1

County Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Finance Director

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$99K - $125K/yr

This executive leadership position plays a critical role in supporting County departments, elected officials, and the County Executive through sound financial management, budgeting, reporting, and ...

County Executive Director

Preston, ID · On-site +1

$61K - $116K/yr

Summary This is a County Executive Director position located in Franklin County Farm Service Agency in Preston, Idaho. Open to current permanent FSA CO and FSA GS employees in the state of Idaho only ...

County Executive Director

Wheatland, WY · On-site +1

$40K - $116K/yr

Summary This is a County Executive Director position. Located in Platte County Farm Service Agency in Wheatland, Wyoming. This position is employed by the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) committee(s)

Showing results 21-40

County Executive information

See salary details

$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do county executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for county executive in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are county government jobs hard to get?

County executive positions are competitive and typically require extensive experience in public administration, leadership skills, and a strong understanding of local government operations. Candidates often need a combination of education, such as a degree in public administration or related fields, and a record of public service or management success. The hiring process can be rigorous, involving multiple interviews and background checks.

What is the difference between County Executive vs County Commissioner?

AspectCounty ExecutiveCounty Commissioner
CredentialsTypically requires experience in public administration or politics, sometimes a degree in public policy or related fieldsOften requires local government experience; educational requirements vary
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, policy implementation, administrative oversightLegislative role, policy approval, local governance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in counties with a strong executive system, often in larger or more urban countiesCommon in counties with a commission-based government structure

The main difference is that the County Executive acts as the chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations and implementing policies, while the County Commissioner serves as part of the legislative body, making laws and policies for the county. The roles vary depending on the county's government structure, with the County Executive typically holding more administrative authority.

What are some typical challenges a county executive may face when balancing stakeholder interests within local government?

County Executives often encounter the challenge of balancing diverse interests among residents, elected officials, and department leaders. Navigating differing priorities—such as budget constraints, public service needs, and policy initiatives—requires strong negotiation and communication skills. Additionally, County Executives must remain adaptable as unexpected issues, like emergencies or legislative changes, can quickly shift priorities. Building consensus and maintaining transparency are key to effectively leading county operations while addressing varied stakeholder concerns.

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

To thrive as a County Executive, you need a strong background in public administration, budget management, and policy development, often supported by a relevant degree and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with government financial software, public sector regulations, and strategic planning tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills help in building consensus and leading diverse teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective county operations, fiscal responsibility, and responsive governance.

What is a county executive?

County Executives are the chief elected or appointed officials responsible for overseeing the administration of county government. Their duties typically include managing county departments, preparing budgets, implementing policies set by the county legislature, and representing the county in intergovernmental affairs. County Executives play a key role in ensuring efficient delivery of public services, such as law enforcement, public health, and public works. The specific powers and responsibilities of a County Executive can vary depending on local laws and the county's charter.
What cities are hiring for County Executive jobs? Cities with the most County Executive job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of County jobs? The most popular types of County jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for County Executive jobs? The top employers for County Executive jobs are:
What states have the most County Executive jobs? States with the most job openings for County Executive jobs include:
Infographic showing various County Executive job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.

Economic Vitality and Municipal Services Director

County of Marin

San Rafael, CA • Hybrid

$181K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

ABOUT US The Office of the County Executive is responsible for implementing the policy direction of the Marin County Board of Supervisors and supporting the effective delivery of public services across 22 departments. The office provides leadership on countywide initiatives, coordinates interdepartmental and cross-jurisdictional programs. Our work includes advancing the Board's strategic priorities, overseeing the County's $865 million budget, and leading cross-cutting efforts in housing, climate, equity, emergency preparedness, homelessness, and more.

ABOUT THE POSITION The Economic Vitality and Municipal Services Director is a newly established executive management position within the Office of the County Executive. Reporting to a Deputy County Executive, the Director provides strategic leadership for the County's Economic Vitality and Municipal Services Division and serves as a trusted advisor to the County Executive and Board of Supervisors on initiatives that strengthen Marin's economy, support thriving communities, and improve quality of life throughout the county - so people of all ages and backgrounds can live, work, create, and thrive in Marin. The Economic Vitality and Municipal Services Director will oversee three program areas supported by a three staff: The County's Economic Vitality Program Municipal Services in unincorporated West Marin Municipal Services in unincorporated Marin City The Director will join the County at a critical time.

In 2025, the Board of Supervisors established Community and Economic Vitality as a countywide priority and directed development of a comprehensive, regional Economic Vitality Strategic Roadmap. The Director will provide executive leadership for this initiative - setting strategic direction, overseeing consultant work, advising the Board of Supervisors, and guiding implementation of a long-term strategy that aligns County departments, Marin's 11 cities and towns, regional partners, educational institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders around shared priorities. The contract for the Strategic Roadmap - a one-year process - was approved by the Board in June 2026.

