GovHRUSA
Walton County, FL (pop. 75,305) – The Board of County Commissioners seeks a County Administrator to join their Leadership Team, employees, community partners and residents in further growing and developing a resilient and sustainable community. Walton County is located on the Emerald Coast in the panhandle of Florida, with its southern border on the Gulf of Mexico. Its county seat is DeFuniak Springs, and the county has a total area of 1,240 square miles, of which 1,038 square miles is land and 202 square miles (16.3%) is water. The county is one of the largest in area in the state, stretching from the Alabama state line to the Emerald Coast.
Walton County saw an almost 40% population growth between the 2010 and 2020 census. The 26 miles of sugary beaches are an attraction to many residents as well as visitors to the area. Incorporated areas of Walton County include the City of DeFuniak Springs, the City of Freeport and the Town of Paxton.
The City of DeFuniak Springs has many of the homes built in early years, by visitors to the Florida Chautauqua who moved here from the north, along with businesspeople of the time, still stand.
The City of Freeport is the crossroads between North and South Walton County. Situated along the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay only 15 minutes from the Beaches of South Walton, Freeport has maritime roots that continue to support a thriving barge port today. The Town of Paxton is nestled just south of the Alabama state line in the northernmost part of Walton County. This community is home to the highest point in the state of Florida and is a logical stopping point for much of the leisure-oriented traffic passing through.
Walton County's tourism economy is heavily rooted in the scenic beaches that wind along the 26 miles of the Emerald Coast. Scenic Highway 30-A winds along for the Gulf of Mexico for 25 miles and highlights a vast variety of beach towns, each of which has a distinct personality. From the world-renowned architectural splendor of Seaside to the "old Florida" look of Dune Allen Beach, from the master-planned town center of Rosemary Beach to the flair of Grayton Beach, there is a discovery around every bend. To the west of Highway 30-A, the mega-resort Sandestin (Walton County's largest private employer) offers golf and distinctive accommodations spanning from the gulf to the bay.
The five-member Board of County Commissioners (Board) is the governing body of Walton County and serves as the legislative branch of county government. Commissioners are elected in staggered years and shortly after the beginning of a new fiscal year, the members of the Board elect a chairperson and vice chairperson. The County Administrator is appointed by the Board and serves as the county’s chief administrative officer to ensure the effective management of operations and facilities. The County Administrator provides managerial direction to departments under the authority of the Board; provides oversight of budgets and capital expenditures; and conducts activities to promote effective public and media relations. The county currently employs 460 full-time employees and 50 part-time/seasonal employees. The total 2022 County Budget was $239 million.
Successful candidates will ideally possess the following qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in public administration, public policy, business, or related field, with a Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university specializing in Public/Business Administration or related discipline preferred.
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience as a County/City Manager or an Assistant County/City Manager, including extensive experience at a senior level interacting with elected officials and other stakeholder groups.
The minimum base salary for the position is $150,000 and is negotiable based upon qualifications and experience. Walton County also offers an outstanding fringe benefit package. Interested candidates should apply online by February 3, 2023, with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five (5) professional references online and to the attention of Sarah McKee, Senior Vice President, GovHR USA, Tel: 847-380-3240, EXT 120.
Walton County is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. Applications may be subject to Florida Sunshine Laws.
Application Deadline: February 3, 2023
Posted: 2023-04-25
