Our Client:

Tarrant County

• 100 E. Weatherford Suite 301
• Fort Worth, Texas, 76196-0105
• Website:  http://www.tarrantcountytx.gov 

Tarrant County is a vibrant and rapidly growing urban center in North Central Texas, home to a population of over 2.1 million citizens, one of the largest counties in the state. In fiscal year 2024, the County operated on a budget of $896.6 million, with a focus on fiscal discipline and providing tax relief to residents.

Tarrant County is committed to nurturing a culture where people are encouraged and excellence is rewarded. They invest in their employees' futures, with programs such as tuition reimbursement to support educational goals and a focus on operational efficiency and productivity through streamlined policies and processes. They value teamwork, professional development, and accountability, and they strive to create a dynamic and supportive workplace where you can grow and thrive.

Tarrant County is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Are you a results-driven public sector leader ready to join a high-impact executive team in one of America's most dynamic counties?

StarHire has been exclusively retained by Tarrant County, Texas, to find its next Assistant County Administrator. This is a premier opportunity to join a collaborative administrative team, reporting directly to the County Administrator. Working alongside the Chief of Staff and another Assistant County Administrator (ACA), you will lead key county departments and drive critical modernization initiatives.

We are seeking an autonomous, self-sufficient "doer" with exceptional executive presence. The ideal candidate thrives on managing diverse priorities and has a proven track record of leading multiple departments within a complex county or city government. This role is a launchpad, designed for a leader who is being groomed for a future County Administrator position.

The Challenge & Opportunity

Your central mission will be to calmly and efficiently manage a wide array of priorities while helping to professionalize and modernize county systems. You will be a key agent of change, guiding dedicated county employees through digital transformations and process improvements, helping them overcome the fear of the new and move beyond entrenched "old ways." This is a chance to leave a lasting mark on the operational effectiveness of a major U.S. county.

Your Mission & Impact

As a key member of the executive team, you will be empowered to:

• Lead Key County Departments: Assume direct leadership over an initial portfolio including the Law Library, Archives, Community Development, and Housing. You will spearhead their operational and digital evolution, including critical cybersecurity enhancements.
• Drive Strategic County-Wide Projects: Take ownership of complex projects off the plates of the County Administrator and other ACAs, seeing them through from conception to completion with minimal oversight.
• Ensure Operational & Fiscal Excellence: Provide decisive leadership and oversight for your assigned departments, guiding their budget processes and ensuring all operations are efficient, effective, and fiscally responsible.
• Act as a Collaborative Partner: Function as an interdependent team player with your ACA peers, proactively identifying colleagues who need support and stepping in to ensure the entire administrative team succeeds.
• Demonstrate Executive Readiness: Cultivate the executive presence and deep operational knowledge required to support county leadership at the highest level, demonstrating the capability to lead a major county.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a specific blend of experience and leadership attributes.

Core Experience (Must-Haves)

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive management experience within county or city government.
• Direct leadership experience over multiple, distinct departments simultaneously. (Candidates with experience leading only a single department will not be considered).
• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
• A background as a current Assistant County Administrator in a smaller county, or a City Manager/Assistant City Manager in a major metro area is ideal.

Leadership Attributes

• Unflappable Composure & Confidence: You project stability and execute your duties with a calm, no-drama, no-chaos approach.
• Autonomous & Self-Sufficient: You are a Type-A achiever who can take a task and run with it, requiring minimal supervision to achieve outstanding results.
• A Proactive Team Player: You possess the awareness to see where your colleagues are struggling and have the instinct to step in and help without being asked.
• Exceptional Executive Communication: You communicate with clarity, precision, and diplomacy to all stakeholders, from elected officials to county staff.

Why Tarrant County?

Unmatched Mentorship: The County Administrator, Chandler Merritt, is deeply invested in his team's success and is actively preparing his leaders to take the helm of a major county, whether in Fort Worth or elsewhere.
A Stable, Values-Driven Environment: Join an organization guided by a County Judge and Commissioners Court who prioritize family, faith, and conservative principles, creating a stable and predictable leadership landscape.
Live and Work in a Thriving Region: Tarrant County is at the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a region known for its vibrant culture, economic growth, and high quality of life. Relocation assistance may be available for an exceptional candidate.

The Details:
Position Title: Assistant County Administrator
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Salary Range: $142,683.58 - $178,354.54 Annually

Reports To: County Administrator

For immediate consideration, email cover letter and resume to Team @ StarHire dot Net.