The Town of Hotchkiss, CO is seeking qualified applicants for Town Administrator. To view full posting go to: www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions.

The Town & Surrounding Community

The Town of Hotchkiss, CO is located in the North Fork Valley on the Western Slope of the Rockies, nearly 250 miles southwest of Denver and 90 miles by car to Aspen. At 5,350 feet in elevation and with a population just shy of 1,000, Hotchkiss is a family and arts-oriented town with a historic mining and agricultural background. In May 1900, the Town was officially incorporated and named for Enos T. Hotchkiss, who had staked an early land claim on the site where the Town is now situated. The Town was incorporated in 1900. The town’s namesake is an inductee into the Cowboy Hall of Fame. As the central hub of the North Fork Valley, Hotchkiss is a thriving, friendly community that cherishes its small-town charm and history, offering a high quality of life and excellent living opportunities for all, including a well-managed and resilient municipal infrastructure, focused growth, and a robust downtown and economy.

The town’s rich history is deeply rooted in mining, agriculture and farming. The semi-arid, high desert climate, and the clean air in the North Fork Valley attracted many early settlers, including those with lung ailments seeking a better quality of life. The area is still attractive to those who enjoy the benefits of living an all-around healthy lifestyle!

A very temperate climate and approximately 245 days of sunshine annually, makes Hotchkiss and the surrounding area an ideal location for outdoor recreation. Situated near the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the area is a popular destination for hiking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, paddle-boarding, cross-country skiing, and off-highway recreation. The nearby Gunnison River offers some of the best fly fishing around. Locals and visitors also enjoy many community activities and traditions, such as the Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials, and the Delta County Fair with its two rodeos, community BBQ and demolition derby.

Agriculture is a primary economic driver. True farm-to-table dining and wine tasting are part of the culture due to the many local farms, orchards and vineyards producing fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables and wines.

Appreciation for the arts is also deeply rooted in the local culture, exemplified by the Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association and the Town’s restored Creamery, now the Creamery Arts Center. Hotchkiss and nearby Paonia and Crawford are all home to galleries, showrooms, performance spaces and public art. The North Fork Valley is a “Certified Colorado Creative District; many creatives and artisans live and work here. To learn more, go to: Home | Town of Hotchkiss

Hotchkiss is proud of its excellent schools as part of Delta County School District Number 50. The Hotchkiss pre-K-8 school (approximately 300 students) provides an innovative learning model with a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio rarely found in public schools. North Fork High School, with a diverse student body of approximately 275 students and a 15:1 student teacher ratio, is known for its Advanced Placement participation rate of 54%. Locals and visitors have convenient access to commercial flights that operate out of the nearby Montrose and Grand Junction Airports.

Hotchkiss is a full-service town and statutory municipality, governed by a Mayor and six- member Board of Trustees (BOT). The Town operates under the Trustee-Administrator form of government with the Mayor and Board Members all elected to four-year terms. The BOT sets policy and performs general oversight.

The Position

The Town Administrator is a new position for Hotchkiss, and has been created to professionalize and centralize the administrative responsibilities of the Town. The Town Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town under the direction and control of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees. The Town Administrator is responsible for implementing policies, managing town staff, and ensuring the effective delivery of public services.

Key duties include preparing the annual budget, coordinating with various departments, and serving as the primary liaison between the town government and the community. The Town Administrator also works on strategic planning and development projects to promote the town's growth and well-being.

The Town Administrator has four (4) direct reports: the Chief of Police, Public Works Director, Building Inspector and the Town Clerk (total staff size, 13-17).

The Administrator is responsible for implementation of policies established by the Board of Trustees. The Town Administrator develops and implements policies and procedures with the Board of Trustees and the department heads; works with the public on a daily basis; strives to maximize public satisfaction with municipal services; serves as a liaison between the Board of Trustees and community stakeholders; serves as Human Resources Director, performs analytical and policy research and is responsible for coordination of legal matters with the municipal attorney.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, a great climate, engaging with residents and business partners, building community and making a lasting meaningful impact, this may be the position for you.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and three to five (3-5) years of demonstrated leadership experience in local government or a business or non-profit administration, communications or a related field.

An advanced degree in public administration, business administration, planning or a related field is preferred.

A combined equivalent of education, certifications, other credentials and experience which provide the applicant the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job may be considered.

Applicants should also exhibit organizational skills and knowledge necessary to provide for the proper public administration of Town government; to prioritize and accomplish Town business affairs; and to organize and administer various government programs, projects, and activities.

The Ideal Candidate

• A strong leader who is eager to embrace the Hotchkiss community and be a visible presence.

• An excellent communicator who is engaging and transparent, and maintains positive and effective working relationships with staff, elected officials, community members and other key stakeholders.

• A visionary who is experienced with annual strategic planning and prioritization of Board, staff and community goals.

• A professional, who is experienced with leveraging partnerships, grants, and other funding steams to enhance what Hotchkiss can do with limited municipal revenues.

• An experienced successful municipal professional with working knowledge of public administration including municipal finance and budgets; grant writing; human resources; public works; water/wastewater management; public safety; capital projects; housing; population/job growth; community recreation; environmental initiatives/sustainability strategies; tourism; and economic and community development. Must be comfortable and adept at “wearing many hats”.

• Has proven project management skills and successfully manages multiple priorities.

• A hands-on manager/administrator and mentor who is ethical, fair and accessible, and fosters a healthy and inclusive work environment and organizational culture comprised of team members who are prepared and eager to meet the challenges of running a municipality.

Opportunities & Challenges

The new Town Administrator has the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in this beautiful and vibrant community and will be challenged with the following.

Building a strong organizational culture through transparent policies, and building and ensuring equity throughout the departments.

Developing a succession plan for several retirements that are anticipated in the next 1-2 years.

Financing a capital improvement plan paired with strategic planning for essential infrastructure on a long- term basis.

Modernizing processes to increase efficiency, transparency, and customer service.

Visioning new opportunities for economic development and leadership during a period of transitions and creativity for the Town.

Working with staff to ensure all municipal policies, procedures and codes are up to date and in compliance with applicable Federal laws, State statutes and regulations.

Ensuring the protection of existing water rights and future sufficient water availability.

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring Range: $125,000—$150,000– Depending on Qualifications

The Town offers a comprehensive benefit package to include health, dental, vision and life insurance, enrollment in the FAMLI leave program, an accrual of paid vacation and sick leave, in addition to 13 paid holidays per year. The Town also provides access to a 457(b) plan.

A cell phone is provided by the Town. The Town Administrator will be required to live within 15-20 miles of Hotchkiss unless Board of Trustees approves a different mileage requirement based on circumstances. A moving/relocation allowance is negotiable.

Apply Online at www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions

Provide a cover letter, resume and six (6) professional references. Deadline: May 18, 2026, 5:00 PM MT.

Questions?

KRW Associates LLC is assisting the Town of Hotchkiss with this search. Questions should be directed to: Executive Search & Consulting | KRW Associates or to KRW Associates Managing Partner Lorne Kramer | 719-310-8960, or KRW Senior Associates Mark Collins | 307-460-1941 or Gina McGrail | 303-249-9572.

The Town of Hotchkiss is an equal opportunity employer.

KRW Associates

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