County Administrator - Wadena County, MN
Summary
| Title: | County Administrator - Wadena County, MN |
|---|---|
| ID: | 2933 |
| Population: | 14135 |
Description
Are you a strategic, collaborative, and service-driven public-sector leader who can unify teams, strengthen operations, and guide organizational progress? If so, consider becoming Wadena County’s next County Administrator.
The County is seeking an exceptional leader who is:
• A strong communicator able to navigate complex issues with clarity and integrity
• Experienced in county or local government operations, budgeting, and personnel management
• Skilled at building trust, leading change, and aligning departments around shared priorities
The County includes the cities of Wadena, Menahga, Sebeka, Verndale, Aldrich, Nimrod, and a portion of Staples. Located in central Minnesota, with a population of 14,135, the County is within easy reach of larger regional hubs while maintaining its peaceful small-town environment.
Wadena County operates under a five-member County Board. The County Administrator is appointed by and reports directly to the Board. The ideal candidate is an experienced, ethical, and forward-thinking public-sector leader who understands the unique dynamics of rural county government. They bring strong knowledge of Minnesota statutes, county operations, budgeting, personnel management, and organizational development.
Required qualifications include:
Preferred qualifications include:
The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
The County is seeking an exceptional leader who is:
• A strong communicator able to navigate complex issues with clarity and integrity
• Experienced in county or local government operations, budgeting, and personnel management
• Skilled at building trust, leading change, and aligning departments around shared priorities
The County includes the cities of Wadena, Menahga, Sebeka, Verndale, Aldrich, Nimrod, and a portion of Staples. Located in central Minnesota, with a population of 14,135, the County is within easy reach of larger regional hubs while maintaining its peaceful small-town environment.
Wadena County operates under a five-member County Board. The County Administrator is appointed by and reports directly to the Board. The ideal candidate is an experienced, ethical, and forward-thinking public-sector leader who understands the unique dynamics of rural county government. They bring strong knowledge of Minnesota statutes, county operations, budgeting, personnel management, and organizational development.
Required qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, or related field
- At least three years of government-related experience with supervisory duties
- Experience managing departmental operations, budgets, and personnel
- Valid Minnesota Driver’s License
Preferred qualifications include:
- County government (MN preferred)
- Advanced degree in Public Administration or related field
- Experience with rural county operations, zoning, economic development, and Data Practices compliance
- Experience leading organizational change and working with elected officials
- Residency Expectation: The selected candidate should reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Wadena County, though residency within the county itself is not required
The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
