ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (Non-Merit)

CLASS SPECIFICATION

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is the highest appointed, executive level position in the Executive Branch responsible for managing the daily operations of County Government. Contacts are with high ranking legislative and executive officials within County, State and Federal Governments, officials of equivalent rank in other governmental jurisdictions, and private sector and community organizations and groups. The purposes of the contacts include presenting, justifying and defending controversial positions where conflicting and opposing viewpoints, goals and objectives are strongly advocated and must be reconciled to develop suitable alternatives or arrive at acceptable compromises.

The employee in this class directs the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of a diverse range of policies, programs and services in support of the County Executive's established missions and goals. The work involves overseeing the activity of all Executive departments, offices and agencies; advising the County Executive on operational, administrative and policy matters; and coordinating management review and decision making on general operations of the government. The work is performed under guidelines and administrative direction given by the County Executive. The employee exercises total accountability for all matters associated with completing work assignments including determining the work to be done and the methods used to accomplish the desires of the County Executive. Results of the work are considered authoritative and evaluated in terms of the County Government's achievement of mission objectives and legally mandated requirements. Guidelines consist of broad policy statements and diverse legislation which require the employee to use considerable judgment in interpreting the intent of the county codes, laws and regulations and generating specific polices and direction for department, office and agency heads. The complexity of the work is reflected in the need for planning, directing and integrating a wide spectrum of governmental functions, programs and services. The work requires consideration of an extensive range of political, economic, social and legal issues, and development of solutions that accommodate conflicting objectives from a variety of organizations, groups, and individuals. The work affects all aspects of governmental operations and programs as well as all citizens in the County. The work of this class requires providing limited public service or assistance to others. The work is primarily sedentary, performed in a typical office setting, and subject to common everyday risks.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Exercises administrative supervision through County department heads and coordinates the operation of all County departments; resolves interdepartmental problems or conflicts.
Directs reviews of departmental and agency budget proposals; directs the planning for, preparation and implementation of the annual budget; recommends to the County Executive proposed expenditures, and maintains financial control over County wide expenditures; directs financial planning for annual and long term capital project programs.
Directs the development and establishment of comprehensive personnel policies to include collective bargaining, salary administration employment and employee benefit plans.
Directs the development and installation of administrative procedures and controls to maintain communication and adequate flow of information and to maintain adequate management control and direction of the government.
Confers with department heads and receives such reports as may be required to assure adherence to the County Executive's policies and completion of approved projects.
Develops and recommends to the County Executive new/revised legislation for submission to County Council concerning all aspects of County operations.
Recommends revenue raising measures, tax rates, and methods for financing capital improvements.
Performs related duties as required.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive (7 years) experience in directing a diversified organization in the public or private sector, four (4) years of which must have been in a managerial capacity.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Public or Business Administration or related fields.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of management.
Extensive knowledge of local government functions and organizations.
Extensive knowledge of operational, programmatic, and fiscal planning strategies as applicable to local government operations and management including organizational and personnel development theory and strategies.
Knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the Federal, State and County laws, statutes and ordinances, pertaining to local government operations.
Skill in planning, directing and coordinating an organization engaged in a large number of diverse programs.
Skill in analyzing, preparing, interpreting and applying provisions of Federal, State and Local legislation.
Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to develop defenses and justifications of decisions reached.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with government, civic, community and private sector groups.
Skill in negotiating agreements which accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints of numerous groups and organizations.

LICENSE:

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license when required for job related duties.

MEDICAL GROUP: III