DEPUTY EXECUTIVEWHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Deputy Executive RANGE: 19
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: Executive
FLSA: E
EEO: 1
SUMMARY
Directs and provides strategic leadership and direction for the organization. Assists the County
Executive in planning, budgeting, organizing, and directing County government to provide timely,
cost effective, and efficient systems, programs, and customer service delivered by skilled staff with
a positive public service approach. Represents the County Executive at public and departmental
meetings, with the media, and through communication of the Executive's policies, goals,
programs, and objectives. Directs the administration of assigned County departments and is
accountable for the efficient and effective performance of assigned departments and the
preparation of timely and professional service advice, analyses and reports as a basis for planning,
funding and implementation of policy. Responsible for planning, organizing, directing,
coordinating and evaluating the efforts of staff. Works with other agencies and groups to
accomplish the work, mission, goals and vision of the Department and the County. Ensures
compliance with department/county policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements and
legal requirements. Oversees the management of programs and staff in a manner that ensures
fulfillment of the Department's and County's missions. Ensures expenditures remain within
approved budget. Leads with exceptional personal character. Values and cultivates productive
relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside county government in a manner
that represents the Department with individual respect, personal commitment, high -functioning
teams, and meaningful organizational growth. Represents Whatcom County by maintaining a
professional approach and demeanor in all activities. Acts on behalf of the Executive during
periods of absence.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties,
which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Manages effective administration of assigned County departments providing high level support
and ensuring efficient use of resources, legal compliance, project management, and process
improvement. Directs work flow through various county departments and Council; reviews issues
and provides necessary information and recommendations on issues scheduled for Council action.
Provides direction and feedback to department heads regarding budgeting, compliance with
policies and other administrative matters directed by the Executive.
Oversees large scale community wide special initiative projects, as assigned, including multiple
capital facility projects. Provides strategic planning leadership, coordination, direction, guidance
and recommendations in the development, revision and implementation of budgets and short -and
long-range plans, goals, and objectives for Whatcom County government, as assigned. Develops
and implements strategic short and long-range plans, programs, goals and objectives for assigned
departments. Facilitates and coordinates cooperative planning in conjunction with Department
Heads and entities outside County government. Reviews and updates planning recommendations.
Oversees the preparation of and justifies the County budget. Provides analysis of budget requests
and cost estimates in order to evaluate the merit of proposals and provides written
recommendations and information justifying recommendations. Assists the County Executive in
the other areas of budget and financial management, program development and internal
communications. Monitors and maintains expenditures within budget guidelines. Implements
cost effective measures and uses resources and technology effectively to increase productivity.
Negotiates and reviews county service contracts to assure consistency and conformance with legal
requirements, policy and program direction, and appropriate process. Negotiates contracts for
services between the Department and outside entities or consultants. Assures grant and contract
compliance.
Conducts research to determine the impact of policy changes or actions under consideration, writes
reports and makes recommendations to assist the Executive in the resolution of complex or
sensitive administrative or management problems and issues related to County -wide programs,
operations and services; interprets regulations and provides advice on the various implications for
proposed decisions or activities; assists in the implementation of action decisions.
Establishes, administers and communicates directives, policies and procedures in written and oral
form to accomplish objectives in a safe, efficient, legally correct, and cost-effective manner;
gathers information and prepares reports about County plans and operations in response to public
concerns and contractual obligations. Sets policy, assesses and assures compliance, and interprets
and applies regulations equitably. Assures appropriate policies, procedures and tasks are created
and updated. Ensures enforcement of ordinances, state and federal rules and regulations, policies
and procedures. Makes administrative decisions.
Attends and participates in Council and committee meetings, makes oral presentations and
represents the County Executive when appropriate. Coordinates follow up activities of the County
Executive's office as required by Council actions. Represents the County as spokesperson at public
meetings. Meets, confers with and makes presentations to local, state and federal governmental
agencies, civic and professional groups and the media on behalf of the County Executive as
authorized and directed. Assists and supports the County Executive in promoting and establishing
ongoing relationships with other government agencies and community organizations.
Reviews progress toward goals and objectives, identifies trends and problems hindering progress
and develops and implements recommendations for problem resolution.
Provides public information in a courteous manner and emphasizes public accountability and a
positive public service approach with staff. Identifies and addresses customer needs.
Selects new employees. Determines department training needs to meet changing system or
program demands. Establishes performance standards. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work
consistent with assigned job description. Conducts and/or reviews performance evaluations to
guide the development of employees, provide a record of performance and ensure consistent
evaluations throughout the department. Interprets and applies collective bargaining agreements
and personnel policies. Reviews, revises and authorizes consistent employment actions. Initiates,
documents and implements disciplinary actions. Resolves and documents grievances, works in
conjunction with Human Resources concerning grievances and on other sensitive personnel
matters.
