Town Administrator

Town of Little Compton; Little Compton (RI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

The Town Administrator (TA) for the Town of Little Compton oversees day-to-day operations, implements policies, and ensures efficient delivery of public services in accordance with laws, the Town charter and town ordinances.

The TA directs department heads, manages the annual budget, negotiates with HR, and represents the town to boards, state agencies, and citizens. A Master’s degree and 10+ years public sector management are preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Public/Business Administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum ten years of public sector management experience or related field.
• Experience with RI general laws, collective bargaining and town processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, administration, personnel management, procurement of services, and coordination of daily town operations.
• Lead development of short- and long-range plans; provide professional advice to Town Council.
• Act as Chief Administrative Officer, inform agenda, attend meetings, and ensure council decisions are carried out.
• Oversee annual budget process and coordinate strategic financial goals for the Town.
• Coordinate human resources, contracts, and bargaining with HR and legal counsel.
• Represent the Town to boards, agencies, and the public; respond to inquiries and requests for assistance.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Customer service

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in Finance/Public Administration

Tools

Office software

Job description

Little Compton is a town with approximately 3500 residents, located in the southeast corner of Rhode Island. The town is characterized by farms, beaches and two small villages. The town’s annual budget is almost $20 million.

The Town Administrator (TA) is the chief administrative and operational officer of the Town of Little Compton. The TA is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the town, implementing policies set by elected officials, and ensuring efficient delivery of public services, consistent with state law, the Town charter and Town ordinances.

The TA oversees most municipal departments and coordinates interdepartmental operations and communications.

Little Compton Town government consists of the following departments:

• Finance and Tax Collections
• Tax Assessor
• Building and Zoning
• Administration
• Police
• Fire
• Public Works
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Senior and Social Services
• The Town Clerk*
• School Department*

*There is a separate structure for the School Department, which is overseen by an elected School Committee, and the Town Clerk is an elected official who manages the functions of that office.

Supervision

The Town Administrator (TA) works under the policy direction of the Town Council. The TA functions with considerable independence and is directly accountable for their actions.

The TA performs work of a complex nature requiring the exercise of considerable independent judgment and initiative. The TA provides professional guidance to the Town Council, department heads, town departments, boards and committees concerning the development, implementation and administration of policies, goals, regulations, and statutory requirements related to the administration and operation of the Town. This involves analyzing difficult administrative problems and recommending solutions.

The TA has direct supervisory responsibility for all department heads reporting to the Town Council, as well as administrative and office staff, including part-time positions. Employees are located at different locations and may work different shifts.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversee and assume responsibility for the planning, administration, personnel management, procurement of services/equipment, and coordination of the daily operation of the Town as delegated by the Town Council and the requirements of existing policies, procedures and bylaws, state statutes and federal laws;
• Provide leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans; gather, interpret and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations. Provide professional advice to the Town Council and department heads, make presentations to boards, the Town Council and the public;
• Act as Chief Administrative Officer for the Town Council, inform the agenda, and attend all meetings of the Board. Receive and make appropriate disposition or referral of all Town Council correspondence and communications. Anticipate needs of the Town Council for information and background material. Ensure that all decisions of the Town Council are carried out. Keep the Town Council fully advised regarding departmental operations and financial health;
• Establish goals, objectives, policies based on the needs of the Town. Provide supervision, direction and guidance including regular communication and development of goals/objectives for all town staff and reporting department heads; assists all departments in any administrative or operational areas to insure regulatory, statutory or procedural compliance;
• Establish and oversee the annual budget process from developing instructions and setting deadlines, to providing materials and recommendations for Appropriations and Capital Planning reviews. Coordinate the development of strategic financial goals for the Town. Make recommendations concerning financial policies and practices. Review all revenues collected and make recommendations concerning fees, charges, and sources of revenue;
• Conduct all collective bargaining and negotiation of employment contracts with HR and Counsel. Develop and recommend bargaining concepts and strategies for Town Council approval. Attend all bargaining sessions and/or grievance hearings. Advise officials on impact of contract terms on personnel system, wage administration;
• Oversee and when necessary, consult with department heads and employees of every rank on sensitive issues involving performance problems, health issues, management styles, contract interpretation, leave and attendance, job assignments;
• Coordinate the work and administrative activities of those employees not reporting directly to the Town Council. Evaluate department heads; recommend disciplinary actions to the Town Council.
• Serve as the Town Council’s liaison and representative to town boards, committees, local, state and federal agencies. Negotiate with citizens and other outside public and private agencies; assist citizens in their interaction with all town departments, boards and committees in the delivery of town services. Respond to oral and written inquires, requests for assistance, and complaints; refer citizens to appropriate departments and staff members;
• Prepare applications for grants, administer grants received, work with appropriate state and private officials on projects;
• Oversee all town building maintenance, construction and repairs;
• Work on special projects as required;
• Research, analyze and recommend changes in Town policies, personnel, systems and procedures, and serve as liaison and coordinator between town officials, employees and citizens;
• all other related work as required.

Recommended Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience

Master’s Degree in Finance, Public/Business Administration or related field preferred with a minimum of ten (10) years of public sector management experience or a related field; municipal management strongly preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with RI’s general laws, collective bargaining, personnel administration, and Town meeting process desired.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge: Rhode Island General Laws and federal statutes (FLSA, FMLA, AA/EEO/ADA etc), pertaining to municipal government including finance, budget, personnel policies and practices, collective bargaining, systems management and operations. Expertise in the operation and organization of municipal government. Sufficient knowledge of emerging technologies to recognize their value to the Town. Comprehensive knowledge of the various financial requirements of municipal government. Proficiency in various computer software and hardware applications.

Ability: Ability to direct and evaluate the work of department heads as well as professionals and other subordinates including office staff. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the development of projects, the preparation of reports, analyze problems and formulate recommendations. Ability to bring people together around complex goals and develop consensus among community groups and individuals that may not share common priorities. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships and deal appropriately with employees, board/committee members, agencies and officials, media and the public. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and delegate authority in a prompt and effective manner. Ability to negotiate contracts, agreements and appropriate working arrangements and achieve timely results.

Skill: Strong oral communication skills and the ability to represent the Town before an array of organizations. Excellent writing skills required to prepare various reports and position papers. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a large number or projects and tasks. Skill in the utilization of technology as a means of strengthening the Town and its services. Professional skills related to customer service. Skill in remaining unbiased yet understanding local government politics.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical effort is generally required in performing duties under typical office conditions. Position requires the ability to operate and view a keyboard and standard office equipment. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.

Salary and Work Location

The starting annual salary is budgeted at $100,000. The TA’s office is located at the Little Compton Town Hall, 40 Commons. There may be the option for some remote work or flexible scheduling. It is expected that the TA be able to attend and participate in Town Council meetings and other Town Department and Committee meetings as required.

The Town of Little Compton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values diversity and respects the contributions of all employees. The Town of Little Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.