Description

Rockbridge County is seeking an experienced professional to serve as County Administrator responsible for implementing the Board of Supervisors’ vision and directing programs and operations of the county government. The new Administrator will succeed the previous County Administrator who is retiring after 14 years in the position.
This recruitment profile provides background information on the community, its government operations, and its aspirations. It also outlines the qualifications, experience, and characteristics determined to be necessary and desirable for successful performance as County Administrator.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references, to Berkley Group via email at kimball.payne@bgllc.net. While the position is open until filled, the formal review of applicants will begin September 4, 2026.The Board of Supervisors appoints a County Administrator to act as the administrative head of the county. The County Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors, carries out its policies, and directs business procedures. He or she is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the county government and manages and supervises all departments, agencies, and offices of the county except for the County Attorney who reports directly to the Board of Supervisors.

The County Administrator is responsible for developing and, upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors, implementing annual operating and capital budgets. He or she recommends policies and priorities for the Board of Supervisors’ consideration and leads the county workforce in delivering services and responding to citizen issues or concerns. The County Administrator serves as the official Clerk to the Board, as the county’s Purchasing Agent and as the Director of Emergency Management. He or she also serves as a member of local and regional committees, commissions, or authorities, and as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and constitutional officers; the judiciary; regional, state, and local agencies; and community organizations.

Requirements

The following education and experience factors are the expected qualifications for successful performance:

• A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business management, political science, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible senior level executive management experience as a chief or deputy chief administrative officer, or department head, in a high performing, comparably sized or larger, locality, business, or non-profit organization with a wide range of duties in operations and management; possessing a broad skill set appropriate to the breadth of county government operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of public administration, local government financial management, economic development, and the broad array of local government operations and service delivery.
• An understanding of the statutory authority and requirements of county government and dedication to the principles of the board of supervisors/manager form of governance. Local government experience in Virginia would be a plus.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA). Designation as an ICMA Credentialed Manager is a plus.
• Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.

Compensation for the County Administrator will be competitive depending on qualifications and experience. The Board of Supervisors has identified a hiring range of $180,000-220,000. The successful candidate will be offered a generous benefits package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health insurance coverage, paid time off, deferred compensation, professional development support, and other benefits as provided for all county employees or identified in a negotiated employment agreement.

A formal review of applications will begin on September 4, 2026, and those candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely match the those outlined in this profile will be contacted for initial virtual interviews. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled; however, timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references, to Berkley Group, via email at kimball.payne@bgllc.net.

To view full recruitment profile, click here.