Description

Frederick County is seeking an experienced professional to serve as County Administrator responsible for implementing the Board of Supervisors’ vision and directing programs and operations of the County government. The new Administrator will succeed the previous County Administrator who is retiring after five years in this position and after completing a long career in local government management in Florida.

THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
The Board of Supervisors appoints a County Administrator to act as the administrative head of the County. The County Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors, carries out its policies, and directs business procedures. He or she is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the county government and manages and supervises all departments, agencies, and offices of the County except for the County Attorney who reports directly to the Board of Supervisors.
The County Administrator is responsible for developing and, upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors, implementing annual operating and capital budgets. She or he recommends policies and priorities for the Board of Supervisors’ consideration and leads the County workforce in delivering services and responding to citizen issues or concerns. The County Administrator serves as the official Clerk to the Board. He or she also serves as a member of local and regional committees, commissions, or authorities, and as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and constitutional officers; the judiciary; regional, state, and local agencies; and community organizations.
The Board of Supervisors believes that the new County Administrator can expect to work with staff members that:

• Are excellent, capable and committed.
• Have servant hearts and a customer service mindset.
• Value learning and professional development.
• Are proud of their connections to Frederick County government and what government does to improve quality of life for individuals, families and the community as a whole.
• Are generally happy, have a positive outlook regarding the state of the County and are optimistic about the future.
• See opportunities for upward mobility within the County organization.
• Are excited about recent work developing and enhancing the organization’s culture and are eager for more.

Requirements

The following education and experience factors are the expected qualifications for successful performance:

• A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Ten years of senior level executive management local government in an organization of comparable size, complexity and responsibilities; possessing a broad skill set appropriate to the breadth of County government operations. Local government experience in Virginia as a chief administrative officer, deputy or assistant is highly preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of public administration, local government finance, local and regional planning and the statutory authority and requirements of county government.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development. Participation in organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA) or comparable professional organizations are preferred.
• Designation by ICMA as a Credentialed Manager is a plus.
• Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.
  Please note that the County Administrator is required to live in Frederick County. Establishment of permanent residency is expected within six months of start of employment.

Compensation for the County Administrator will be competitive with an expected starting range of $230,000-$280,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will also be offered a generous benefits package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health insurance coverage, paid time off, deferred compensation, professional development support and other benefits as identified in a negotiated employment agreement. Frederick County has a plethora of spousal employment opportunities if that is a need.

Initial review of candidates will begin on October 30, 2026. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. Timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume, with at least five professional references, to Berkley Group at karen.edmonds@bgllc.net.