Lead the Financial Engine of Connecticut’s Fastest-Growing City
Stamford, Connecticut — the state’s second-largest city with 135,000+ residents — is seeking a Director of Administration to serve on the Mayor’s Cabinet and provide executive leadership over the City’s entire financial and administrative operation. This is not a behind-the-scenes role: you’ll oversee 10 divisions, manage 300+ capital projects, steer a AAA-rated bond portfolio, and directly shape how a thriving, diverse city of Fortune 500 headquarters and waterfront neighborhoods delivers for its residents.
Why Stamford?
Less than 45 minutes from Manhattan by train, Stamford combines big-city economic energy with a walkable, waterfront quality of life. Home to multiple Fortune 500 headquarters, over 200 restaurants representing cuisines from around the world, scenic parks along Long Island Sound, and a community where 75+ languages are spoken — it’s a place where top talent wants to live and work. With a median household income above $107K and a AAA bond rating, the fiscal foundation is strong and the opportunities ahead are significant.
What You’ll Do
As Director of Administration, you’ll lead the City’s financial operations and administrative infrastructure as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, the Board of Finance, and the Board of Representatives.
- Serve on the Mayor’s Cabinet and provide executive oversight of all financial and administrative functions for a $700M+ operation spanning 1,700 City employees and 3,000 Board of Education staff.
- Lead the development and execution of operating, capital, and special revenue budgets that advance long-term fiscal sustainability.
- Directly oversee 10 divisions: Office of Policy & Management, Controller’s Office, Purchasing, Risk Management, Grants Administration (300+ active federal/state grants), Assessor’s Office, Tax Collector, Revenue Services, Technology Management Services, and Internal Audit.
- Strengthen financial controls, audit processes, and compliance across all functions in accordance with the City Charter and state/federal law.
- Drive modernization of ERP systems, technology infrastructure, and data-driven decision-making across City government.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships with department heads, elected officials, union leadership, and external stakeholders.
The Impact You’ll Make
This role comes with real, consequential challenges — and the authority and support to address them:
- Fiscal Sustainability: Implement cost-saving strategies across healthcare, pensions, and operations while strengthening long-term financial planning.
- Systems Modernization: Stabilize and optimize the City’s Oracle-based ERP, advance technology upgrades, and improve data accuracy and reporting.
- Major Capital Initiatives: Oversee school construction, bond issuances, and ongoing infrastructure investments across 300+ active projects.
- Performance Management: Shift to a proactive, data-driven approach with improved KPIs, budgeting, and earlier involvement in grants, procurement, and risk management.
- Organizational Strength: Enhance workforce development, succession planning, and internal communication to build institutional resilience.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
- 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in financial and administrative management, preferably in a municipal or public-sector environment.
- 5+ years of senior-level or executive leadership overseeing multiple departments or functional areas.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience working in a mayor-council form of government.
- Experience overseeing Controller, Treasury, Payroll, Grants, Purchasing, Risk Management, Property Assessment, and Tax/Revenue Collection functions.
- Equivalent combinations of relevant or transferable experience may be considered.
The Ideal Candidate Brings
- Leadership & Judgment: An ethical, confident leader with political acumen, strong presentation skills, and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor to elected officials.
- Municipal Finance Depth: Command of budgeting, debt/bonding, pensions, OPEB, treasury, payroll, grants, procurement, and GAAP/GFOA standards.
- Operational Excellence: Proven ability to manage day-to-day operations while advancing long-term strategic goals across complex political and labor environments.
- Team Building: Track record of building high-performing teams, fostering accountability, and driving a culture of collaboration and internal customer service.
- Innovation Mindset: A forward-thinking approach that leverages technology and process improvement to enhance service delivery.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter by April 22, 2026 to:
Ms. Randi Frank
Randi Frank Consulting, LLC
Email: randi@randifrank.com
Phone: 203-213-3722
Web: www.randifrank.com
Position open until filled
Compensation & Benefits
Salary
$167,316 – $200,777 (DOQ)
Health Coverage
State Partnership Health Plan (medical, dental, vision)
Retirement
457 Defined Contribution Plan with 2:1 City match
Paid Holidays
14 per year
Vacation
20 days per year
Appointment
At-will, reporting directly to the Mayor
