County Administrator
Job Code: County Administrator – 200
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Business Unit: 200 – Office of County Administrator
Reports To: Commissioners Court
Job Department: Executive
Salary: $411,964/Annually*
* A countywide review of salaries is in process and could lead to an adjustment of the salary range for this position.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Harris County is the third most populous county in the United States, with a workforce of over 17,000 employees across more than 70 offices, departments, and agencies. Within this structure, the Office of County Administration provides oversight and coordination for 15 non-elected departments and offices. The County Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer, reporting directly to the Commissioners Court—the County’s elected governing body. The County Administrator works under the direction and authority of Commissioners Court. Furthermore, the County Administrator is responsible for overseeing the implementation and tracking of the Harris County Strategic Plan, which Commissioners Court adopted in October 2024, and executing policy directives and budgetary decisions.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the implementation of the Harris County Strategic Planpolicy directives, and budgetary decisions, to ensure alignment with Court priorities.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of the Deputy County Administrator(s) and their assigned departments, as determined by the Court.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Commissioners Court and applicable county departments, promoting clear communication, accountability, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with the Court on hiring department heads and senior executives, including facilitating interviews and presenting final recommendations for ratification.
• Support the performance evaluation of department heads, ensuring assessments reflect the Court’s expectations, priorities, and the goals and guiding principles laid out in the Harris County Strategic Plan.
• Provide timely updates to the Court on critical operational matters, including budget, staffing, emergencies, and other high-profile issues.
• Direct the preparation and administration of the County’s annual budget and ensure responsible fiscal management.
• Represent the County in selected interactions with other government entities, private sector partners, and community organizations.
• Promote interdepartmental collaboration, shared goals, and continuous improvement across county operations.
• Assist newly elected and appointed officials with their transition into office through training and interdepartmental support.
• Serve as the County Budget Officer with the rights and responsibilities set forth in statute.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Commissioners Court, maintaining transparency and alignment with the Court’s vision and priorities.
• Employees are responsible for executing the duties and responsibilities listed below, as well as any other duties as assigned. Some positions may require employees to work before, during, or after an emergency or disaster, at the department's discretion.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Deep understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices in the public sector.
• Ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and accountability where leadership growth is supported at all levels of the organization.
• Deep understanding of public policy, local government operations, and county administration best practices.
• Proven ability to lead complex organizational change and drive measurable improvements.
• Strong commitment to mission-driven, service-oriented, and data-informed leadership.
• Demonstrated success in advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in public service.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Skilled in managing cross-functional teams and navigating internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Sound judgment and creativity in planning and executing programs and services.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.
• High ethical standards and commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Proficient in strategic planning, policy development, and program evaluation.
• Experienced in budget development, administration, and financial oversight.
• Capable of assessing and addressing operational needs across a large, complex organization.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This role is primarily office-based with routine use of standard equipment and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds. It also requires attendance at Commissioners Court meetings in a formal public setting. The position involves prolonged sitting, occasional walking, and high-level mental demands, including managing complex priorities, making strategic decisions, and maintaining professionalism in high-pressure or public-facing environments.
POSITION TYPE AND PHYSICAL WORK
This is a full-time position with typical work hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Occasional weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on the specific needs and
demands of the department.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree (note: one year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education); Master’s or other Postgraduate degree in a relevant field preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior managerial role managing complex administrative functions.
• Multiple years of experience working in a large organization preferred.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with elected officials preferred.
DISCLAIMER
This Job Description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Position Reports To: Commissioners Court
Supervises Positions: Various
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Email Resume: CountyAdministrator@recruiting-source.com
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