Administration Director

The Administrative Director/Finance Director is a full-time, at-will position serving under the general administrative direction of the City Manager. This position provides leadership, management, and coordination across core administrative and financial functions of the City. The Director is responsible for the direct supervision and oversight of the Finance Department and the Human Resources Division, ensuring the integrity of the City’s financial management and the effectiveness of its personnel systems.

Key responsibilities include coordinating and supervising the City’s annual operating and capital budget processes; overseeing fiscal policy development, accounting, payroll, benefits administration, and risk management; directing recruitment, employee relations, and labor compliance functions; and ensuring adherence to legal, financial, and personnel requirements. The position also facilitates the City’s Information Technology Advisory Committee and Safety Advisory Committee, coordinates legislative and organizational initiatives, and provides administrative support for citywide projects and programs.

This role requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and human resources expertise to support the City’s organizational effectiveness and long-term fiscal sustainability.

TYPICAL DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Administrative Director provides leadership, financial stewardship, and organizational support across the City’s administrative and operational functions. This position advances City Council priorities and City Manager initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration. Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Leadership, Policy, and Council Priorities

• Provide advice and counsel to the City Manager on policy, organizational, and procedural matters to strengthen the effective administration of City government.
• Facilitate and coordinate interdepartmental initiatives, projects, and concerns to ensure City Council goals, strategic priorities, and City Manager initiatives are implemented effectively.
• Review City Council agenda items, prepare staff recommendations, and ensure Council direction is carried out across departments.
• Represent the City Manager’s Office in meetings with departments, community groups, partner agencies, and state/federal representatives.
• Support the City’s legislative advocacy program and assist in advancing proactive public relations efforts to strengthen community trust.
• Attend various committees and community meetings as assigned by the City Manager.

Financial Management and Treasury Functions

• Serve as Treasurer for the City of Fort Bragg.
• Plan, organize, and direct all financial operations of the City, including long-range financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing, utility billing/collection, licensing, investment management, debt financing, and grant/tax administration.
• Develop and implement fiscal policies, objectives, and priorities that promote transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
• Coordinate preparation, presentation, and administration of the City’s annual operating, enterprise, and capital improvement budgets; monitor revenues, expenditures, and fund balances; and prepare forecasts and reports.
• Direct the City’s accounting systems and ensure compliance with GASB standards; oversee audits and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Manage treasury functions including investment of City funds, debt issuance, assessment districts, lease-purchase programs, and bond financing.
• Provide financial analysis, problem-solving, and cost-benefit evaluations to support Council decision-making, capital projects, and contract negotiations.

Human Resources, Team Building, and Organizational Development

• Plan, organize, and direct Human Resources functions, including recruitment, classification, compensation, benefits, labor relations, employee development, and risk management.
• Manage collective bargaining processes with employee groups and foster positive employee relations.
• Review employee performance reports and oversee personnel actions to ensure consistency with City policy and legal requirements.
• Promote organizational effectiveness by building strong, high-performing teams through coaching, professional development, and initiatives that support a values-driven workplace culture.
• Lead efforts to strengthen team cohesion, problem-solving, and cross-departmental collaboration to improve service delivery and innovation.
• Conduct organizational reviews and recommend reassignments, consolidations, or process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Administration and Interdepartmental Support

• Supervise professional, technical, and support staff engaged in finance, human resources, and administrative support functions.
• Maintain strong relationships with department heads and staff to support operational planning, team development, and problem resolution.
• Use conflict resolution and mediation skills to address interdepartmental and community issues.
• Assist departments with operational planning, organizational effectiveness, and the achievement of City Council and City Manager initiatives.
• Attend City Council, committee, and community meetings; present reports, updates, and financial information as needed.
• Respond to public inquiries and ensure effective communication between the City Manager’s Office, operating departments, and the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of modern public administration, organizational design, strategic management, and performance measurement.
• Methods for recommending, implementing, and evaluating programs, policies, and organizational effectiveness to improve service delivery.
• California local government fiscal management, including accounting, auditing, long range financial forecasting, revenue and expenditure monitoring, and GFOA standards for financial reporting.
• Principles and practices of governmental operating and capital budgeting, debt management, cash and investment management, and preparation of executive-level financial presentations.
• Administrative policies, organizational structures, and intergovernmental relationships at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Principles and practices of California employment law, labor relations, collective bargaining, and human resources administration.
• Pension and employee benefit programs, payroll administration, workers’ compensation, risk management, and procurement.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, staff development, and organizational culture building.
• California legislative processes and their fiscal, legal, and organizational impacts on municipal operations.
• Principles of effective team building, conflict resolution, and problem-solving in complex organizational settings.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and support staff across finance, human resources, and administration.
• Conduct complex administrative, financial, and organizational analyses to support executive decision-making.
• Identify and define problems, evaluate alternatives, recommend solutions, and implement effective action plans.
• Collect, interpret, and evaluate data to inform financial forecasting, policy development, and operational recommendations.
• Align and implement City Council goals and City Manager initiatives across departments to ensure coordinated organizational progress.
• Anticipate and project the impacts of financial and organizational decisions and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
• Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, including reports, presentations, and policy documents.
• Facilitate meetings, group discussions, and workshops with staff, community members, elected officials, and partner agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels, and with external stakeholders, including other governments, community groups, and business leaders.
• Mediate and resolve conflicts among employees, departments, or community stakeholders in a fair and constructive manner.
• Inspire, motivate, and build high-performing teams that embrace collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Interpret and apply local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing municipal finance, labor, and administration.
• Prepare accurate fiscal forecasts, financial reports, and budget documents that support transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible administrative, financial, or managerial experience in a public agency or related organization, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory or management capacity.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION (NOT REQUIRED):

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience in municipal finance, human resources, or organizational development within a California local government setting.
• Certification as a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or similar professional designation.

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• City of Fort Bragg