Deputy County Manager

Job Title: Deputy County Manager                  
Department: County Manager's Office                             
Reports To: County Manager
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Compensation Range: $115,000 - $130,000 annually
Benefits: Employee Benefits | Lake County, CO
**Open until filled**

Position Summary
The Deputy County Manager serves as a trusted strategic partner to the County Manager and provides high-level operational and organizational leadership across Lake County Government. This role supports internal coordination, leadership development, and strategic alignment, helping to translate vision into action across departments.

While the position carries significant operational oversight responsibilities, its core purpose is to foster a culture of clarity, collaboration, and continuous improvement—creating the conditions for staff to focus on larger goals and impactful projects. The Deputy County Manager plays a key role in advancing the County’s mission by strengthening internal systems, guiding organizational priorities, and supporting a healthy, effective workforce.

Organizational Vision Alignment
Lake County is committed to building a responsive, resilient government that works smarter—not harder. The Deputy County Manager plays a key role in helping departments shift from reactive operations to proactive strategy. By improving processes and eliminating inefficiencies, this role directly supports the County’s ability to take on high-impact projects and deliver meaningful, long-term results for the community.

Core Competencies

• People & Team Leadership
• Operational Oversight
• Organizational Alignment
• Coaching & Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Process Improvement
• Strategic Execution
• Communication & Facilitation

• Provide direct oversight and support to department directors to ensure alignment, execution, and accountability across teams.
• Lead efforts to clarify roles, build team structures, and support high-performing work environments.
• Develop and implement systems for staff performance management, coaching, and leadership development.
• Monitor departmental outcomes and support the resolution of operational or personnel issues in coordination with Human Resources.

• Champion a positive, inclusive, and professional organizational culture.
• Collaborate with departments to improve communication, team cohesion, and cross-functional alignment.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and strategies to recruit, retain, and develop talent across the County.

• Coordinate the day-to-day internal operations of the County government in collaboration with the County Manager.
• Facilitate problem-solving across departments, remove systemic barriers, and ensure consistent application of policies.
• Lead efforts to streamline internal workflows and simplify processes so teams can focus more time on strategic initiatives and community impact.
• Support the implementation of County priorities, policies, and strategic initiatives through structured planning and interdepartmental coordination.

• Identify and lead major County initiatives that align with long-term goals, leveraging improved processes and staff capacity to ensure sustainability and measurable impact.
• Coordinate cross-departmental collaboration, manage timelines, and align deliverables with organizational priorities.

• Assist in the development and monitoring of the County’s annual budget.
• Work with department directors to ensure financial plans are aligned with service goals and operational capacity.
• Promote transparency and responsible resource management.

• Support the creation, revision, and consistent implementation of operational policies and procedures.
• Ensure policies reinforce equity, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

• Monitor local, state, and federal legislative developments relevant to County operations.
• Collaborate with department leadership to ensure compliance and regulatory readiness.

• Represent the County Manager’s Office in meetings with staff, elected officials, external partners, and the community.
• Communicate clearly and professionally to build trust and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

• Serve as Acting County Manager when delegated.
• Support the long-term sustainability of County operations through strategic succession planning and leadership capacity-building.

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, organizational leadership, or related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in government or public service.
• Proven experience managing teams, coaching leaders, and leading internal operations.
• Strong understanding of budget development, performance management, and public policy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and facilitation.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• Organizational development, supervision, and team dynamics
• Public administration principles and local government operations
• Strategic planning and project management frameworks
• Policy development, implementation, and evaluation
• Financial planning and performance-based budgeting
• Relevant legal and regulatory compliance
• Change management and continuous improvement methodologies

• Ability to coach and mentor department leaders
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal diplomacy
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Cross-functional coordination and collaboration
• Decision-making under pressure
• Communicating vision and priorities across all levels
• Building inclusive, values-based team cultures

Hazard Notice
This position is primarily office-based and involves prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and frequent communication in person and by phone. The role may occasionally require lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds. Employees may experience eye strain, repetitive motion, or general discomfort associated with extended desk work. Moderate noise levels and regular interaction with staff and the public are typical in this environment.

Physical Activity & Work Environment
This role requires frequent sitting, computer work, and communication via phone and in-person. Occasionally, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds may be required. The work is primarily performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels and regular interactions with County staff and the public. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities
All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

EOE Statement
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.