The Opportunity:

The Associate Administrator will help manage the daily operations of a dynamic organization with a $208 million budget and 1,100 employees. This is a critical leadership role that supports the County Administrator. You will work as part of the executive management team, helping to guide and implement decisions across 27 departments. La Crosse County is a growing, vibrant community and our county government has a reputation for innovation and providing exceptional public services. The County Administrator sees this role as a direct pathway for people wishing to lead in a public sector agency. This is not a clerical or administrative assistant role. This public sector role is equivalent to an Associate Vice President or Vice President in the private sector.

Our Ideal Candidate:

A passion for public service, interest in strategic planning, and navigating complex organizational needs are valued. You will need excellent communication skills as you help lead and initiate new processes throughout the organization. The Associate Administrator will be a creative thinker with a broad base of knowledge who serves as a trusted advisor to the County Administrator. You will have the ability to translate complex topics into understandable language for the county board and community stakeholders. The perfect person for this position will share our belief in the key role local government plays in strengthening communities.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Acts with integrity and builds trust through demonstrated respect, humility, and honesty. Treats others with dignity.
• Encourages open communication. Actively listens and demonstrates open-minded thinking and willingness to accept other’s points of view. Engages stakeholders and effectively collaborates. Demonstrates the courage to speak out appropriately with leaders and peers even when your point of view is unpopular.
• Effectively communicates, collaborates, and aligns in decision-making.
• Employs vision and strategy to drive positive results by leading with clear goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. Seeks out new opportunities to drive results through new processes and initiatives. Evaluates and monitors to hold self and others accountable for results.
• Demonstrates ability to be flexible while informally influencing others through coaching, motivation, and team-minded thinking to arrive at solutions that provide positive outcomes for all stakeholders. Seeks feedback and listens to learn despite personal setbacks.
• Demonstrates agile thinking while understanding the dynamics of the organization and public influence and perception. Uses analytical skills, experience, and input from others to make critical decisions.
• Takes intelligent risks and leads the organization through change. Demonstrates perseverance by pushing through difficult and challenging situations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Coaches, supports, and develops county leaders to drive results.
• Works with leadership to deliver, monitor, and communicate progress on key organizational metrics.
• Partners with the leadership team to define, prepare, and communicate organizational plans, including quarterly, annual, and 5-year strategy.
• Supports Administrator in the preparation of board meetings and executive presentations.
• At the direction of the County Administrator, may serve as an interim department head or provide support and guidance for department heads in challenging situations.
• Utilizes both relationships and data to further develop programs and services to attract a more diverse workforce and include more voices in decision-making.
• Stays up to date on the status of major issues including assisting with monitoring State and Federal legislative issues affecting the County.
• This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

• Considerable knowledge of County Government and public administration operations.
• Ability to lead, plan, coordinate and build consensus in the accomplishment of work.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a combination of the following education and experience:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree, with a master's degree preferred in Public Administration or other related fields.
• Minimum 5 years leadership and managerial experience with local public sector / local government experience preferred.
• Demonstrated facilitation skills in leading group decision making processes across multiple departments, divisions, or agencies.

Employees in this class are offered a comprehensive benefit package including:
~Health Insurance
~Dental Insurance
~Life Insurance
~Wisconsin Retirement System
~Vacation
~Sick Leave
~Holidays
~Deferred Compensation
~Section 125 - Flexible Spending Account
For a more detailed overview of each of these benefits