City Administrator

Overview

Welcome to Box Elder, South Dakota — a community that truly feels like home. Box Elder blends military and civilian life, offering a diverse, welcoming atmosphere near the Black Hills and Badlands National Park. The city is located east of Rapid City along Interstate 90 and is home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, supporting a strong local economy.

We are looking for a forward-thinking City Administrator to guide the municipality through growth and opportunity. This is a collaborative leadership role that translates policy into effective action, strengthens operations, supports elected leadership, and ensures exceptional service to the community. The ideal candidate balances day-to-day operations with big-picture strategic vision and service-oriented leadership.

This position serves as the chief administrative officer for the City of Box Elder and is responsible for overseeing all municipal operations and services.

Application note: Please complete the following application and submit a cover letter.

• Direct the administration of all departments, offices, or subdivisions of the city, and functions of the city. Acts as the hiring and employment separation authority unless otherwise provided by ordinance or law.
• Directs and supervises City of Box Elder operations; develops and implements the city s overall vision, mission, and direction.
• Formulates and implements strategic plans, evaluates organizational success, and implements changes to ensure success.
• Directs and evaluates the work of city department heads; collaborates with department heads to develop and implement department goals, strategies, and priorities.
• Oversees the implementation of city policies and evaluates their effectiveness to adjust as needed.
• Identifies and assesses potential risks to the city, develops mitigation strategies, and ensures continuity of operations.
• Oversees the city procurement process.
• Provides strategic oversight and guidance in developing the annual city budget, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Represents the city at local, state, and national levels; promotes cooperation with other governmental and private organizations.
• Serves as the City election official and oversees municipal elections.
• Serves as liaison to the Mayor and City Council; attends City Council meetings, briefs on pending agenda items, and informs the Mayor and Council Members about city operations and projects.
• Administratively reviews and approves contracts, obligation documents, payments, and other documents requiring the Mayor s signature; reviews proposed Council orders and communications prior to signature.
• Ensures proper preparation of the City Council agenda and minutes through the City Clerk s office.
• Oversees professional contractors and/or consultants for City projects; participates in evaluation and selection and monitors progress to ensure timely, quality completion.
• Promotes and supports the City s mission by maintaining courteous, cooperative interactions with the public and staff; fosters a harmonious and effective workplace.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Master s degree in public or business administration, or a related field; AND seven (7) years of managerial experience in a local government agency; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Valid South Dakota Driver s license, or the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of the hiring date.

Required Knowledge

• Principles and practices of program development, management, and evaluation.
• Strategic planning principles and processes.
• Team building, employee motivation, and management in a team environment.
• Performance management, including establishing metrics, conducting appraisals, and implementing strategies to enhance performance.
• Employee supervision, including selection, work planning, organization, performance review, training, and discipline.
• Public administration principles, practices, and procedures.
• City government structure, functions, and legal framework.
• Applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances governing city operations, including election procedures and procurement processes.
• Functions, authority, responsibilities, and limitations of elected officials in city government.
• Current issues and trends in municipal governance and public administration.
• Basic budgetary practices and terminology.
• Strategies for engaging diverse community stakeholders.
• Computer applications and software related to the work.
• Techniques for effective oral presentations.

Required Skills

• Overseeing and managing city programs and services through executive management staff.
• Building and leading effective teams to achieve goals and deliver…