County Manager

Job Summary We are seeking a collaborative, strategic County Manager with strong financial acumen, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills. This leader will support a talented, dedicated workforce, nurture a positive, transparent workplace culture, and guide departments in advancing the Board of County Commissioners’ strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate builds genuine relationships with County leadership, elected officials, community partners, and residents. Decisive yet approachable, this individual listens well, navigates change with confidence, and understands both the opportunities and the complexities of serving a growing, diverse, rural-resort county.

Above all, our next County Manager must be committed to earning public trust and delivering effective, responsible government for the people of La Plata County.

If you are energized by meaningful work and eager to join an organization that prioritizes people, innovation, and a culture of service, apply today and help lead La Plata County into its next chapter.

Please view our online brochure.

Potential for relocation expense reimbursement, temporary housing allowance and severance benefit. Please include cover letter and resume with application.

Job Summary:

The County Manager, serving at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners, is the primary administrative officer for the county and the liaison between the board, county department directors, and the County’s elected officials. The County Manager is responsible for implementing the board’s policy direction to the county staff, managing the day-to-day operations of the county, and coordinating the flow of information and advice to the board. The County Manager manages and coordinates county resources, priorities, and the strategic vision of the Board.Essential Job Functions Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible. Administration and Implementation of Board Direction

• Responsibly handles the supervisory and operational day-to-day operations of the County.
• Faithfully and promptly implements all Board-approved policies and direction, ensuring Board actions are carried out efficiently and in adherence to the La Plata County Leadership Practices and Policies.
• Explains and interprets policy; assists the Board in establishing annual goals; monitors operations and productivity of County functions and services.
• Oversees and ensures the County's adherence to all state and federal statutory requirements and respects the Board's authority as the County's final policy-making body, remaining neutral once decisions are made.
• Monitors and coordinates with County Department Heads on Board-approved projects, programs, and contracts, and regularly keeps the Board apprised of progress and any challenges on a periodic basis.

Board Relations and Communication

• Keeps the Board informed of shifting trends, public sentiment, and emerging issues that impact policy or operations.
• Attends and participates in Board meetings; directs preparation of commission meeting agendas; provides staff support and research and develops and recommends policies and procedures for Board consideration.
• Informs the board of pertinent items on the agenda which require their particular attention and concern; provides background data on important matters coming before the board.
• Provides timely and complete Board reports - background, options, financial and operational impacts, risks and benefits, and staff recommendations - so the Board can make fully informed policy decisions.
• Responds promptly to Commissioner requests and proactively keeps the Board informed of organizational updates - emerging issues, risks, major projects, budget concerns, relevant personnel matters, and community issues affecting County operations.
• Operates on a “no surprises” standard: whenever reasonably possible, ensures Commissioners do not first learn of significant operational, legal, financial, or personnel issues through the media, social media, outside organizations, or other third parties.
• Provides all Commissioners equal, timely access to the same information; information is not selectively shared.

Financial and Strategic Leadership

• With the Finance Department and other Department Directors and Elected Officials, prepares and reviews the final County budget prior to submission to the Board.
• Administers, monitors, and ensures fiscal responsibility in adhering to the County's approved annual budget and state and federal budget laws and regulations.
• Prepares, reviews and administers the Board-approved contracts.
• Exercises signature authority for routine personnel, financial and management actions where the direct involvement of the Board is not required.
• Translates Board priorities and goals into measurable objectives, tracks progress against them and recommends adjustments to keep departments aligned with Board goals.
• Conceives and prepares recommendations to the BoCC for policy changes within the County structure.
• Works alongside the County Attorney’s office to provide the Board with risk assessment when providing the Board with potential policy options.

Organizational Leadership and Personnel Management

• With direction from the BOCC, evaluates and documents the performance of the Deputy County Manager and Department Directors, including overseeing recruitment, hiring, and termination activities. Manages county personnel within departments assigned by the BOCC with the support of the Human Resources Department.
• Recommends all Department Head positions and oversees personnel management duties for all County employees.
• Builds a high-performing leadership team through regular communication, conducting timely performance evaluations, addressing performance issues fairly and promptly, and supporting professional development.
• Promotes and motivates a service-oriented environment and a positive County image among employees and the general public.
• Fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, and empowers department directors while holding them accountable for results.
• Communicates Board priorities and expectations throughout the organization, and supports Department Directors through coaching, mentorship, and cross-department collaboration.
• Respects the statutory authority of independently elected officials, fosters collaboration across County government, and builds relationships with elected officials based on mutual respect, communication, and problem-solving.

