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County Administrator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ICMA

County Administrator

Lexington, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

The new Administrator will succeed the previous County Administrator who is retiring after 14 years in the position. The Board of Supervisors appoints a County Administrator to act as the ...

New

Reston Association

Deputy County Administrator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Stafford County, VA - Deputy County Administrator Stafford County, VA is seeking a Deputy County Administrator. Stafford's ideal location between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA, along with its ...

New

Raftelis

County Attorney

Orange, VA

Build trust and credibility with the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator, and department heads by being visible, accessible, and responsive. The Board is looking for a legal advisor who ...

Raftelis

County Attorney

Orange, VA · On-site

Build trust and credibility with the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator, and department heads by being visible, accessible, and responsive. The Board is looking for a legal advisor who ...

County of Culpeper

ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$87K - $143K/yr

Job Summary The Assistant County Attorney will assist the County Attorney in providing complex legal counsel and advice to the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator, County departments, and ...

NACBA

County Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$175 - $225/hr

The County Attorney provides legal advice to the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator, department heads, and County boards, commissions, and agencies, while also serving as parliamentarian ...

Virginia Bar As

County Attorney

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$175 - $225/hr

The County Attorney provides legal advice to the Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator, department heads, and County boards, commissions, and agencies, while also serving as parliamentarian ...

Gloucester County

Civil Engineer II

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Presents capital projects and engineering reports to the Board of Supervisors, School Board, Planning Commission, County Administrator, and School Administrator on engineering projects. Attends ...

Gloucester County, VA

Civil Engineer II

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Presents capital projects and engineering reports to the Board of Supervisors, School Board, Planning Commission, County Administrator, and School Administrator on engineering projects. * Attends ...

Powhatan County

Director of Planning

Powhatan, VA

$115K - $130K/yr

Provides advice and support to the Assistant County Administrator, Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Prepares Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals ...

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All JobsCounty Administrator JobsCounty Administrator Jobs in Virginia

County Administrator information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$106K

$162.6K

How much do county administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for county administrator in Virginia is $106,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,400.00 and $139,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county administrator?

County Administrators are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the daily operations of county government. They implement policies set by the county board or commission, manage county departments, prepare budgets, and ensure that county services are delivered efficiently. County Administrators act as a liaison between elected officials, county staff, and the public, and often play a key role in strategic planning and resource allocation. Their work ensures that local government functions smoothly and meets the needs of residents.

What does a county administrator do?

A county administrator’s job is to oversee the daily operations of a county government. You are the go-between for the county board of directors and the various departments, such as sanitation, water reclamation, and health administration. As a county manager, your duties include creating and reviewing budgets for the different departments; discussing local issues with department heads, clients, and the public; attending public hearings and city council meetings, and being present during emergency situations. You are often at board and department meetings, and you do outreach to secure more investment, such as new construction or job creation, from private industry and the state government.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Administrator, you need a solid background in public administration, finance, and management, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with budgeting software, government regulations, and project management tools is essential for the role. Strategic leadership, strong communication, and conflict resolution skills help foster collaboration among departments and with the public. These skills ensure effective governance and the efficient delivery of county services to meet community needs.

What are some common challenges faced by a county administrator, and how can they be effectively managed?

County Administrators often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of various stakeholders, managing tight budgets, and overseeing multiple departments with competing priorities. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to build consensus among county commissioners, staff, and the public are essential for success. Administrators can address these challenges by maintaining transparency, fostering teamwork, and staying informed about best practices in local government management.

What is the difference between County Administrator vs County Clerk?

AspectCounty AdministratorCounty Clerk
Primary RoleOversees daily county operations, implements policies, manages departmentsMaintains official records, manages elections, issues licenses
Required CredentialsOften requires a master's degree in public administration or related fieldTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer experience in record-keeping or administration
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, government departmentsClerk offices, government buildings
Employer & Industry UsageCounty governments, public sectorCounty governments, public sector

While both roles serve county governments, the County Administrator focuses on managing operations and policy implementation, whereas the County Clerk handles record-keeping and administrative documentation. They work closely but have distinct responsibilities within local government.

Are county government jobs hard to get?

County administrator positions are competitive and typically require extensive experience in public administration, leadership, and often a relevant master's degree. The hiring process involves multiple steps, including interviews and background checks, and candidates with strong management skills and knowledge of local government are preferred.

What are the duties of a County Administrator?

A County Administrator is responsible for managing the daily operations of county government, implementing policies set by the county board, preparing budgets, overseeing departments, and ensuring efficient delivery of public services. They often coordinate with elected officials, staff, and community stakeholders to meet the county's goals and may require strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
More about County Administrator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of County Administrator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of County Administrator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to County Administrator jobs in Virginia?

For County Administrator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching County Administrator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for County Administrator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for County Administrator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most County Administrator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to County Administrator jobs in VA?

For County Administrator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

County Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Administrator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,025 per year, or $51 per hour.

County Administrator

ICMA

Lexington, VA • On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Rockbridge County is seeking an experienced professional to serve as County Administrator responsible for implementing the Board of Supervisors' vision and directing programs and operations of the county government. The new Administrator will succeed the previous County Administrator who is retiring after 14 years in the position.

The Board of Supervisors appoints a County Administrator to act as the administrative head of the county. The County Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors, carries out its policies, and directs business procedures. He or she is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the county government and manages and supervises all departments, agencies, and offices of the county except for the County Attorney who reports directly to the Board of Supervisors.
The County Administrator is responsible for developing and, upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors, implementing annual operating and capital budgets. He or she recommends policies and priorities for the Board of Supervisors' consideration and leads the county workforce in delivering services and responding to citizen issues or concerns. The County Administrator serves as the official Clerk to the Board, as the county's Purchasing Agent and as the Director of Emergency Management. He or she also serves as a member of local and regional committees, commissions, or authorities, and as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors and constitutional officers; the judiciary; regional, state, and local agencies; and community organizations.

The following education and experience factors are the expected qualifications for successful performance:
  • A bachelor's degree in public administration, business management, political science, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred.
  • At least five (5) years of progressively responsible senior level executive management experience as a chief or deputy chief administrative officer, or department head, in a high performing, comparably sized or larger, locality, business, or non-profit organization with a wide range of duties in operations and management; possessing a broad skill set appropriate to the breadth of county government operations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of public administration, local government financial management, economic development, and the broad array of local government operations and service delivery.
  • An understanding of the statutory authority and requirements of county government and dedication to the principles of the board of supervisors/manager form of governance. Local government experience in Virginia would be a plus.
  • A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in organizations such as the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA). Designation as an ICMA Credentialed Manager is a plus.
  • Any combination of education and experience that qualifies an applicant may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.

Chief Administrator (City, County, Town Manager)

Position Type

Full Time

County of Rockbridge

Address

150 S Main St
Lexington , VA 24450-2359
United States

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