Village Administrator

About the Role

The Village of Kewaskum (population 4,300) seeks a Village Administrator who is a collaborative, approachable, and service-oriented leader with strong communication, financial management, and organizational leadership skills. The ideal candidate will work closely with the Village Board, staff, and community partners to implement the Board’s vision while ensuring the efficient delivery of high-quality municipal services. This individual will be an effective problem solver who values transparency, accountability, and practical decision-making.

The Village Administrator serves as the Village of Kewaskum’s chief administrative officer, responsible for the effective leadership and management of all municipal operations and the implementation of policies established by the Village Board. Reporting directly to the Village Board, the Administrator provides strategic leadership across all Village departments, ensures the efficient delivery of municipal services, and fosters a collaborative organizational culture focused on exceptional customer service, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement.

About Kewaskum

Kewaskum is a vibrant and growing community in Washington County, conveniently located along U.S. Highway 45 between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac. Known for its small-town character, outstanding quality of life, and strong community pride, Kewaskum offers residents and businesses the perfect balance of rural charm and regional accessibility.

Outdoor recreation and community engagement are central to life in Kewaskum. The Village is home to Kiwanis Community Park, River Hill Park, Reigle Family Park, and the Wisconsin 9|11 Memorial, offering amenities including pickleball and tennis courts, playgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, athletic fields, sledding hills, picnic shelters, and year-round recreational opportunities. Community events such as Music in the Park, Party on the Pavement, Early Farm Days, and an active parks system contribute to a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.

Kewaskum is experiencing exciting momentum through strategic economic development initiatives guided by its Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Revitalization Plan. Recent investments in housing, mixed-use development, downtown revitalization, and Tax Increment Districts (TIF) are creating new opportunities for residents and businesses. The Village has successfully leveraged TIF to transform underutilized properties, encourage private development, and fund infrastructure improvements. Recent initiatives include the Blue Door District (supporting advanced manufacturing and job creation) and Smokey’s Crossing and the Downtown Revitalization Program (introducing new residential, commercial, and mixed-use development).

The Village is served by a dedicated team of employees across Administration, Library, Public Works, Utilities, and Police Departments, as well as a volunteer Fire Department. The Village Board and staff are committed to customer service, fiscal responsibility, and forward-thinking leadership.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief administrative officer, overseeing all municipal operations and implementing policies established by the Village Board.
• Provide strategic leadership across all Village departments to ensure efficient delivery of high-quality municipal services.
• Work collaboratively with the Village Board, staff, and community partners to advance the Board’s vision and strategic goals.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and practical decision-making.
• Lead economic development initiatives, including partnerships with developers, local businesses, and investment attraction efforts.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and personnel administration.
• Support infrastructure, housing, and downtown revitalization projects to enhance long-term economic sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or a closely related field (required).
• Master’s degree (preferred).
• Progressive municipal management experience with increasing leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, personnel management, strategic planning, and public administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and relationship-building abilities.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and political acumen.

Benefits

• Excellent insurance and benefits package.
• Enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

Pay

Hiring range: $130,000–$145,000 (dependent on qualifications).