Introduction

The Board of Commissioners seeks to recruit a new County Administrator/Controller for Lapeer County. This individual must have the skills and experience to guide Lapeer County with an appropriate combination of financial and human resources acumen, collaborative leadership and operational skills.

Lapeer County is conveniently located just north of prosperous and highly populated Oakland County and adjacent to Macomb County. The City of Lapeer, which is the county seat, sports a downtown area that is a mix of historic sites, unique retail shops, and casual or fine dining. The downtown is anchored by the historic County Courthouse; built in 1846, it’s Michigan’s oldest operating courthouse. The Lapeer communities work well together and care deeply about their residents.

The population of Lapeer County is approximately 88,000 individuals and covers just over 663 square miles of which 20 square miles is water. The County is one of five counties that form the peninsula projecting into Lake Huron known as the Thumb. Residents enjoy a quiet, peaceful, family oriented, close-knit community that feels “up north,” but is within commuting distance to many commercial and cultural centers within Southeast Michigan.

With over 10,000 acres of woods, water, trails and parks, this mostly rural community is home to 32 public schools that serve over 12,000 students, and offers a multitude of family friendly recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, kayaking, cycling, horseback riding, and golf.

This position is the chief administrative officer of the County.

Under the general direction of the Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator/Controller is responsible for the following:

• Implementing policies and carrying out directives set by the board
• Preparing annual operating budget and providing financial management
• Overseeing all personnel and employee relations functions of the County
• Executing purchasing, data processing and grant activities initiatives
• Managing information technology programs and initiatives
• Negotiating labor agreements and handling grievances
• Working with with legal counsel on litigated matters
• Supervising staff and appointed department managers as assigned
• Providing administrative support to the Board and departments
• Assuring positive relationships with the public
• Coordinating public information
• Working with outside governmental and non-governmental agencies, including the State of Michigan, county courts, and local cities and towns within the County

Relevant Experience

We are seeking a collaborator and consensus builder with the appropriate experiences, including high level proven management expertise, and with a strong financial track record. 

This role has many facets and requires working with the decentralized government structure of a county. The successful candidate will be a project manager and community engager. Candidates should demonstrate a sense of passion for public service, and empathy for a wide range of perspectives and needs.

Experience with the following areas of subject matter is helpful:

• Collective Bargaining
• Community Development/ Economic Development/ Planning
• Understanding county level government and services
• Financial planning and budgeting (including profit and loss management)

Key Competencies

The next County Administrator must be a leader who embodies the spirit of public service and displays deep compassion for the community. This individual must foster a culture of open communication while collaborating with commissioners, neighborhood communities, local organizations, labor associations, businesses, and residents from across the County to achieve excellence.

In terms of the performance and competencies desired for the position, we would highlight the following:

Strong operational and financial skills; executes policies efficiently and effectively by championing best-in-class operational practices and a culture of operational excellence.

The ability to communicate effectively with a large number of stakeholders, delegate effectively, manage performance, and be widely viewed as a strong leader who engages and supports others.

A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in their approach to making decisions; the ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always taking into account what is best for Lapeer; demonstrates strong communication and teambuilding skills.

Naturally connects with and builds strong relationships with others; demonstrates strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Appreciates the wide range of experiences and perspectives in the community. Seeks to engage broadly.

An ability to inspire trust within the County, including elected officials, staff and residents through competence and passion for customer service, and an ability to get goals accomplished.

Education Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as finance, public administration, or business.
• Master’s degree is preferred.

To Apply

• Applications are requested by April 30, 2023.
• Candidates seeking confidentiality under Michigan law should clearly state their intentions.

Compensation Range: $120,000 - $175,000.