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Tazewell County, IL (pop. 131,394).  Tazewell County is seeking applicants for its County Administrator position. The most recent Administrator resigned, after serving seven (7) years in the position, to accept a professional opportunity in the private sector.

Located in central Illinois, Tazewell County is part of the Peoria, Illinois MSA with a regional population of over 350,000. The largest city in Tazewell is Pekin, the County Seat, with a population of 31,731. A total of fifteen (15) other municipalities, ranging in population of just a few hundred to over 22,000, are located throughout then County’s 658 square miles.

Established in 1827, Tazewell County provides a hometown feel in the middle of a growing, progressive region with a strong employment base and with a wide range of urban amenities to complement the serene and beautiful country landscape. Agriculture is a key component of Tazewell County's history and economy. Seventy-eight percent of the County's land area consists of farmland. The flat fertile fields, wooded slopes, ravines, and forested riparian areas contribute to a diverse and beautiful landscape that creates many outstanding agricultural and recreational opportunities for residents of the County.

The local economy in Tazewell County is underpinned by excellent transportation linkages including the Illinois River, three interstate highways, two major U.S. highways, and several State routes. One of the nation’s most notable Fortune 100 companies, Caterpillar, has a strong presence in Tazewell County and is a major source of employment. It is estimated that Caterpillar employs 12,000 in the region. Other major regional employers include OSF St. Francis Medical Center (12,000), Unity Point Healthcare (5,000), Illinois Central College (1625), Bradley University (1300), and Pekin Insurance (900).  The success of these and other businesses both near and within Tazewell County are buttressed by a plentiful and well-trained regional work force.

Tazewell County is governed by a 22-member Board elected on a partisan basis to four-year overlapping terms. The County Board Chairman is elected at-large while the other 21 Board members are elected by districts. The County is apportioned into three (3) large electoral districts each of which is represented by seven (7) Board Members. The Board conducts most of its business via fourteen (14) standing committees. Typically, each Board Member is assigned to five (5) Committees.

The County Board also appoints a County Administrator to advise, assist, and function as an agent for the County Board in the management and oversight of the day-to-day affairs of the County government. The Administrator is responsible for making professional recommendations to the Board on policy matters and for the implementation of all policy decisions of the Board. The Administrator is also responsible for the oversight of the County’s financial affairs and for the annual preparation of an operating and capital improvements budget for the County.

The County Board is seeking applicants for the position that have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and at least five (5) years of progressively responsible managerial experience. A master’s degree in public administration or a related field of study is preferred but not required. In addition, applicants with experience in County government in Illinois would be considered to be advantageous.

In addition to the minimum qualifications outlined above, the ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Considerable experience in financial management and reporting with a background in governmental accounting and with an understanding of tax levy administration under Illinois law.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively and cooperatively with all organizational stakeholders, including elected and appointed officials, to advance the mission of the organization.
• A creative and effective problem-solver with the ability to develop “out of the box” solutions to address both challenges and opportunities.
• The ability to build and maintain productive relationships with a variety of personality types.
• Work experience in a county government organization, preferably as an administrator or assistant administrator.
• Experience with collective bargaining and labor relations.
• Experience with insurance procurement and administration.

The starting salary range for this position is $135,000 to $150,000 DOQ/E. The County also provides a comprehensive package of fringe benefits. A relocation assistance package will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Residency within Tazewell County is preferred but not required.

Please apply online at www.govHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five (5) professional references. Applications will be accepted until February 25, 2022. Please contact Mark Peterson, Vice President, GovHR USA at (309) 825-5091 with any questions regarding the position or the selection process. Tazewell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.