Interacts with all levels of staff, elected officials, representatives of the media and the public on
matters relating to County business; investigates and resolves public issues and concerns as
appropriate. Briefs the County Executive on actions taken and progress on delegated
responsibilities. Teams with staff from various departments to develop solutions to complaints or
issues and presents proposals and recommendations to the Executive. Answers questions related
to executive policy. Responds to or supervises the resolution of the most sensitive or complex
inquiries, complaints, emergencies or requests for information from other departments and the
public in a courteous manner.
Responds to or supervises the resolution of the most sensitive or complex inquiries, complaints,
emergencies or requests for information from departments and the public in a courteous manner.
Emphasizes public accountability and a positive public service approach with staff. Identifies and
addresses customer needs. Displays exemplary personal character and maintains composure under
stressful situations. Remedies breaches of public trust immediately, firmly, thoughtfully, with
honor and with kindness toward the aggrieved. Represents the County as spokesperson at public
meetings.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Performs work on special projects that may be outside normal area of assignment, as directed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration or a related field, AND six years
progressively responsible government administration at the executive or senior leadership level
INCLUDING three years of supervisory/management experience.
A Master's in public or business administration is preferred.
Requires knowledge of
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
Structure, functions, and operations of County government including familiarity with relevant
policies, regulations, and procedures.
Political environment at the local, regional, and national levels including political figures,
stakeholders, and issues affecting government operations.
Public policy development and analysis including current and emerging policy issues.
Organizational and community dynamics and principles and practices of leadership, management
and supervision.
Organizational dynamics and principles and practices of project management.
Principles and techniques to effectively gain consensus of diverse groups and agencies within
assigned areas.
Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to areas
of assignment.
Fiscal management including budget preparation, grant administration, service and
intergovernmental contract negotiation and administration, expenditure control and record
keeping.
Computer operation and a variety of software including word processing, spreadsheet, database
and other applications specific to the area of assignment
Safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures pertinent to the area
of assignment.
Requires the ability to:
Assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is handled
appropriately.
Promote a respectful work culture of equity and inclusion.
Strategically plan, prioritize, coordinate, organize, and evaluate staffing and services. Train,
direct, and coach staff. Administer and change plans, policies and work programs.
Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others
and establish and maintain effective teams and a professional relationship and rapport with public
officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co-workers, employees and diverse
members of the public.
Apply sound judgment and problem -solving techniques to evaluate operations, to make reasoned,
timely and consistent decisions and to facilitate the effective resolution of problems, grievances
and complaints.
Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and
groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including
preparing and making public presentations which can be understood by non -technical listeners and
preparing and/or directing preparation of comprehensive written reports, materials and
correspondence.
Effectively promote the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, intra- and inter-
departmental customer service.
Provide leadership and maintain a high level of personal and professional integrity and honesty.
Work effectively in a multi -task environment, effectively delegate responsibility and authority,
and respond to and reconcile competing interests. Take ownership of missteps.
Read, understand, interpret, analyze and provide direction to assure appropriate application of
policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations.
Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective and
consistent feedback and evaluation.
Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness of programs. Monitor and interpret fiscal and
statistical information.
Develop ways to identify, improve and promote efficient systems and processes.
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping personal
and team technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire
and throughout employment.
Background check must meet County criteria.
Must pass job -related tests.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works in an office or meeting setting. Sits or stands for long periods of time. May occasionally lift and
carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. Attends meetings or performs duties outside of normal office hours
and must be available to the County Executive on short notice. Moves throughout the County's facilities.
Frequently drives motor vehicle to perform duties in the field, at multiple sites, or travel out of the County.
Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language from the public. Uses appropriate safety
equipment and follows established safety policies, practices and procedures.
The statements contained herein reflect, as of the date signed, general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge
and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform
other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the
workload. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically
required qualifications contained herein.
Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military service, genetics, and any other legally protected class. Whatcom County also
complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
Employee Status: Th' is an FLSA exempt position and as such is paid on a salaried basis and is
not entitled to ore >te. The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.
Signature
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JDE Job Entry JDE Special Requirements
Job Code: D270 Reason for Change: Update Security: Security 4 Medical Privacy: N
Job Group: SUPV Driving: Frequent Physical Capacity: N
W/C Code: 1501 CDL: N Physical: N
Group: Unrep BBP: N Polygraph: N
Cash Handling: N Psychological: N
Performance Evaluation Form: DeputyExecutive.JOB.MK 3/4/24