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County Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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County Manager information

See Kansas salary details

$35.3K

$101.8K

$176.2K

How much do county manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for county manager in Kansas is $101,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,466.00 and $115,225.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are county managers?

County managers are appointed officials responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a county government. They implement policies set by the county board or commission, manage county departments, prepare budgets, and ensure efficient delivery of public services. County managers act as the chief administrative officer and often serve as a liaison between elected officials, county staff, and the public. Their role is essential in ensuring that the county runs smoothly and that local government functions are carried out effectively.

What are some common challenges a County Manager faces when balancing the needs of different departments and stakeholders?

County Managers often encounter the challenge of allocating limited resources while addressing the diverse needs of various departments, elected officials, and community groups. This requires strong negotiation and communication skills, as well as the ability to prioritize initiatives that align with the county's strategic goals. Balancing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and political considerations is a daily part of the role, and successful managers foster collaboration among departments to achieve the best outcomes for the community.

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

To thrive as a County Manager, you need a strong background in public administration, budgeting, and organizational leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public administration or a related field. Familiarity with government management software, financial systems, and regulatory frameworks is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help build consensus and lead diverse teams effectively. These skills ensure efficient county operations, sound fiscal management, and the ability to address complex community needs.

What is the difference between County Manager vs County Clerk?

AspectCounty ManagerCounty Clerk
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees daily operations, implements policies, manages budgetsMaintains official records, issues licenses, manages elections
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in public administration or related fieldOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions prefer experience in record-keeping or administration
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, government departmentsClerical offices, public service environments
Employer & Industry UsageLocal government, county administrationsCounty governments, municipal offices

The County Manager and County Clerk roles serve different functions within local government. The County Manager focuses on managing operations and implementing policies, often requiring advanced education in public administration. The County Clerk handles record-keeping and administrative tasks related to elections and official documents. Both roles are essential for effective county governance but differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of County jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of County jobs in Kansas are:
What job categories do people searching County Manager jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for County Manager jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for County Manager jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most County Manager job openings:
Assistant to the County Manager

Assistant to the County Manager

Johnson County Kansas

Olathe, KS • On-site

$51.62 - $77.43/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview
A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer competitive benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more!
Job Description
The County Manager's Office is looking to fill the position of Assistant to the County Manager. This position is a critical and highly visible position that provides professional, analytical, and technical support to the County Manager to assist with meeting the demands and responsibilities of the County Manager's Office.
The full salary range for this position is $107,371 to $161,056.98 annually. The anticipated starting salary range is $107,371 to $147,636 annually. Salary will be commensurate with the selected candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
This position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applicants anticipated to begin on July 9, 2026.
Responsibilities include:
  • Helps lead the development of a high-performing organization through active demonstration of the county's Pillars of Performance, encouraging leadership and empowerment at all levels of the organization; dedicates QII activities for self and staff; actively mentors, coaches, and collaborates with employees to enhance the county mission and vision, keeping in mind the common goal of leaving our community better than we found it.
  • Serves as the principal strategic lead for operations of the County Manager's Office in consultation with the County Manager. Develops goals and objectives for the operations of the County Manager's Office and assists with ensuring alignment of CMO functions with countywide priorities.
  • Establishes work plans with actionable outcomes and assigns and oversees complex studies, projects, analysis, research, and development activities to ensure workloads are appropriate and that each manager/commissioner has the appropriate level of project and board meeting support.
  • Ensures county business operations, processes, and procedures specifically related to agendas, board meeting operations, and record retention schedules are efficient, effective, and consistent for the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, Assistant County Managers, and county commissioners.
  • Supervises assigned staff and provides leadership, mentoring, guidance, and performance management; ensures effective, efficient, and consistent operations of assigned staff; identifies, recommends, and implements training and development opportunities to support employee growth and organizational success.
  • Represents the County Manager's Office in informal and formal settings, including meetings with boards, committees, community organizations, business groups, and other governmental representatives.
  • Serves as the CMO representative, as needed, on various enterprise-wide projects related to organizational needs and process improvements. Assists in managing sensitive, confidential issues.
  • Advises the County Manager's executive team on a broad range of organizational, operational, and policy matters, including departmental operations, long-range planning, development of strategic objectives, and negotiation and coordination with various outside organizations on strategic partnerships.
  • Reviews and provides recommendations to the executive team on agenda items and Committee of the Whole and Study Session presentations. Provides guidance to departments regarding board processes, policy direction, and follow-through on Board actions.
  • Oversees the development of BOCC and CMO department budgets; develops and maintains resource projections for short- and long-term needs; recommends adjustments to ensure fiscal responsibility; handles annual budget resource requests; and serves as the primary user of the various budget office software systems.
  • Originates, develops, implements, and enforces administrative policies and procedures necessary to support and assist the County Manager on policy direction of the Board of County Commissioners. Ensures policies are consistent with legal requirements, best practices, and the operational needs of the organization.

Job Requirements
Minimum Education/Formal Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in the following field(s) of study: Public Administration, Finance, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MPA, JD, or similar) preferred.

Type and minimum years of experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience within the public sector or relevant experience.
  • Three (3) years leading, directing, supervising, or coordinating the work of others.

Experience may substitute for Education; Education may substitute for Experience.
Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.
All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.