County Administrator

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Mille Lacs County is seeking a seasoned, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to serve as County Administrator, the County’s chief administrative officer. Reporting to the County Board, the County Administrator provides executive leadership for county operations, oversees multiple departments and enterprise functions, and ensures the effective implementation of Board policies and strategic priorities. This role is responsible for organizational management, budget development and fiscal stewardship, intergovernmental relations, and advising elected officials on complex policy, operational, and community issues.

The ideal candidate is an experienced public-sector executive with a demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex systems, and build productive relationships with elected officials, staff, partner agencies, and the public. Success in this role requires sound judgment, political acumen, and a commitment to transparent, ethical, and service-oriented government. The County Administrator plays a critical role in shaping the County’s long‑term direction while ensuring high‑quality, responsive services that meet the needs of residents and stakeholders across Mille Lacs County.

Mille Lacs County is located in east‑central Minnesota and serves a population of approximately 27,000 residents from its primary campus in the county seat of Milaca, as well as a small number of outlying facilities. The County operates with an annual budget of approximately $55 million and supports a broad range of countywide programs and services through a professional workforce of approximately 260 employees.

With a strong sense of community and a commitment to collaboration, Mille Lacs County offers an opportunity to lead a complex public organization focused on fiscal responsibility, effective governance, and long‑term community well‑being.

This is a non‑union position. Complete 2026 annual wage range is $ - $. For a complete position description, .

• Unify management of the county’s affairs, establishing goals and objectives for all departments to ensure compliance with county policies, rules, regulations, mission and vision.
• Prepare and submit to the County Board a proposed annual budget and long‑range capital expenditure program. Enforce the provisions of the budget when adopted by the County Board and provide for implementation of the capital expenditure program.
• Assist the County Board in establishing goals and policies for the county and provide data and information concerning current or future county programs and activities. Research policy issues, recommend strategies, and move initiatives forward for consideration.
• Provide supervision and leadership to department heads and, indirectly, to all county employees. Discipline, hire and fire appointed department heads upon County Board authorization. Conduct ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring and performance reviews, and evaluate performance of department heads.
• Responsible for oversight of union contract negotiations and the management of said contracts.
• Serve as department head of the Administrative Services Office. Provide for effective risk management programs and practices to preserve and protect county assets.
• Direct and manage public relations and act as a liaison between the County Board, county employees and the public. Field and respond to complaints, suggestions and comments from the public on county services.
• Provide for the execution of all ordinances, resolutions and orders of the board and all laws of the state required to be enforced through the county board, by the administrator or by officers who are under the administrator’s direction.
• Attend all meetings of the County Board and recommend measures for adoption as deemed advisable or expedient; serve as clerk to the County Board.
• Oversee the county’s finance and accounting functions. Perform other duties and exercise other responsibilities as may be necessary and appropriate, or as directed by the County Board.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field and ten years of progressively responsible experience in related administrative leadership, including five years in government.
• Alternatively, an MBA or MPA with six or more years of related experience, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Class D Driver’s License.

Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.