Board Office Executive Director

Board Office Executive Director

Salary Range: $99,038.38 - $118,846.05

Definition & Duties

Under general direction from the Board of Supervisors, provide administrative guidance to the Board of Supervisors and ensure effective operation of the Board Office and its staff. Direct Board Office daily operations, including grants administration and compliance; local foods; communication and outreach; diversity, equity and inclusion; capital projects; and Historic Poor Farm. Direct Board Office projects, policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives on behalf of the Board. Serve as the Board’s confidential liaison regarding the administration of policies and procedures and advise them on administrative matters and policy issues. Act as the Board’s representative, as assigned. Ensure compliance with open meetings and public records requirements.  Demonstrate a commitment to customer service and maintaining a positive and supportive workplace. 

Knowledge of & Ability to

• Principles and practices of public administration, project management, employee and labor relations, and county government
• General legislative procedures at the local, state, and federal level
• Informational research techniques and procedures
• Public and media relations, public speaking
• Basic governmental accounting and budgeting practices 
• Office management policies and procedures
• Continuous improvement principles
• Basic and routine legal procedures and principles, and parliamentary procedures 
• English language including grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, and punctuation 
• Writing, editing, and proofreading skills

 
Ability to:
 

• Develop, interpret, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, co-workers, other government entities, non-profit agencies, media representatives, vendors, consultants, contractors, and members of the public
• Work effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view
• Analyze significant contract requirements, special provisions, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and state and federal programs 
• Understand, apply, articulate, and interpret anti-discrimination laws, policies, administrative rules, and regulations
• Direct the vertical capital project proposal process, including requests for proposals and quotations
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner
• Conduct research; collect and analyze data; prepare, organize, and keep accurate reports, documents, files, and records; and make data-informed decisions and recommendations
• Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities and competing priorities 
• Be detail-oriented when working with documents, information, and timelines 
• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
• Recruit, hire, train, motivate, manage, evaluate, and discipline staff in accordance with County employment policies 
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Apply conflict resolution skills on a wide range of issues with internal and external customers and members of the public
• Handle moderate to high levels of stress, meet deadlines, and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Use a computer for the purposes of word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and the internet
• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, postage machines, photocopiers, multi-line telephones, and scanners 
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to individuals and groups, in formal and non-formal situations
• Follow complex oral and written instructions
• Explain complex concepts and ideas in easy-to-understand language
• Organize and present facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, formally and informally
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials, both in electronic and hardcopy forms
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse
• Stand, sit, squat, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, crouch, climb, reach, and use a step stool
• Lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 35 pounds
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various locations 
• Work a flexible schedule which includes evenings and additional time, as needed

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements

Master’s degree in public administration, public affairs, or related field and six (6) years of professional county governmental administrative experience including three (3) years of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid driver’s license and insurable under County liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle or equivalent transportation for official business.

Specific Duties

to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation 
 
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
 

• Direct Board Office operations and staff.  Perform Board Office staff performance evaluations and goal setting.
• Direct preparation of meeting agendas, ensure agenda attachments are complete, ensure meeting agendas are posted, and ensure that open meetings and public records laws are followed. 
• Attend meetings of the Board. Ensure that meeting technology is sufficient to allow for public participation in public meetings, which includes livestreaming, closed captioning, disability accommodation, and remote video participation. 
• Coordinate, develop, and monitor contracts, agreements, and grants; ensure compliance and facilitate renewal or updating.
• Respond to internal and external customer complaints and requests for information that are received by the Board Office.
• Direct communication, public information, and public awareness strategies and efforts on behalf of the Board. Act as a County Public Information Officer.
• Direct the development and implementation of initiatives that improve access to locally produced foods, advance local food systems and food value chains, and strengthen agriculture-based economic development.
• Direct County diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement initiatives; promote a County culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of diverse employees and customers.
• Act as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. Handle questions, complaints, accommodation requests, and issues regarding accessibility. Lead efforts toward achieving and maintaining County compliance with ADA regulations.
• Direct the County’s comprehensive grants management, development, and fiscal agent activities; oversee grant and fiscal agent compliance activities. 
• Direct project management and vertical infrastructure capital projects, including requests for proposals, requests for quotations, public competitive bidding and quotation processes, and ensure compliance with laws and administrative rules.
• Coordinate the Board’s involvement in the Urban County Coalition (UCC) and participate in UCC meetings.
• Prepare and monitor the Board Office, Historic Poor Farm (HPF), and other departmental budgets, as assigned. Prepare budget amendments. Maintain capital equipment inventory.
• Ensure the HPF Master Plan is implemented and on schedule. Direct staff, consultants, budget, and capital projects. Oversee contracts, leases, and licenses related to HPF functions.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Board’s strategic plan.
• Develop the annual Board Office strategic plan. Ensure Board staff goals facilitate achievement of the Board Office and County strategic plan. 
• Draft Board policies, procedures, and processes; ensure they are implemented and reviewed periodically. 
• Prepare correspondence and reports, ensure Board response to received inquiries and follow up, as indicated.
• Serve on internal County committees as the Board’s representative.
• Communicate regularly with Board members and keep them informed of issues affecting the Office and the County. 
• Coordinate development of the Board’s annual legislative priorities. Assist the Board in meeting legislative and policy-setting priorities and responsibilities. Monitor state and federal legislation, administrative rules, and regulations that may affect the County.
• Serve as the Board’s liaison with elected officials, department heads, community organizations, consultants, contractors, and the public. Act as the Board’s contact person for other governmental entities.
• Coordinate policy and issue research; provide data-driven analysis and recommendations.
• Work with the County Attorney’s Office to ensure legal compliance in Board Office operations and responsibilities, such as contracts and agreements, bids and quotations, grant compliance, leases and licenses, open meetings, public records, and Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Coordinate Board appointment process to County boards and commissions; coordinate County department head performance evaluations.
• Receive and review fireworks applications for Board consideration.
• Serve as the Board’s agent in real estate transactions.
• Orient new Supervisors and provide administrative services to Board members.
• Represent Johnson County and attend work-related meetings and professional development opportunities, stay informed of current trends, procedures, and practices in county government. Share information with the Board.
• Perform all work activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly.

Employee Benefits
The following is a summary of benefits for full-time appointed/elected employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.

Wellness Program
Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.

Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.

Health Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.

• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan
• PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; $275 deductible single or $550 deductible family; $1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or $2000 out -of-pocket maximum family
• Single coverage is $32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is $112/month with the balance paid by the County.

Dental Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Vision Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.

Flexible Spending
Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.

Life Insurance
Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D.  Max covered salary $100,000.

IPERS
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.

Deferred Compensation (457)
A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation.

Discounted Bus Pass
Full-time and part-time employees are eligible to purchase discounted bus passes for Iowa City Transit and Coralville Transit for commuting to/from their jobs as Johnson County employees. Bus pass availability is subject to available funds and continuation of the program.