Town Administrator

Town of Steilacoom; Steilacoom (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

The Town of Steilacoom is seeking a qualified Town Administrator to oversee municipal operations and partner with the Mayor, Town Council, staff, and residents. The role focuses on planning, policy execution, and financial stewardship to keep services effective and responsive.

Candidates should have a public administration background, strong budget management skills, and a track record of collaborative leadership in a public sector setting. This is a full-time, on-site position in Steilacoom, WA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration or related field.
• Four years of progressive municipal management experience.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Equivalent combination of education, experience, and training acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Directs, coordinates and is responsible for the operations of the Town, providing leadership in municipal services.
• Supervises Town personnel and Department Directors; prepares the biannual budget and monitors monthly budget compliance.
• Advices the Mayor and Town Council; manages administrative policies and town records and open meetings requirements.
• Serves as liaison with other governmental agencies and external funding sources; negotiates labor agreements as applicable.
• Oversees financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management in coordination with Town leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Policy development

Public administration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration or related field

Job description

The Town of Steilacoom is seeking a qualified and collaborative Town Administrator to oversee municipal operations and work closely with the Mayor, Town Council, staff, and residents of our close-knit community. This position offers the opportunity to support the Town and work closely with the people who make Steilacoom a unique place to live and work.

This position is open until filled.

First applicant review on September 30, 2026.

Basic Purpose:

Directs, coordinates and is responsible for the operations of the Town. Provides leadership in the effective delivery of municipal services. Renders direct assistance to the Mayor and Town Council in the areas of planning, organization, policy implementation and administration of all municipal government functions.

When combined with the position of Director of Administrative Services and Finance, the incumbent is also responsible for the supervision of the Administrative Services and Finance Department staff. The incumbent ensures the Town’s financial operations are accurate and conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and policies and procedures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides primary staff support to the Mayor and Town Council on all issues before Council. Advises/assists the Mayor and Council in the formulation/establishment of administrative policies that will govern the operation of Town departments and offices.
• Provides general supervision of the Town’s administrative affairs. Oversees the coordination/management of all Town activities and operations. In conjunction with the Mayor, Council, and Directors, carries out the requirements of ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and Town policies.
• Provides general management of all Town personnel and direct management of Department Directors.
• Directs the preparation of the biannual budget and mid-biennium review including conducting Council goal setting/visioning sessions. Responsible for monitoring budget compliance on a monthly basis.
• Responsible for providing the Mayor and Town Council with staff analysis/research on all issues requiring Town attention. Directs the preparation of Council agenda, ensuring pertinent documents are included and appropriate individuals are present to provide and/or conduct the briefings. Ensures public notices are appropriately posted, accurate minutes prepared and maintained and all requirements of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act are followed.
• Serves as the Town’s liaison with other governmental agencies and civic organizations.
• Identifies external funding opportunities. Prepares and/or reviews award applications ensuring requests are consistent with the vision/mission of the Town and that local resources are available to meet any required matching funds.
• Ensures Town residents receive quality services. Responds promptly to residents’ concerns and inquiries.
• In conjunction with the Mayor, Council, and contracted labor relations consultant, negotiates fair/equitable labor agreements with the Town’s two represented bargaining units.
• Communicates effectively with the Mayor, Town Council, Department Directors, Staff, and members of the public and performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves as the Town’s Public Records Officer either directly or via delegating to others ensuring public records requests are completed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Acts and the Town’s Risk Manager and serves as the primary delegate to our risk pool.
• Provides positive and responsive service and support to Town customers, residents, and coworkers.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES (NOT COMBINED/INCLUDED IN PREVIOUS DUTIES) WHEN POSITION IS COMBINED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND FINANCE POSITION

• Directs the work of all individuals assigned to the Administrative Services and Finance Department. Ensures that the functions of this department coordinate with other Town operations.
• Responsible for the financial affairs of the Town. This includes submission of a recommended budget and oversight of the fiscal health of the Town’s funds and utilities.
• Oversees and is directly involved with the development of the annual financial report and all other financial reporting/forecasting functions. Ensures adequate internal control structures are in place to safeguard Town assets and provide accurate financial information. Performs internal audits or reviews as deemed necessary.
• Directs and manages, the Town’s treasury operation, to include day-to-day cash management, investment program, bond financing, and the matching of cash reserves and other assets to budgeted operating commitments, planned capital improvements, and liabilities. In this capacity, is also designated the Town’s Clerk/Treasurer.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Department Directors, Human Resources Coordinator, Town Planner, Facility Use Coordinator, Recreation Leader.

When combined with the position of Director of Administrative Services and Finance, the incumbent is responsible for supervising the Accountant, Utility Billing Clerk, Receptionist/Cashier, Purchasing Agent/Accounts Payable Manager, Payroll Clerk, IT Staff/Contractor, and Parking Enforcement staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of public administration as they relate to municipal organizations including their operations, policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable professional management practices specifically related to the public and municipal environment.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable personnel and civil service regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage municipal budgets in changing economic environments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mayor, Town Council, Town employees, other public officials, and Town residents.
• Ability to learn the structure, functions, and interrelationships of Town government operations, functions, and the relationships between various levels and forms of government.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of staff utilizing appropriate management techniques/methods.
• Ability to manage, organize, and prioritize projects to ensure cohesive operations.
• Ability to research, prepare, review, and administer resources obtained from external parties. Ability to perform and interpret project and program assessments in relation to stated objectives maintaining compliance with awarding party guidelines including those related to grants, gifts and donations.
• Ability to present information, recommendations, and proposals clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to prepare governmental financial statements in accordance with all applicable standards.
• Thorough knowledge of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to formulate and present comprehensive wage and benefit packages in labor negotiations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure and professionalism when responding to sensitive, high-pressure, or challenging situations involving members of the Town Council or public.
• Possess/learn functional knowledge of incident command system, to support major incident/disaster operations.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Public Administration or related field.
• Four (4) years of progressive municipal management experience.
• Valid Washington State Drivers License.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute for the required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration or a related field.
• CPA when combined with Director of Administrative Services and Finance positions.

Working Conditions:

Work Environment:

Primarily an office environment with occasional travel. Work involves periods of high stress and requires sustained sitting and regular use of a computer and other office equipment. The position may also involve occasional challenging or confrontational interactions with members of the public. Evening meetings and occasional weekend or holiday work may be required.

Physical Requirements:

Requires frequent sitting, standing, and walking. Requires sustained concentration and attention to detail in performing the duties of the position. Occasional bending and stooping. Frequently requires continuous hand and finger movement for writing, keyboarding, and other computer operations. Requires the ability to lift or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds on a non-repetitious basis. Demonstrates emotional resilience and the ability to navigate high‑pressure situations or confrontational interactions with composure and professionalism.

The Town of Steilacoom is an equal opportunity employer.

Town of Steilacoom