Chief Administrative Officer - Fire

The Boise Fire Department is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer to provide executive leadership and overall management of the department’s Business Services Division. This position oversees supervisory, administrative, and professional services that support the department’s business operations and long-range goals. As an active member of the department’s executive management team, the role plays a key role in shaping short- and long-range strategy and provides leadership on administrative operations, policies, and procedures. The position works closely with the Fire Chief and department leadership to advance organizational priorities and ensure initiatives are carried through to successful completion.

About the Role

This executive-level position operates with considerable independence, judgment, and discretion in the performance of assigned responsibilities, working under the administrative direction and overall intent of the Fire Chief. Offers are made within the posted hiring range to ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position.

Responsibilities

• Oversees a group of managers and supervisors in a specific area; develops and implements related management policies for the assigned department(s); and evaluates the success of lower-level managers.
• Manages all facets of administrative services for the department.
• Provides objective analysis of current administrative functions and processes, identifies opportunities for change, and communicates service alternatives to department leadership, the mayor, and council.
• Facilitates consensus and restructuring of administrative processes, staffing, and functions.
• Manages administrative and change management processes to realize identified efficiencies.
• Serves as a liaison with other city departments regarding administrative, financial, and employment matters.
• Develops and manages strategic planning and project management efforts following citywide objectives and processes.
• Creates and maintains the department's project portfolio, anticipating needs for change management.
• Develops, leads, and monitors short- and long-range project and program management initiatives, including operational efficiencies, process improvements, interdepartmental coordination, policy development, and employee performance management.
• Defines and oversees contract development and management, audit reviews, and the department grievance process.
• Conducts or deploys resources for data analyses to support fiscal and business planning, policy development, and standards of cover.
• Develops and monitors department benchmarks and performance measures.
• Collaborates with the finance team on the operating budget and financial matters.
• Performs economic and financial analyses of proposed programs/projects in cooperation with stakeholders.
• Monitors divisional budgets, ensuring compliance with constraints and department policy.
• Manages contracts, department policies, procedure processes, and union documents such as the Collective Labor Agreement.
• Ensures compliance with standards and policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, public administration, or a related field.
• Fifteen years of increasingly responsible management, supervisory, and administration experience, including years of experience in fire service administration/management.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to pass:
  • City of Boise background check (including criminal history and reference checks).
  • Driving record check.
  • Boise Police Department Criminal Justice Information System Background Check (BPD CJIS).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the mission and operations of providing public safety services.
• Principles and practices of public administration and office management.
• Effective supervision and performance management.
• Short- and long-range planning and service delivery techniques.
• Computer usage, including related software.
• Project and contract management techniques.
• How to gather, organize, and analyze management, financial, and related data.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, media relations, and conflict resolution.
• Experience with oversight of a multi-million-dollar annual budget.
• Ability to:
  • Build strong relationships and work collaboratively with department leadership.
  • Communicate technical information using strong written and presentation skills.
  • Provide leadership and motivation to employees.
  • Maintain confidentiality related to the area of work.
  • Exhibit initiative and problem-solving skills.
  • Direct diverse activities effectively.
  • Communicate effectively in English at a level necessary for job performance.
  • Perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Operate vehicles safely with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with governmental budgeting processes and financial projections/models.
• A proven track record as an effective administrator and results-oriented team member with a professional presence and positive interpersonal style.

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Efforts:
  • Frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds; rarely up to 20 pounds.
  • Frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds; rarely up to 20 pounds.
  • Noise level is occasionally moderate and rarely very loud.
  • Sensory abilities include talking, hearing, and touch.
  • Work includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
  • Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and grasp.
  • Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
• Working Environment:
  • Primarily inside conditions.
  • Driving a vehicle as part of the position.

Benefits

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family.
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b.
• 10 hours of vacation per month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• 10 weeks paid parental leave.
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive.
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass.
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost.