RILEY COUNTY
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
“TO PROVIDE QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES THAT PRESERVE THE PAST, PROTECT THE PRESENT, AND ENHANCE THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND GENERAL WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE IN RILEY COUNTY”
Lead with Purpose. Build the Future. Riley County is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking executive to serve as its first County Administrator-a leader who sees local government not simply as an organization to manage, but as an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact. Located in the heart of the Flint Hills, Riley County offers a distinctive combination of vibrant communities, a major research university, military partnerships, economic opportunity, natural beauty, and an exceptional quality of life. Here is where innovation and tradition meet, and where strong leadership can make a visible difference. The County Administrator will help define the next era of local government. Working directly with the Board of County Commissioners, this executive will help translate the Board’s vision into action, strengthen collaboration across the organization, modernize operations, develop strategic priorities, and position Riley County for continued success.
This Is More Than Administrative The Riley County Administrator serves as the County’s chief administrative officer and central point of organizational leadership and coordination.
Partner with the Board of County Commissioners, appointed department heads, and elected officials to support effective, coordinated County operations. Build and strengthen relationships with municipal, regional, state, and federal partners, citizens, and community organizations to advance shared priorities. Work in conjunction with the Board of County Commissioners and County leadership to advance strategic priorities in economic development, planning, and the long-term needs of Riley County. Provide executive leadership for the County's budget, human resources, and public affairs functions while serving as a principal administrative advisor to the Board of County Commissioners.
The leader we’re looking for With over 600 employees, Riley County is looking for an executive who can see both the big picture and the path required to get there. Our candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, relationship builder, problem solver, and organizational leader. Success in local government requires more than technical expertise-it requires the ability to bring people together, navigate competing perspectives, earn trust, and create momentum around shared goals. The Administrator should be comfortable advising elected officials on complex issues while also rolling up their sleeves to help move an organization forward. We are looking for someone who asks thoughtful questions, uses data to inform decisions, embraces responsible innovation, develops talented people, and recognizes opportunities to improve the way government serves its community. Most importantly, we are seeking a leader who wants to build on the strong foundation already in place at Riley County, Kansas.
Riley County employees recognized for years of service
Key Priorities & Strategic Opportunities
Key Priorities
Balanced Budget: Develop a structurally balanced 2028 budget that aligns revenues with ongoing expenditures while protecting essential services and reducing reliance on reserves. Strategic Staffing: Align staffing resources with statutory responsibilities, service priorities, workload demands, and long-term financial capacity. Service Evaluation: Assess County programs and services based on need, cost, statutory requirements, community benefit, and desired service levels. Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to streamline, consolidate, automate, and modernize operations while maintaining or improving service. Long-Term Planning: Work with Department Heads and develop multi-year plan for facilities, equipment, technology, roads, infrastructure, and other major assets to anticipate future needs and costs.
The Ideal Candidate Strategic Leadership Translates Commission priorities into clear organizational goals and long-term strategies. Local Government Expertise Strong knowledge of public-sector operations, budgeting, financial management, statutory responsibilities, and service delivery. Collaborative Leadership Build trust and effective partnerships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and community partners. Organizational Leadership Aligns people and resources, strengthens operations, improves processes, and identifies opportunities for efficiency and collaboration. Communication & Judgment Communicates complex issues clearly and provides objective, wellreasoned recommendations with integrity and accountability.
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in public admin, business, finance, or a related field, and progressively responsible executive or senior-level leadership experience in local government or a closely related publicsector organization. A master’s degree and significant experience working with an elected governing body are preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
-Medical Insurance Plans -HSA, HRA & FSA Offered -Dental & Vision Insurance Pension -Deferred Compensation -Flexible Spending Account -Supplemental Insurance -EAP -PTO Accrual
-Floating Personal Day & Critical Leave -Paid Holidays
*Other negotiables
Expected starting salary for County Administrator is $151K-$180K DOQ.
Why Riley County? A Great Place to Live, Work & Explore Riley County offers an exceptional quality of life with a welcoming community, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for recreation and connection. From annual events such as Arts in the Park, the Festival of Lights, the Flint Hills Festival, the 4-H Fair, Farmers Market, and the Flint Hills Hot Air Balloon Festival to outdoor adventures at Tuttle Creek Lake and the Konza Prairie, there is always something to experience. Residents enjoy local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, live music, arts and cultural attractions, golf, hiking, fishing, and family-friendly entertainment. With Kansas State University and the energy of Aggieville at its doorstep, Riley County offers the amenities and vitality of a college community while maintaining the character and connection of a close-knit Kansas community. Its central location also provides easy access to destinations throughout the region, including Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, Wichita, Fort Riley, and other communities across the Flint Hills. Riley County is a place where people can build careers, put down roots, enjoy the outdoors, and become part of a community with a strong sense of place and opportunity.
Excellence in Education Accolades & Awards Bob Srack Excellent in Teaching Award Goldstein Excellent in Education Award Silver/Bronze Star Awards Kansas Horizon Award
Riley County Districts: USD 383 USD 384 USD 378
Riley County isn't looking for someone to maintain the status quo. We are looking for an experienced executive who can connect with people, strengthen systems, challenge assumptions, develop leaders, build partnerships, and help transform vision into results. If you are a collaborative leader who believes local government can be innovative, strategic, responsive, and exceptionally well run, we invite you to consider bringing your experience and leadership to Riley County.
For full position description & Applying:
Email HR: eward@rileycountyks.gov
Are you ready to lead an organization dedicated to public service and build a strong future for Riley County and its citizens?