Township Administrator - Fairfield Township, Butler County

Township Administrator
Fairfield Township, Butler County

Job Title: Township Administrator
Department: Full-Time Permanent (exempt)
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Pay Classification: Dependent on Qualifications

Overview: Fairfield Township is currently accepting applications for the position of Township Administrator. Fairfield Township is a Home Rule Township that operates under the direction of the Board of Trustees. The Township Administrator is responsible for the overall administration of all Township departments, operations, and personnel. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community/Urban Planning, Political Science, Finance, or the equivalent. Commensurate experience will also be considered. A Master's Degree is preferred. Applicants must have a working knowledge of zoning, planning, civil engineering, human resources, economic development, and public policy development. Required experience of several years of progressively responsible leadership at a federal, state, or local government or corporate business level. A valid driver's license is required.

Salary is dependent on qualifications. In addition, the Township offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, a retirement program (OPERS), a generous Personal Time Off policy, FMLA, and paid holidays.  

Purpose: The Township Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer of Fairfield Township and is responsible for the day-to-day execution of the operations of the Township.

Scope: The responsibilities of this position include helping to plan, coordinate, and implement Township goals. The person will foster and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement with all departments and personnel and continuously strive for excellence in serving residents. Duties of the position are performed under the general direction of the Board of Trustees. 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Community/Urban Planning, Political Science or Finance. Master's Degree preferred.
• Must have a working knowledge of zoning, planning, civil engineering, human resources, economic development, or public policy development.
• Must have several years of progressively responsible leadership experience at a federal, state, or local government or corporate business level.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Capable of meeting all requirements of Ohio Revised Code Section 505.032.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Effective leadership.
• Highly proficient with computers and management information systems, especially Microsoft Office applications.
• A strong team player; able to multi-task.
• Effective communications - oral and written.
• Listening, public relations, and conflict management.
• Facilitating meetings and events.
• Planning, including defining metrics to track progress.
• Analyzing and resolving complex matters and using available resources to make informed decisions.
• Township form of government and applicable laws and regulations.
• Basic principles and practices of economic development, police, fire/EMS, zoning, and road and cemetery maintenance.
• Public budgeting and accounting principles.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Trustees in short and long-term financial, personnel, capital improvement, and economic development planning and priority setting.
  • In coordination with the Fiscal Office, prepare annual budgets based on revenue projections, service needs, and Township plans.
  • Review purchase orders, invoices, and contracts to ensure conformance to approved budgets; project and monitor expenditures.
  • Attend Board, committee, and other public meetings as needed. Prepare and distribute meeting agendas along with pertinent information. Represent the Township at conferences, training sessions, public meetings, or private functions as needed.
  • Negotiate and execute contracts for public services.
• Direct and supervise all Township operations through regular interaction with elected officials, department heads, employees, public consultants, and contractors.
  
  • Assess employee work duties, measure employee performance, and administer and enforce personnel policy directives.
  • Recommend to the Board of Trustees candidates for hire, promotion, discipline or termination.
  • Implement policies, procedures, and plans as approved by the Board of Trustees.
  • Lead the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of current services, seeking ways to best utilize Township resources. Seek alternative funding methods for public service.
• Foster constructive relationships with citizens, business owners, and other community stakeholders. Receive and respond to requests for services and facilitate solutions to public concerns.
• Communicate effectively (oral, written, and presentation):
  • Disseminate public information using a variety of communication tools.
  • Interact constructively with news media outlets. Issue news releases and coordinate and participate in media events as needed.
• Promote cooperation with other government agencies. Coordinate multiple-agency projects and joint efforts with other public and private agencies.
• Work closely with legal counsel to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal statutes and regulations related to Township government.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Financial expertise, including budgeting, cost analysis, and capital improvements, including the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code applicable to Townships.
• Experience with Economic Development tools, including Tax Increment Financing, Community Reinvestment Areas, Joint Economic Development Zone Administration, etc.
• Experience managing relationships and contract/union negotiations with public safety service organizations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of office management, personnel, financial, and administrative practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Title 5 of the Ohio Revised Code.
• Possesses experience in building consensus, educating, leading, and creating the environment for effective decision-making by elected officials.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE HELPFUL IN MANAGING TOWNSHIP OPERATIONS:

• Safety Services (Police/Fire/EMS)
• Public Works
• Parks and Recreation
• Planning and Zoning
• Township finances and debt
• Understanding of project management/procurement/consultant selection
• Understanding of infrastructure needs/enhancements
• Understanding and experience in achieving a bond rating
• Experience with creating and implementing a department-level budget
• Health and property/casualty insurance - including risk management, self-insured health insurance
• Experience with coordinated and shared services with other governmental entities

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The complete job description is available at www.fairfieldtwp.org and available upon request at 513-887-4400 or from Dianne French at dfrench@fairfieldtwp.org.

Qualified candidates should submit their resumes and cover letters to Dianne French at dfrench@fairfieldtwp.org.

All candidates are subject to comprehensive background checks.

This position is open until filled. The Board of Trustees will begin conducting interviews for the position during the first week of December 2024.

Fairfield Township is an equal-opportunity employer.