Paul Newman County Manager CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE SEARCH PROVIDED BY STRATEGIC GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Mission Statement We enhance the quality of life of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Clark County, Washington is looking for a county manager who is a strategic thinker and a passionate, results-driven leader dedicated to delivering topnotch services to this vibrant community. The ideal candidate is ethical, innovative and collaborative and has experience working for an elected council and carrying out its policies. Under Clark County s home rule charter, the county manager is the top executive in an organization of 1,723 FTEs who serve a community of more than 471,000. The incoming county manager must be able to create a close, congenial and productive relationship with the county councilors. They seek someone who is responsive and accessible and will communicate with them directly and frankly, but positively and respectfully. They seek someone who will, as their only employee, clearly communicate the council s policies and expectations to senior staff in a culture of accountability. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator, listening to gain an understanding CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGER 2
of the councilors decisions, concerns and preferred methods of receiving information while keeping them fully informed on a wide array of issues in a timely manner. The county manager must be politically savvy, but never political. Clark County s county manager will inspire and motivate others by example. He or she must have the ability to promote teamwork, articulate expectations, delegate responsibility and strengthen the organization with a shared sense of purpose. The county manager s top priorities must include promoting best practices and continuous improvement to take a talented, well-led workforce to the next level in public service. As the county s chief budget officer, the county manager must be fiscally responsible and have the knowledge, skills and ability to provide expert guidance in financing and cost management strategies as well as financial policy alternatives. The county manager will ensure that true cost-benefit analysis is a standard component of the decision-making process. The county manager must be sensitive to the varied needs of the county s growing and increasingly diverse population. She or he should have an anticipatory, pro-active management style that will ensure sustainable growth and financial stability while overseeing initiatives that align with the county s mission, vision and values. A new county manager will work to ensure economic development policies are development- and business-friendly without compromising quality, public safety or the county s financial health. Land use and growth management experience are desired. Collective bargaining experience is a plus. Sapa Industries Clark County, Washington is looking for a county manager who is a strategic thinker and a passionate, results-driven leader dedicated to delivering top-notch services to this vibrant community. CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGER 3
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Candidates must hold at least a bachelor s degree in public administration or a closely related field; a master s degree in public administration or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates must have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the management of local government operations and success working with an elected governing body or board. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of effective budgetary, financial and staff management and exceptional community relationships. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Clark County offers a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience. The county participates in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and members have a choice between PERS Plan 2, currently at 7.38 percent of gross pay, and PERS Plan 3, currently at 5 percent to 15 percent of gross pay. The county offers a rich package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. The county manager also receives a monthly vehicle allowance. Beth Conyers CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGER 4
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The county manager will help address several challenges and put important initiatives into place over the coming years. The county council wants a strong, experienced county manager to work with it and help build consensus for and assist staff with developing strategies consistent with the legislative body s expectations. BUDGET The county manager must proactively address structural budgeting challenges and enhance longterm capital planning and budget strategies. Clark County receives 38 percent less sales tax revenue than other Washington counties due to leakage to Oregon, which does not have a sales tax. The county must address the changing service needs of its older residents, a task more financially difficult without a state income tax. The county is moving to program budgeting in the 2018 biennial budget, with the goal of using priority based budgeting thereafter. The county is in discussions with the elected Sheriff about a proposed $300 million jail complex, and the county manager will play a key role in developing financial strategies for the complex s construction and operation. GROWTH The county is expected to be the state s fourth most populous county in about seven years. Bringing new jobs to the county is a main goal of the county s 20-year Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, which was most recently reviewed and adopted by the Board of County Councilors in 2016. The county-owned short line railroad holds potential, but the county also wants to diversify its industrial base beyond manufacturing and natural resources to embrace information technology and expand higher education opportunities. Broadening and deepening the county s economic engine is crucial for improving the transportation system, maintaining the high quality of life and sustaining this thriving community. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The county manager will lead by example and advance the professionalism of county operations and policies through development of performance metrics and enhanced budget transparency. He or she will help develop systems to enhance interdepartmental communication and create a sound succession plan to prepare for the next generation of employee leaders. PERMITTING PRACTICES The county manager should be prepared to review current permitting practices with an eye toward developing a more business-friendly permitting environment. The Permit Center is scheduled to undergo a third-party operational review and is about to go-live with a new electronic plans review software system. Leigh Radford Team Hymas Beth Conyers CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGER 5
GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATION STRATEGIC ACTIONS FOCUS ON: Clark County operates under a home rule charter, with a county manager and five county councilors. The county manager position was created when voters approved the charter in November 2014 and it became effective Jan. 1, 2015. Previously, the position was that of county administrator. Also under the charter, the three-member Board of County Commissioners expanded in January 2016 to become a five-member Board of County Councilors, or Clark County Council. Four councilors are elected at the district level, and the council chair is elected countywide. Three councilors will be up for re-election in 2018. The county council is responsible for constituent inquiries, adopting the biennial budget, developing and implementing planning and zoning policies, adopting ordinances, and making citizen appointments to some advisory committees and boards. The county hires a professional county manager to oversee day-to-day operations of administrative departments. The county manager s responsibilities include supervision, organizational structure and assigned duties of all administrative departments, carrying out and enforcing all ordinances and annually preparing, and presenting the county budget. Clark County adopted an FY 2017-2018 General Fund budget of $321,324,822, with a countywide budget of $891,104,400. The county has 1,723 FTEs, including represented employees in 12 collective bargaining groups. COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS CUSTOMER SERVICE DECISION MAKING PROCESS COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS FINANCE TECHNOLOGY
The county manager s direct reports are the directors of Budget, Community Development, Community Planning, Community Services, General Services, Human Resources, Public Health, Public Works and Technology Services and the executive director of the multi-agency Children s Justice Center. The county manager serves as the county council s liaison to departments headed by the elected Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, District Court judges, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Superior Court judges and Treasurer. Jeff Mize OUR VISION FOR CLARK COUNTY IS A COMMUNITY WITH: Safe streets, neighborhoods & structures Healthy natural & built environment Prosperity & wellbeing for a diverse population Engaged civil & informed citizens Inclusion & acceptance of all people First rate infrastructure A population & Environment prepared for current & future job opportunities CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGER 7
Ken Powell THE COMMUNITY Located in southwest Washington, Clark County stretches from the north bank of the mighty Columbia River to the southern shadows of Mount St. Helens. With more than 471,000 residents, Clark County is a vital player in a by-state metropolitan area. Now the fifth most populous county in the state, Clark County s seat and largest city is Vancouver. The county sometimes called the Cradle of the Pacific Northwest covers more than 656 square miles. Its residents enjoy a high quality of life, including lower property taxes, more affordable housing, high-performing school districts and convenient access to a variety of outstanding cultural and recreational amenities. A regional hub for transportation and commerce, Clark County is just across the Columbia River from Portland, Ore. and the Portland International Airport. Interstates 5 and 205 provide access to major economic centers in Washington and Oregon, and transcontinental rail links serve the county. The Port of Vancouver offers a deep-draft harbor for ocean-going commerce. Clark County consistently rates highly in terms of livability. With more than 40 miles of frontage on the Columbia River, the county offers a mix of urban CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGER 8
areas, small towns, farmland, parks, wildlife refuges and protected forests. Fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, camping and hiking are just a few of the outdoor activities residents and visitors enjoy. One of the most visited sites is the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, which is maintained by the National Park Service. Created by Congress in 1996, the 366- acre reserve in the heart of Vancouver was established to protect adjacent, historically significant areas. The county is served by nine school districts ranging from less than 200 students to more than 26,000 students. Several districts host programs for home-schooling and the trades. For those seeking higher education, Clark College, a community college, and Washington State University Vancouver are local options. CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON COUNTY MANAGER 9
APPLICATION PROCESS For more information on this position contact: Doug Thomas, Senior Vice President Strategic Government Resources DouglasThomas@GovernmentResource.com 963-860-9314 This position is open until filled. To view the status of this position, please visit: http://bit.ly/sgrcurrentsearches Troy Wayrynen Troy Wayrynen Applicants may submit cover letter & resume at: countymanagersearch@clark.wa.gov Clark County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check. RESOURCES Clark County clark.wa.gov Annual Report bit.ly/2xlbvdg Columbia River Economic Development Council credc.org Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce vancouverusa.com Visit Vancouver USA visitvancouverusa.com