Town Administrator

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Town of Pendleton operates under a Mayor-Council form of government in which the mayor serves as the Town’s chief executive/administrative officer. The Town Administrator will serve as the Mayor’s senior administrative professional and is responsible for the daily administration of Town operations. Responsibilities include implementing policies, ordinances, and directives established by the Mayor and Council, providing operational leadership, professional management, and strategic support to ensure efficient service delivery and effective implementation of Town priorities. Additionally, the administrator supervises department directors and staff, and coordinates work across departments to improve efficiency through collaboration.

Work is performed with significant professional discretion; however, policy direction, executive authority, and final decision-making authority remain with the Mayor and Town Council, as dictated by local ordinances and state law.

Town Resources & Employee Oversight

Town Staff: 31 FTE

Budget: $6.47M General Fund; $13.15M All Funds

To view the full position profile, please visit: Pendleton Town Administrator Profile 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management and Stewardship

• Prepare and present the annual operating and capital budgets for approval and adoption by the Mayor and Town Council.
• Administer the approved adopted budget and ensure compliance with Town financial policies and established procedures as well as with State and Federal law.
• Monitor the Town’s financial position by providing regular reports, forecasts, and recommendations to the Mayor and Council that support sound fiscal management and strong financial stewardship.
• Create awareness of potential budgetary issues, capital project expenditures, grant funding, and State or Federal legislation that may affect the Town’s current or future financial resources.
• Oversee purchasing, contracts, grants administration, and financial controls.
• Identify and pursue potential funding sources that could provide the necessary resources to complete capital projects or other initiatives outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Direction. This includes bond issuance and managing relationships with rating agencies and bond counsel.
• Ensure annual financial audit compliance as required by law.

Administration, Governance, and Organizational Leadership

• Direct, supervise, and coordinate the administrative activities and operations of the Town government as directed by the Mayor and Town Council.
• Administer all policies set forth by Mayor and Town Council and ensures that all Ordinances and laws are enforced.
• Assist the Mayor in carrying out executive responsibilities through coordination, analysis, and professional management support.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct throughout Town operations.
• Direct the activities of all Town departments and staff with consistent direction and authority lawfully directed or delegated by the Mayor and Town Council.
• Supervise department heads and key personnel, ensuring alignment with Town priorities and performance expectations.
• Administer personnel policies, classification, compensation and evaluation for all Town employees. Participate in personnel actions, including hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Establish performance measures and operational standards for departments and evaluate effectiveness.
• Coordinate assigned activities within departments and with outside agencies to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Town.

Strategic Planning, Capital Projects, and Operational Execution

• Support the Mayor and Town Council in strategic planning, capital improvement planning, and organizational goal setting.
• Lead long-range planning, research, and strategy development to advance the Council’s short- and long-term goals for walkability, connectivity, infrastructure, arts and culture, recreation, housing, and other Town services.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational plans, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Implement cross-departmental initiatives related to infrastructure, service delivery, growth, and community needs.
• Monitor trends that may impact Town operations, finances, and service levels.
• Manage capital projects through all phases, including initiation, pre-construction/planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout, with attention to schedule compliance, quality assurance, and legal requirements.
• Negotiate contracts, ensuring compliance with ordinances, laws, and direction of Mayor and Council.

• Serve as a primary administrative liaison between the Town government and residents, businesses, community organizations, and partner agencies.
• Represent the Town, consistent with local and state law and as directed by the mayor or council, in meetings with regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Respond to citizen concerns and service requests and ensure appropriate follow-up and resolution.
• Support transparent and professional communication with the public and media regarding Town operations.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts under the leadership of the mayor and in cooperation with public safety officials.
• Ensure continuity of Town operations during emergencies and compliance with emergency management requirements.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science, financial management, operations management, human resource management or a related field required.
• Five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in municipal administration or public sector operations.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in public administration or a closely related discipline preferred.
• Ten (10) or more years of progressive leadership experience in municipal administration or public sector operations preferred.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of municipal budgeting and financial management required.
• Strong personnel administration skills required.
• Knowledge and working understanding of current management principles and practices.
• Ability to embrace and encourage the use of technology and innovation across the organization to create operational efficiencies and to support the pursuit of established goals and strategic plans.
• Skilled in leading strategic planning processes, including developing associated work plans.
• Knowledge of economic development to include utilizing multiple revenue sources and public private partnerships.
• Ability to effectively negotiate contracts.
• Ability to manage capital projects through all phases from planning to closeout.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within a political–administrative structure.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage complex operations while supporting elected leadership.
• High ethical standards and commitment to public service.

The salary range at the time of hire is expected to be between $115,000 – $135,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with experience. The Town offers comprehensive benefits to complement the salary provided to staff.


TO APPLY

The application period will remain open until August 26th. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the FGP team with final review occurring the week of August 31^st.