Lake County, Illinois is seeking a forward-thinking, strategic, and dynamic professional to serve as its next Assistant County Administrator (ACA). This critical role is an integral part of the County’s professional management team, working under the guidance of the appointed County Administrator to oversee County activities, programs, projects, operations, and strategic initiatives.
As ACA, you’ll provide staffing to the Standing Committees of Board members who approve County business and work with talented individuals from multiple departments and offices to spearhead the development and implementation of County programs. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader and consensus builder, bringing strong leadership, communication skills, and experience with governmental budgeting and capital improvement plans to the County Administration team. We’re looking for someone who thrives in an innovative and high-performing environment and is committed to continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.
The successful candidate must be able to execute complicated projects within a multi-stakeholder environment, many of which shape organizational culture and bring about regional-level change. If you’re ready to shape the future of Lake County, we invite you to apply and join a team dedicated to excellence in public service.
Essential Functions:
Candidates must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with the ability to multi-task and sustain successful execution of a robust work plan. Candidates must have a record of successfully and simultaneously managing a variety of complex projects with the ability to interact with elected officials, senior staff, boards or commissions, and community organizations in the development and implementation of project goals and objectives.
The ideal candidate will possess familiarity with municipal or county government operations and financial management along with experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, and capital improvement planning. The role will include aligning financial planning with the County Strategic Plan, building consensus among groups with diverse financial interests, and engaging the public for input.
Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required:
Minimum requirements include eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in local government management or a comparable organization, including significant experience at a senior level interacting with department heads, elected officials and diverse stakeholder groups.
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, business, or related field, or equivalent work experience, is required. An MPA/MBA or other advanced degree is a plus. The salary range is $158,522 – $179,199 depending on qualifications and experience. Lake County offers excellent benefits as detailed here: Employee Benefits Information for Prospective Employees | Lake County, IL.
Supplemental Information:
Application Process
Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, five professional references, and a written analysis or report that exhibits the candidate’s writing ability, approach to research, and communication style. The deadline for applications is May 30, 2025.
TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT: Assistant County Administrator | Job Details tab | Career Pages
County Overview
Lake County is a large, complex organization consisting of more than 30 departments, offices, and divisions that provide services including but not limited to transportation, public works, land use planning, building inspections, elections, emergency management, water and sewerage treatment, law enforcement, public health, and criminal justice. The county is governed by a 19-member elected Board and has a $635.5 million budget, which funds 2,687 full time employees along with part time and seasonal staff. Please see www.lakecountyil.gov for more information on County government as well as the excellent quality of life in Lake County.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.
Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
