Town Administrator

Town of Berlin; Berlin (MD); On-site; USD 121,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Berlin, Maryland, is seeking an experienced Town Administrator to lead day-to-day operations and work closely with the Mayor, Council, and staff. This executive role reports to the Mayor and guides multiple departments toward Town goals and compliant service delivery.

Ideal candidates bring strong communication, organizational, analytical and decision-making skills, plus a track record in municipal governance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public/administration or related field; master’s preferred.
• At least five years of executive-level administrative experience.
• Municipal or governmental experience preferred.
• Bondable and able to pass background check and drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Directing and coordinating daily municipal operations.
• Supervising department heads and administrative staff.
• Assisting with development and oversight of the annual budget.
• Monitoring expenditures and approving purchases per policy.
• Serving as Chief Procurement Officer and overseeing contracts.
• Ensuring compliance with Charter, Code and laws.
• Coordinating Town Council meeting agendas and materials.
• Responding to citizen questions and service needs.
• Providing leadership during emergencies and critical events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Salary: $121,430.40 - $151,652.80 Annually

Application Deadline: Sep 27, 2026

Government - Local

The Town of Berlin, Maryland, is seeking an experienced and collaborative municipal leader to serve as Town Administrator. Operating under a Strong-Mayor form of government, the Town Administrator is an executive-level appointed position that reports directly to the Mayor and works closely with the Town Council, department heads, employees, appointed officials, community partners, and the public.

The Town Administrator oversees the Town’s day-to-day operations, supervises all department heads and central administration staff, and ensures departments work together effectively to accomplish the Town’s goals and priorities. This position provides leadership and guidance on operational matters, personnel administration, budgeting, purchasing, procurement, contracts, regulatory compliance, technology, grants, and implementation of policies established by the Mayor and Council.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Directing and coordinating daily municipal operations.
• Supervising, supporting, and evaluating department heads and administrative staff.
• Assisting the Mayor with development and oversight of the annual budget.
• Monitoring expenditures and approving purchases in accordance with Town policies and applicable laws.
• Serving as the Town’s Chief Procurement Officer and overseeing competitive bidding, contracts, vendors, and consultants.
• Ensuring compliance with the Town Charter and Code and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Coordinating Town Council meeting agendas and supporting materials.
• Responding to citizen questions, concerns, and service needs.
• Providing leadership and direction during emergencies and other critical situations.
• Representing the Town and maintaining active participation in professional municipal organizations.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, approachable, and effective leader with strong communication, organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work successfully with elected officials, employees, outside agencies, consultants, and members of the public while promoting responsive and customer-focused municipal services.

A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field is preferred; a master’s degree is desirable. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Candidates should have at least five years of executive-level administrative experience. Municipal or other governmental experience is preferred, although relevant nonprofit experience may be considered.

The successful candidate must be bondable and able to satisfy applicable background screening, motor vehicle record review, and drug and alcohol testing requirements. Attendance at Mayor and Council meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month is required, along with occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

First Consideration Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026, but open until filled. All applicants will be contacted regardless of decision as appropriate; there is no need to contact the Town regarding the status of your application.