County Administrator- Fayette County

About the role

Fayette County is a rural community located in west central Ohio, encompassing 406.4 square miles with a population of approximately 29,000. Long known for its agricultural roots and light manufacturing base, the county is experiencing new growth, spurred by the development of the Midwest Mega Commerce Center and its strategic location along I-71 and US-35—placing Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton within an hour’s drive. The County operates under the leadership of a three-member Board of Commissioners and has a FY26 budget of approximately $26 million.

Position Description

Fayette County is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, and experienced professional to serve as County Administrator. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of county government, implementing policies set by the Board of Commissioners, and driving strategic initiatives that support the county’s growth and long-term sustainability. The position is governed by ORC 305.29–305.30.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as administrative head of county operations, enacting Board resolutions and policies.
• Attend all Board meetings when required, providing professional, decision-ready materials.
• Lead strategic planning and policy development sessions, keeping Commissioners informed and engaged.
• Cook up with elected officials and independent agencies to align county-wide initiatives.
• Provide visionary leadership and foster a culture of teamwork and innovation across departments.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of county operations and services; supervise activities of all county divisions under the Board’s jurisdiction.
• Prepare and submit the annual county budget, advise the Board on fiscal status, and manage cash flow, grant oversight, and debt strategy.
• Manage the county’s budget, financial planning, and reporting, including identifying and funding new initiatives.
• Administer contracts and claims, adhering to Board-authorized limits.
• Serve as a liaison between the Board of Commissioners, county departments, local elected officials, and the public.
• Promote and communicate the full range of services offered by county departments.
• Serve as the official county representative in engagements with community organizations, local governments, regional partners, and intergovernmental agencies, facilitating two-way communication and providing timely updates.
• Support review and alignment of county initiatives with the county’s strategic plan.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in county operations.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Proven leadership in public sector management, with emphasis on collaboration, project management, and strategic planning.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and fiscal trend interpretation.
• Talent for navigating negotiation and collective bargaining processes.
• Ability to prepare and present complex reports, legal documents, and policy recommendations.
• Savvy in policy development, implementation, and review.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Understanding of organizational culture and employee engagement strategies.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving community needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and impartiality in sensitive county matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, Business Management, or a related field (required). Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field (preferred).
• Minimum of five years of direct public administration experience.
• Experience working with rural communities and economic development initiatives.
• Background in intergovernmental relations and grant administration.
• Demonstrated success in leading organizations through periods of transition.

Salary Range and Benefits

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include: paid leave, holidays, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), OPERS retirement plan and deferred compensation options; Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following by May 15, 2026: - Letter of interest - Resume including references - Completed Fayette County employment application. Applications may be submitted via email to: Carla Melvin, HR Director, carla.melvin@fayette-co-oh.com