Marin has extraordinary natural assets, a strong community identity and significant local talent and innovative assets, yet faces real challenges including an aging population, workforce housing shortages, barriers to retaining young people and essential workers, underutilized commercial districts, and lack of a shared narrative connecting economic vitality to community benefit. The Director will help define the County's long-term role as a convener, partner, and strategic leader in addressing these opportunities throughout the County through coordinated economic vitality initiatives. The County's Economic Vitality priorities were informed by Marin's recent learning exchange with San Luis Obispo, which demonstrated the power of cross-sector collaboration, place-based investment, and shared, coordinated goals.

Building upon those lessons, the Director will establish a Marin-specific framework that advances vibrant downtowns and corridors, housing and workforce development, small business growth, sustainable tourism, innovation, arts and culture, agriculture and working lands, and long-term economic resilience. In addition to directing countywide economic vitality initiatives, the Director provides executive oversight of municipal services for the County's unincorporated communities of West Marin and Marin City. The Director will leverage the Division's municipal services in West Marin and Marin City to ensures that municipal services are coordinated with Economic Vitality efforts: identifying local economic opportunities, strengthening partnerships with residents and community organizations, informing County policy, and helping ensure that economic vitality initiatives reflect the distinct needs, assets, and priorities of the unincorporated communities.

As one of the Office of the County Executive's Division Directors, this position regularly works with Board Members, Department Heads, city and town managers, business leaders, community-based organizations, and regional partners on complex policy issues requiring strategic thinking, political acumen, and collaborative leadership. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build and shape a new County function. The Economic Vitality and Municipal Services Division is in its early stages of development, and two of its three positions are currently vacant.

The Director will play a central role in recruiting key staff, establishing the Division's organizational culture, defining operational priorities, and building the long-term partnerships, systems, and organizational capacity necessary to sustain this work for years to come. This position works full time on-site in the historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center, with flexibility for remote work one day per week. For more information, please view the recruitment brochure: ABOUT YOU Our ideal candidate is an experienced executive leader who enjoys building partnerships, developing organizations, and leading complex initiatives that improve communities.

You are comfortable building out a new, high-profile program, working across jurisdictional boundaries, consulting elected officials, and bringing diverse stakeholders together around shared goals. Our Highly Qualified Candidate is excited to grow with Marin and invest in the County's future. You are someone who: Builds trust and credibility with elected officials, executive leadership, community partners, and residents.

Navigates complex policy and political environments with sound judgment and professionalism. Thinks strategically while maintaining a strong focus on implementation and measurable results. Understands how to leverage underutilized assets, and activate stakeholders.

Brings people together to solve challenging problems through collaboration. Values public service and understands the role local government plays in strengthening communities. Develops high-performing teams and enjoys mentoring and supporting staff You bring: Experience in economic development, community development, or cross sector collaboration.

Strong research, communication, and facilitation skills. Data informed decision making balanced with community engagement. Passion for building vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready communities.

Experience with business development, workforce issues, housing, placemaking, or local government is highly desirable. QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE OF Economic development principles, strategies, and best practices. Community development methodologies and cross-sector collaboration techniques.

Public-private partnership frameworks and stakeholder engagement approaches. Local, state, and federal regulations, codes, and policies affecting economic vitality programs. Local governance in unincorporated areas.

Data analysis techniques and demographic research methods. Governmental budgeting, finance, and resource allocation processes. Grant development and contract management.

Organizational structure and functions of local government. Software applications and systems used for economic data management and program administration. ABILITY TO Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive economic vitality strategies and programs aligned with County priorities.

Navigate complex issues and competing interests to identify practical, consensus-based solutions. Build and sustain consensus among diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, community organizations, government agencies, residents, elected officials and regional partners, to advance shared economic vitality and community objectives. Analyze and interpret complex economic, demographic, and programmatic data and reports to inform decision-making and policy development.

Think critically and exercise sound judgement in evaluating program effectiveness while pursuing innovative approaches that improve organizational performance, service delivery and community outcomes. Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, executive leadership, governmental agencies, community groups, business leaders and the public. Represent the County in public, governmental and professional forums and serve as a trusted advisor on economic vitality and municipal services matters.

Direct multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously and effectively manage competing demands, resources, and timelines. Select, supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate managerial, professional, and support staff. Utilize technology and information systems to support strategic planning, analysis, and program management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to qualify is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a closely-related field; and five years of progressively responsible experience with economic development and/or community services-related initiatives or programs. At least two of those years need to be in a management, supervisory or program administration capacity.

Experience in a public agency is strongly preferred. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROCESS: Please note: the application deadline for this recruitment has been extended to August 12th. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process.

Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails. Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active. Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.

Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.