Public Information and External Relations

• Represents the governing Board at meetings with federal, state, and city officials; acts as County spokesperson in the absence of the Board Chair or as directed by the Board.
• Oversees development and dissemination of public information and approves media releases; responds to public inquiries, complaints, and concerns in a tactful, timely, and effective manner, promoting transparency and public confidence in County government.
• Partners with the County Attorney and relevant internal departments to negotiate and finalize agreements with external stakeholders
• Builds productive relationships with municipalities, state agencies, tribal governments, federal partners, school districts, special districts, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.

Accountability and Trust

• Leads with accountability, integrity and respect.
• Accepts responsibility for organizational performance, addresses problems early, recommends practical solutions, learns from mistakes, and fosters a culture of accountability throughout County government.
• Builds and maintains trust with the Board, County officials, employees, outside agencies, and the public through honesty, dependability, transparency, and appropriate confidentiality.
• Shares responsibility with the Board for excellent public service through mutual respect, honest communication, respect for the governance-administration distinction, and responsible, impartial service to all residents

Additional Duties

• Oversees and ensures the County's adherence to all statutory requirements.
• Assumes administrative responsibility in other areas designated by the Board or when special projects, emergencies, or other circumstances dictate the need.
• Directs the development of administrative or program studies and the preparation and revision of policies, rules, and procedure manuals, and instruction in their use.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Material and Equipment Used General office and computer equipment.Minimum Qualifications Required Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position would be: Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in public or business administration or an equivalent degree of advanced education, and/or any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Eight to ten years of increasingly responsible public/private sector experience, with a minimum of five years of senior management experience involving public visibility and direction of senior management team members.
• Local level public sector experience strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern and highly complex principles and practices of public and local government, with the ability to organize, interpret, and apply principles and knowledge to issues and problems.
• Knowledge of the organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of County government and the various appointed and elected offices therein, and the distinction between the Board's policy-making role and the County Manager's administrative role.
• Knowledge of and experience with a broad range of organizational skills, including administration, employee relations, personnel management, intergovernmental relations, finance, operations, planning, and public information.
• Knowledge of generally accepted principles and practices of governmental accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply employee management principles, including supervision, training, and performance management.
• Knowledge of and the ability to utilize problem-solving and negotiation strategies.
• Knowledge of organizational standards and the ability to evaluate operations - including costs, staffing, schedules, and related areas - and to formulate recommendations.
• Knowledge of County decision architecture amongst the BOCC, County Manager, County Attorney, Department heads, and staff and to display a willingness to assess comparable counties to inform structural redesign.
• Ability to demonstrate a ‘service first’ orientation and a posture of working through problems with people, internally and externally, to find workable paths.
• Ability to demonstrate creative problem-solving and policy innovation and actively seek alternatives beyond existing processes.
• Ability to provide strong leadership during periods of dynamic transition, complemented by excellent time management skills and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, trust-based working relationships with County Officials, employees, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines and County policy, and to maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Ability to understand verbal information and instruction. Ability to exchange information with others and to develop and present recommendations.
• Ability to read, understand, and professionally compose detailed, written information and instructions
• Ability to use mathematical reasoning to accomplish budgetary and financial management responsibilities.
• Ability to utilize analytical skills and apply results.
• Ability to use and apply technology.
• Ability to speak one or more foreign languages is helpful, particularly Spanish.

Benefits

La Plata County offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, long term disability, employee assistance program, annual, sick and paid parental leave.For a complete description of our 2027 benefits, please view our Benefit Guide.

Important Notices

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities for this job. The duties, expectations and actions listed for this role may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Application Fairness Act

In accordance with CO SB23-058, applicants understand that La Plata County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that La Plata County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Equal Employment Opportunity

La Plata County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your request to HRHelpDesk@lpcgov.org.