THE OPPORTUNITY
Committed to professional governance, continuous improvement, and innovation, Adams County offers a career capstone opportunity for a dynamic leader to serve as its next County Manager. With a thriving economy, a strong sense of community, and a dedicated Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and professional staff, this position is ideal for an experienced county management professional looking to make a lasting impact.
ABOUT ADAMS COUNTY
With rich traditions and history, Adams County seamlessly blends suburban convenience with rural charm—offering vibrant cities, welcoming small towns, and abundant recreational opportunities. Located northeast of the Denver metro area, Adams County is Colorado’s fifth-largest county serving a diverse population of more than 540,000 residents. Adams County is 17 miles north to south, 72 miles east to west, for a total of 1,224 square miles. The county encompasses the cities of Brighton (the county seat), Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn, and Thornton, as well as portions of Arvada, Aurora, and Westminster, along with smaller towns and unincorporated communities.
Adams County is experiencing dynamic growth, attracting new residents and businesses that contribute to a thriving economy and vibrant community. As one of Colorado’s fastest-growing regions, it stands as an example of social equity and economic opportunity, where diversity and innovation are valued and celebrated.
COUNTY GOVERNANCE & OPERATIONS
Adams County is governed by the BoCC, who is supported by a professional County Manager who oversees day-to-day operations. The County Manager works closely with elected officials, department directors, and community partners to implement strategic priorities and enhance service delivery.
Adams County operates on an all-funds budget of $836 Million, including a capital fund budget of $22.7 Million. These funds allow the county’s more than 30 departments and offices to employ nearly 3,000 regular full-time employees (RFT) and to provide essential services to the community. The County Manager has direct oversight of nearly 1,800 employees, while over 1,100 employees report to elected offices. The County Manager oversees a broad array of services such as administrative support services to all offices, elected and non-elected. Core services span multiple departments, including internal support and public facing including Community & Economic Development; Public Works; Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts; Human Services; and more. The County Manager also collaborates with elected officials, including the Assessor, Sheriff, Clerk & Recorder, Surveyor, Treasurer and Public Trustee, Coroner, and District Attorney. Collaboration is key, given each elected office operates autonomously but is still centrally funded by the commissioners.
THE POSITION
Reporting directly to the BoCC, the County Manager serves as the county’s chief administrative officer overseeing strategic initiatives, service delivery, and fiscal management. This role acts as a liaison between the board, elected officials, and department directors. Reporting to the County Manager are two Deputy County Managers, a Senior Deputy County Manager, and the Communications Department. The County Manager leads, motivates, and engages senior staff to implement and complement the strategic vision set by the board. The County Manager also advises the board as needed, in a manner that instills trust, cultivates respect, balances community interests, and enhances the reputation of the organization.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader who excels in a cohesive team. The candidate is a curious and compassionate system thinker who can weave the important priorities of the residents with the community partners both inside and beyond the county’s boundaries. The new County Manager will have a strategic mindset capable of building effective teams with a customer service focus, and he, she, or they will be able to manage the shift from a community of rapid growth to sustained growth which requires unique policies and cohesive leadership to ensure operational effectiveness while also balancing challenges from the State and Federal Government. In addition to being a highly ethical and qualified servant leader, the County Manager must be an experienced county or municipal executive.
Adams County serves as a leader and example throughout the broader region, and the County Manager serves as a critical spearhead among all the constituents, coordinating the flow of information and advice from elected officials and department directors to the board. The community needs a result-oriented manager who builds effective relationships through a shared passion and commitment to Adams County.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum requirements for the position of County Manager:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. A Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration is preferred.
Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible executive level experience gained in an organization comparable in size and complexity to Adams County.
Certification: ICMA Certification preferred.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The anticipated hiring range for the County Manager is $270,000 to $320,000. The BoCC will negotiate a highly competitive salary that is commensurate with overall qualifications and experiences with the selected candidate. The county also offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; compensated leave; short-term disability; parental leave; and retirement benefits. Additional benefits include a 401() Defined Benefit Plan and a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.
For more information, explore the benefits of working at Adams County here.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as résumés and cover letters will be reviewed as they are submitted and screened for consideration. Interviews are slated to take place in April. Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at:
mosaicpublic.com/careers
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Julie Baca | julie@mosaicpublic.com | 970.209.0404
Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | 916.550.4100