Deputy County Administrator I chez St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, FL

About the Department

The hiring salary range for this position is $150,000-$180,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Deputy County Administrator I serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and operates under the direction of the County Administrator. This highly responsible administrative position provides strategic oversight of county operations, supervision of management staff, and direction for major projects and initiatives. The role includes analysis of operational and financial performance, implementation of county policies, and facilitation of internal and external communication. The Deputy County Administrator I also acts as a liaison with civic groups, governmental agencies, and the public, and may serve as Acting County Administrator in their absence.

Position Duties

Leadership and Administration:

• Supervise and support County department operations to ensure alignment with strategic goals, compliance with policies, and responsiveness to community needs.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency, customer service, and accountability.
• Promote a high-performance culture through effective supervision, professional development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and policy recommendations to the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners.
• Serve as Acting County Administrator in the absence of both the County Administrator and Deputy County Administrator II.

Strategic Planning and Organizational Development:

• Drive the development and execution of strategic plans, operational improvements, and policy frameworks to meet short- and long-term county objectives.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement through the use of data-driven decision-making, performance metrics, and best practices.
• Evaluate administrative procedures and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness, transparency, and service delivery.
• Provide analytical support to the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners for evaluating financial implications of programs, capital projects, and resource allocations.

Intergovernmental and Community Relations:

• Act as liaison between County Administration and municipalities, state and federal agencies, regional authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the County in intergovernmental forums, advocating for policy positions, funding opportunities, and collaborative solutions.
• Foster constructive relationships with civic groups, non-profit partners, and business leaders to enhance service delivery and community resilience.
• Address citizen concerns and community needs, developing appropriate responses or directing follow-up by relevant departments.
• Ensure effective public messaging and transparency through coordination with Public Information Officers and Communications teams.

Project and Program Oversight:

• Manage and monitor major departmental projects and programs, ensuring timely execution, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with County priorities.
• Oversee implementation of special initiatives and Board-directed priorities, ensuring coordination across departments and external partners.
• Facilitate the integration of emerging technologies and digital transformation strategies into county operations.

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Assist in formulating, updating, and enforcing administrative policies in accordance with best practices and legal requirements.
• Ensure that operations adhere to applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as internal policies and ethical standards.

Emergency Management:

• Serve in an emergency leadership capacity during natural disasters or other emergencies, supporting response coordination, continuity of operations, and recovery efforts.
• Ensure departments are prepared for emergency situations through participation in planning, training, and after-action reviews.

 Driving Position: Operating a county vehicle is a primary function of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year institution in Public Administration, Business Administration or a closely related field with considerable experience in a management capacity is required.   Master's degree is preferred.   Relevant experience, training or technical certifications may substitute for preferred college degree. 
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible executive or senior management experience in public administration or large-scale organizational leadership, preferably within local government or a comparable public-sector environment. A comparable amount of training or education may be substituted for two (2) years of the minimum experience qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing strategic plans, managing complex budgets, and leading large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive knowledge of public administration principles, organizational development, and modern management practices, including performance measurement and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex data, legislation, and policy to organizational decisions.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with elected officials, department heads, external stakeholders, and diverse community groups.
• High-level communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present reports, policy recommendations, and public presentations to various audiences.
• Demonstrated success in navigating intergovernmental relationships, public-private partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.
• Possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The Deputy County Administrator I position is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment, requiring the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, operate a computer and use standard office equipment.  The position requires sufficient visual and auditory acuity (with or without correction) to read, communicate effectively, and participate in meetings. Occasional walking, standing, bending, and site visits are required, along with the ability to drive to various locations for meetings, events, or emergency response duties.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: The work is primarily performed indoors in a standard office setting with controlled temperature and lighting. Occasional travel to remote offices, construction sites, community meetings, or outdoor locations may be required. The role may involve extended hours, evening meetings, and emergency response duties during disasters or critical incidents. While the position carries minimal physical risk, there may be exposure to inclement weather, uneven terrain, or crowded public settings during site visits or emergency operations. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:  

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: 

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. 

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT:

St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.