Community Services Director / Assistant Manager

Salary : $81,050.00 Annually
Location : Columbus
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number:
Department: Administration (County)
Opening Date: 11/04/2026
Closing Date: 12/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
General Statement of Duties
The Community Services Director is a member of the leadership team of Polk County Local Government. The position works under the direct supervision of the County Manager to carry out duties, responsibilities, roles and projects; both routine and complex in circumstances. The individual in this position is accountable for executing a diverse range of assignments, including public communication, within the defined scope and authority of the role.

Examples of Duties

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Performs administrative duties and/or compiles data for projects or reports as assigned.
• Must be proficient in locating, writing and managing grants.
• Maintains timing, budgeting, and implementation of projects; cradle to grave.
• Interacts with the County Manager on a daily basis.
• Provides sound, competent, and professional leadership.
• Promotes positive employer/employee relations at all levels in the organization.
• Interacts with department heads, ensuring adherence to safety, established policies, procedures and standards.
• Promotes teamwork to avoid duplication of services and assures meeting customer expectations and satisfaction.
• Represents the County on various committees and boards related to department activities and responsibilities.
• Investigates and addresses disputes and inquiries, as necessary, as requested by the County Manager.
• Maintains confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and town/county rules and regulations.
• Attends commissioner meetings and other meetings, hearings, or conferences as assigned. May be called on to present or gather information and stays abreast of changes in programs and technology.
• Prepares information for and participates in presentations on topics of interest to residents.
• Works with Polk County citizens on a variety of public-related issues.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs related duties as required and other duties as assigned by the County Manager.
• Serves as Manager in the absence and at the discretion of the County Manager.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge for interpreting and applying policies, plans and codes.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and operating requirements of Local Government services including budget management.
• Leadership and management skills.
• Communications and customer relations skills.
• Diplomacy while working with all peoples.
• Efficient, effective and courteous verbal and written communications, while providing instruction / inspection of the work of others, through memos and correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with County officials, staff, vendors, other governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify consequences, propose actions and implement recommendations in support of success.
• Ability to set work priorities and delegate, direct, guide and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to demonstrate independent judgment and discretion in decision-making for areas of responsibility.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Requirements and Experience

• Graduation from four-year college or university with a major in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Relations, or related field.
• A combination of education and equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years-experience in public sector employment.
• Project management experience required.
• Grant management experience required.
• Successful pre-employment drug screen.
• Successful criminal Background check.

Physical Demands
The ability to perform all duties associated with the position including, but not limited to lifting, prolonged standing, driving, sitting, bending, stooping, and operating or performing work with associated tools and machines.
We offer a complete benefits package to Full-time regular (FTR) employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance plan, referral program, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time regular (PTR) employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.