Director of Administrative Services and Organizational Effectiveness

About the Position

The Director of Administrative Services and Organizational Effectiveness is a senior executive leader responsible for advancing organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, customer experience, and strategic service delivery across the City of Oshkosh. Reporting directly to the City Manager, this position provides executive leadership and oversight for the City Clerk’s Office, Human Resources, Risk Management, Information Technology, and other administrative functions as assigned.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director serves as a strategic partner in strengthening internal operations, modernizing systems and organizational practices, improving service delivery, and aligning resources with City priorities and long-term goals. This role helps drive innovation, accountability, cross-departmental collaboration, and organizational sustainability while fostering a culture focused on continuous improvement and exceptional public service.

A Transformational Leadership Opportunity

• Serve as a key strategic partner to the City Manager and Executive Leadership Team. Help lead Citywide initiatives, organizational priorities, and operational improvements while fostering collaboration, accountability, and alignment across departments. Serve as Acting City Manager when assigned.
• Lead initiatives focused on organizational improvement, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Evaluate systems, workflows, and administrative practices to modernize operations and strengthen service delivery across the organization.
• Provide executive oversight for Human Resources, Information Technology, Risk Management, the City Clerk’s Office, and other assigned administrative functions. Support workforce planning, organizational development, policy implementation, and effective governance practices.
• Advance customer-focused service delivery by improving responsiveness, accessibility, and coordination across departments. Utilize data, feedback, and performance metrics to support continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
• Support digital transformation and technology modernization initiatives across the organization. Align technology investments and systems improvements with organizational priorities, operational needs, and long-term strategic goals.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement. Build strong relationships with elected officials, staff, community stakeholders, and regional partners while helping guide the organization through change and growth.

Oshkosh Overview

• The City of Oshkosh operates under the Council–Manager form of government since 1956.
• The City Council consists of seven members, elected at-large to staggered two-year terms, including the Mayor, who serves as both presiding officer and voting member. The City Manager, appointed by and serving at the discretion of the Council, functions as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all operations, implementing Council policies, and managing budgets, programs, and departmental leadership.
• The City is a full-service municipality with departments including the City Clerk’s Office, Finance, Fire, Administrative Services, Legal, Parks, Community Development, Police, Public Works, Public Museum, and Transportation.
• The FY2026 budget totals more than $248 million, with a general fund budget exceeding $63 million. Oshkosh holds an AA3 bond rating and an equalized value of $6.6 billion.
• The city is located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley, about 90 miles north of Milwaukee and 50 miles south of Green Bay. It is the largest municipality in Winnebago County and the ninth largest city in the state.
• Oshkosh offers a robust education system, including the highly rated public school district, several private schools, Fox Valley Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, which has approximately 13,000 students.
• The city provides quality health care services from providers like Ascension NE Wisconsin, Aurora Medical Center, and a new Froedtert ThedaCare Health campus under construction.
• Oshkosh is known for its waterfront lifestyle and year-round outdoor activities, earning national recognition as one of the best places to live and raise children.
• The city hosts annual events such as the Oshkosh Farmers Market, complementing year-round recreation. It is also home to the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA G League team.

The Ideal Candidate

The City of Oshkosh seeks a strategic, collaborative leader who thrives in a complex public-sector environment and is passionate about organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, and exceptional public service. They are an innovative problem-solver who can lead change, improve systems and processes, and align operations with City priorities while navigating complex organizational and political environments with professionalism and sound judgment. The Director of Administrative Services and Organizational Effectiveness serves as a trusted advisor and strong relationship-builder who works effectively with elected officials, staff, and community stakeholders. They will foster collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and a culture focused on responsiveness, innovation, and service excellence.

Expected Hiring Range

$150,000 - $165,000 (DOQ)

Excellent Benefits Package Includes

• Exceptional insurance, benefits and time-off program.
• Enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Pension.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in municipal government, public administration, or a similarly complex organization.
• Significant experience leading organizational improvement, administrative operations, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience implementing technology modernization and operational transformation efforts.
• Knowledge of budgeting, strategic planning, organizational development, human resources, risk management, and municipal operations.
• Experience working closely with executive leadership teams, elected officials, and diverse stakeholder groups.