Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Experience Required: 5 – 7 years of progressive experience in agriculture and project management. Grant-writing experience preferred.
Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Public Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Direct Supervisor: County Administrator
Primary Work Location: Office setting
Physical requirements: This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
Certification: Certification in Strategic Planning, or similar certifications are advantageous.

JOB SUMMARY

The Deputy County Administrator: Strategic Projects is responsible for the identification, research, proposal, design, funding, planning, development, and management of strategic projects that address specific needs within Rockingham County. Specifically, this position supports strategic agricultural projects and programs by developing long-term strategies for the sustainable growth and viability of the agricultural community. Critically, this role will balance the preservation of traditional agricultural methods, respecting cultural heritage while working with the agricultural community to develop sustainable solutions, and where appropriate, leverage modern tools to complement traditional methods in order to improve efficiency, yield, soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability.
This position also manages large capital projects by assessing the resources and infrastructure required for the successful implementation of these projects and coordinating with County departmental and community resources, and other agencies as needed to ensure that goals, timelines, and budgets are met.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• In depth understanding of rural and urban development, and strategic planning
• Familiarity with agricultural trends, land use policies, and farmland conservation programs
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, farmers, developers, business leaders, and the general public
• Understanding of workforce development systems, infrastructure planning, and community engagement strategies
• Awareness of real estate development processes, zoning, and permitting in both rural and urban contexts
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant programs, and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of funding resources, research, and the ability to distinguish and identify opportunities for potential grant-funded projects;
• Knowledge of grant application process, scoring criteria, and funding cycles
• Knowledge of public administration, budgeting, and local government operations
• Proficiency in research, data analysis, economic impact modeling, and GIS or business analytics tools
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Negotiation and consensus-building skills across public

• Liaison to the Board of Supervisors. Manages the Board calendar and advises the Board of special events within the County.
• Stay informed about elected officials calendars and make the board aware of public events.
• Manages all stages of the grant application process, including identifying sources for grant opportunities, researching, writing and submitting grant applications, managing deadlines, and reporting and tracking;
• Manages assigned staff, projects, and budgets;
• Prepares reports, presentations, and briefings for elected officials and public meetings;
• Monitors and reports on key economic indicators and development metrics;
• Acts or speaks on behalf of the County Administrator as required;
• Attend local and state meetings as representative for County to address appropriate issues on behalf of Board of Supervisors and County Administrator;
• Keeps the County Administrator informed of present and future developments concerning the efficient operation and conduct of County government;
• Assists the County Administrator in preparing agenda material and reports needed for Board of Supervisors meetings