County Administrator, Cortland County

About the Role

The County Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of Cortland County, holding a key leadership role responsible for the overall coordination and management of county government operations. This executive-level position carries the full authority of the administrative head and budget officer, ensuring the effective implementation of legislative policies and the efficient operation of county services.
Appointed by the Cortland County Legislature, the County Administrator operates under its general direction and serves at its discretion. In this capacity, the Administrator exercises all executive powers and fulfills the statutory responsibilities vested in the administrative branch of county government. This includes oversight of all county departments, agencies, and offices, with a mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

As a public-facing leader, the County Administrator attends all Board and committee meetings and acts as the official spokesperson, communicating Board decisions to the public, media, and community organizations as appropriate. Additionally, the selected candidate will provide strategic guidance to department heads and senior administrative officials, aligning departmental goals with the County’s mission and both short and long-term priorities. The role requires collaboration with elected officials, community stakeholders, and regional partners to advance public policy initiatives, manage intergovernmental relations, and respond to the evolving needs of Cortland County residents.

Qualifications

The County Administrator plays a pivotal leadership role in Cortland County government, working collaboratively with County staff, the Legislature, and a broad range of stakeholders to oversee and manage day-to-day operations. The next County Administrator must:

• Be deeply committed to serving the best interests of the County and possess strong leadership and communication skills.
• Navigate diverse perspectives and priorities, balancing the needs of County
  employees, elected officials, and the community.
• Bring extensive, demonstrable experience in a progressive management role.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of effective organizational leadership and public service.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in public administration, business, or a related field, along with demonstrated experience leading complex organizations.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• A master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should have a minimum of seven to ten years of progressively responsible executive or senior-level management experience, ideally in local government or the public sector.

A proven track record of strategic leadership, organizational development, and operational excellence is essential. Familiarity with New York State government operations and Civil Service procedures is advantageous.

How to Apply

To express interest, please submit a cover letter and resume via email.

For clarity in document handling, please format your files as follows:

• FirstName LastName resume
• FirstName LastName cover letter

All application materials will be held in confidence and should be sent to: ian@pracademicpartners.com

Subject line: Cortland County

Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Candidates will undergo background checks.

Pracademic Partners, LLC is assisting Cortland County with this executive search.

For inquiries or nominations, please contact:
Ian M. Coyle, ICMA-CM
585.943.0589

Cortland County is an equal opportunity employer.