Position Summary

The Village Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Village, implementing Board policy, overseeing personnel and organizational performance, managing finances and purchasing, and serving as the primary liaison with residents, partner agencies, and the media. The Administrator advances Board priorities, ensures legal and ethical compliance, and promotes the Village’s long-term fiscal health and community well-being.
Acts under the general direction of the Village Board and within the limits of Wisconsin statutes and Village ordinances.

·        Serves as ex officio non-voting member of all Village boards, commissions, and committees unless otherwise specified.

·        Functions as the Village’s lead administrative, budget, and purchasing authority, and primary organizational integrator across departments/utilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A. General Administration

·        Execute Board directives requiring administrative implementation; report on progress and challenges.

·        Manage all day-to-day municipal operations; monitor compliance with Village ordinances, resolutions, Board minutes, and state statutes.

·        Establish administrative procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness consistent with Board directives and current local government practices.

·        Maintain awareness of and advise the Board on federal/state/county legislation and rules affecting the Village; prepare recommendations.

·        Identify and help secure outside funding (federal/state/county grants or programs).

·        Represent the Village in legislative and intergovernmental matters as authorized by the Board.

·        Serve as Public Information Officer, ensuring compliance with Wisconsin Open Meetings requirements and effective media relations.

·        Maintain citizen response systems to ensure timely attention to complaints, service requests, and recommendations.

·        Promote economic development and the Village’s overall well-being through public–private collaboration.

·        Oversee emergency management plans, procedures, and functions.

·        Manage and coordinate functions of the Sherwood Water & Sewer Utility and Public Works Department.

B. Governance & Board Support

·        Attend all Village Board meetings (and other relevant meetings) and support the Board in policy development and decision-making.

·        Coordinate with the Village President and Board to prepare agendas and supporting materials for the Board, its committees, and other bodies.

·        Assist in drafting ordinances/resolutions and providing policy analysis as requested.

·        Keep the Board informed through regular oral/written reports.

·        When necessary between meetings, receive directives from the Village President for time-sensitive actions typically requiring Board approval.

C. Human Resources & Labor Relations

·        Provide administrative direction and coordination to all Village employees in accordance with the approved organizational structure.

·        In consultation with appropriate officials, appoint, promote, suspend, or terminate employees below department-head level as needed for Village interests.

·        Serve as Personnel Director—maintain complete/current personnel records and job descriptions; conduct performance evaluations; recommend salary/wage scales for non-bargaining employees; promote high performance standards and sound working conditions; address grievances with appropriate officials.

·        Assist with labor negotiations and collective bargaining matters.

·        Ensure training and professional development opportunities; approve employee attendance at meetings/training when budgeted.

D. Budget, Finance & Purchasing

·        Lead development of the annual Village budget per Board guidelines and Wisconsin statutes; present for Board review/approval.

·        Administer the adopted budget; monitor and report regularly on the Village’s fiscal position.

·        Oversee the Village accounting system, ensuring adherence to current professional standards.

·        Serve as purchasing agent for supplies/services consistent with Board-established procedures and statutory limits.

E. Cooperation Clause

All officials and employees are expected to cooperate with and assist the Administrator to ensure efficient, effective Village operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·        Comprehensive knowledge of municipal administration, budgeting, capital planning, HR, procurement, and public works/utilities operations; ability to implement Board policy and manage interdepartmental work.

·        Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills; adept in media relations and community engagement consistent with open government practices.

·        Strategic and analytical thinker; experience with performance management, process improvement, and intergovernmental relations.

·        Commitment to the ICMA Code of Ethics and professional standards of local government management.

Minimum Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree (MPA/MBA) preferred.

·        Progressively responsible experience in municipal management/administration, including budgeting, personnel supervision, and public works/utility coordination.

·        Demonstrated experience preparing Board agendas, drafting ordinances/resolutions, and advising elected officials.

·        Ability to travel to meetings, conferences, and job sites as required. 

Preferred

·        ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.

·        Experience with Wisconsin municipal law, budgeting practices, utilities, and public works operations.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Primarily office work with frequent attendance at evening meetings; occasional site visits to public works or utility locations.

Supervisory Responsibility

Direct or indirect supervision of Village staff across Administration, Public Works, Utilities, and other functions as assigned by the Board.

Ethical Standards

The Administrator is expected to uphold and model the ICMA Code of Ethics, including integrity, political neutrality in administration, the public interest, and transparency.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Village of Sherwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Village prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

Legal Alignment and Administration

This job description is intended to align with and be interpreted consistently with Village of Sherwood Code, Chapter 1-19 (Administrator powers and duties) and applicable Wisconsin Statutes.  The Board may provide policy direction consistent with village ordinance and state statute.