received by the County.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with elected officials, department directors, employees, community partners, and the public.
• Exercises sound judgment and maintains confidentiality in legal, personnel, policy, and administrative matters.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
• Works outside of typical work schedule/business hours as required.

Brief Description:

The Deputy County Administrator & General Counsel serves as a senior member of the County’s executive leadership team and acts on behalf of the County Administrator as assigned. The position combines executive management responsibilities with legal, policy, organizational development, and strategic planning functions. The position provides oversight of selected county departments, assists in the implementation of priorities established by the Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator, coordinates major projects, and provides legal and policy guidance to county leadership.

Job Prerequisites:

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and significant professional experience in government, public administration, public law, executive management, or a related field. Experience working with elected officials and senior organizational leadership is preferred. Active license to practice law in the State of Ohio. Valid Ohio driver’s license.

Additional Qualifications (Agency/Dept. Qualifications):

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished professional who combines strong legal, administrative, and leadership skills with a commitment to public service.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Experience in local government, public administration, public law, or related fields.
• Strong executive leadership and management abilities.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to navigate complex organizational and policy issues.
• A collaborative leadership style focused on building strong teams and achieving measurable results.
• The ability to work effectively with elected officials, department directors, employees, community partners, and the public.

Compensation:

Salary: $123,760 to $134,680 annually

About UFA:

Licking County is an Equal Opportunity Employer