Salary: $175,752.00 - $237,265.00 Annually
Location : Polk County Admin. Bldg., 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 27-1050
Department: Polk County Board of Supervisors Office
Opening Date: 11/04/2026
Closing Date: 11/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: DH
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat/Sun Off)
Bargaining Unit: Department Head/Director
Salary Grade: 22
Location: Administration Building
Under the administrative direction of the County Administrator, serves as the County's second-ranking administrative executive and assists in the overall management and coordination of county operations. Exercises substantial independent judgment within delegated authority to oversee assigned departments, divisions, and administrative staff, direct Budget Office operations, resolve complex operational issues, and implement Board of Supervisors policies and the County Administrator priorities. Translates policy direction and strategic priorities into operational plans, establishes performance expectations for assigned leaders, monitors results, and implements corrective action within delegated authority. Accountable for financial stewardship, departmental performance, organizational improvement, and delivery of major initiatives. Departmental assignments may be modified by the County Administrator to meet organizational needs.
Illustrative Examples of Work - Provides executive operational leadership by directing and integrating the work of assigned departments, establishing operating expectations, resolving cross-departmental issues, and ensuring services are delivered effectively and in alignment with approved priorities. Identifies organizational opportunities and significant risks and elevates matters requiring county Administrator or Board action with clear recommendations.
- Supervises and evaluates assigned directors, managers, and professional staff, setting annual goals and performance measures, conducting regular reviews, requiring corrective plans when necessary, and exercising delegated personnel authority.
- Directs the Chief Budget Officer and oversees the Budget Office operations, including budget development, financial monitoring, and multiyear planning and forecasting; leads preparation and coordination of operating and capital budgets, evaluates departmental requests, staffing proposals, revenue assumptions, service levels, and capital priorities, and presents recommendations to support long-range planning and informed decision-making; identifies emerging pressures and directs corrective actions while coordinating with the Auditor, Treasurer, and other responsible offices on financial information and controls.
- Develops policy recommendations and implements approved policies within delegated authority; reviews organizational structures, staffing, workflows, and service delivery; leads improvements that produce documented gains in effectiveness, cost, timeliness, or service quality.
- Leads major multi-department initiatives by establishing scope, milestones, responsible parties, funding requirements, and success measures; directs the gathering and analysis of data to establish ongoing review of both new and existing county programs; resolves obstacles, monitors cost and schedules, and provides regular progress reports to the County Administrator; identifies new opportunities to develop programs, procedures, and/or policies to algin with the county's vision, mission, and goals.
- Oversees county-wide procurement and contract administration, grant coordination, and monitoring of County-funded initiatives; evaluates financial and operational implications, establishes deliverables and reporting requirements, and monitors performance, compliance, and use of funds; directs the ongoing review of existing County contracts to ensure they remain effective, efficient, and are of the highest quality, and recommends improvements or corrective actions as needed.
- Oversees the administrative process for Board agendas and supporting materials. Ensures recommendations identify the requested action, policy considerations, fiscal impact, alternatives, and implementation responsibilities. Coordinates follow-through on Board decisions and provides substantive analysis and presentations as assigned.
- Supports the Board of Supervisors in its governance role and coordinates responses to individual supervisor requests in accordance with established County Administrator protocols. Exercises personnel, policy, contracting, and expenditure authority only as delegated. Collaborates with independently elected officials and separately governed entities to advance county objectives while respecting their independent authority and statutory responsibilities.
- Oversees county-wide communication and public relations activities; ensures effective strategy development and implementation. Represents the County in interactions with officials, community partners, other jurisdictions, and boards or commissions as designated. Directs the communication of authorized County positions, coordinating significant or sensitive matters with the County Administrator.
- Coordinates assigned operational responses to disruptions and emerging issues, including supporting continuity planning, addressing administrative risks with responsible parties, and maintaining communication with the County Administrator regarding significant personnel, financial, operational, or public concerns.
- Builds effective leadership teams, supports employee development and succession planning, and establishes expectations for respectful conduct, collaboration, responsive public service, and responsible use of public resources. Performs related executive and administrative duties as assigned
- Performs related duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Thorough knowledge of executive management, public administration, organizational leadership, and the operation of complex public organizations.
- Through knowledge of public budgeting, financial forecasting, capital planning, fiscal analysis, and methods for evaluating service costs and financial sustainability.
- Considerable knowledge of county governmental structure, intergovernmental relationships, and applicable laws, regulations, and policies; ability to identify issues requiring legal or specialized advice.
- Knowledge of personnel management, procurement, contract management, grant oversight, project management, and performance measurement.
- Ability to lead through department directors and managers, establish clear accountability, address performance concerns, and deliver results across organizational boundaries.
- Ability to evaluate complex financial and operational information, assess risk, compare alternatives, and make sound, timely recommendations and decisions.
- Ability to convert broad policy direction into executable plans, manage competing priorities, and complete major initiatives with limited day-to-day direction.
- Ability to resolve conflict and advance organizational decisions professionally.
- Ability to communication complex or sensitive matters clearly in writing and presentations; exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate sound political judgment and professional impartiality.
- Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and discretion in responding to constituent or employee inquires and/or complaints and dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County official employees and representatives from other agencies, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
Training and Experience - Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, economics, or a closely related field, and
- Eight years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, organizational management, budgeting, finance, or a related field, including at least four years supervising professional staff or managers and directing significant programs, departments, or organizational functions, or
- An equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Significant experience developing or managing substantial budgets, leading organizational improvements, and delivering complex initiatives involving multiple departments or stakeholders is required.
- Master's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Senior management experience in county or municipal government is preferred.
Special Requirements- A criminal background check is required.
- A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
- A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
- Must be available for meetings outside normal business hours and administrative response to urgent operational matters.
Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.
01
Please select your highest level of education.
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctorate
02
Do you have a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, organizational management, budget/finance or related field?
03
Do you have a minimum of 4 years experience supervising professional staff and/or other management?
04
Please provide an example below where you have developed or managed substantial budgets OR led organizational improvements within the last 1-2 years.
Required Question
