ABOUT US:
Wheat Ridge was founded during the 1859 Gold Rush as a rest stop for miners and later named for its golden wheat fields. As unsuccessful miners turned to farming, the area thrived with orchards, vegetable fields, and later, greenhouses, earning the title “Carnation City.” Incorporated in 1969, Wheat Ridge now offers a central location with easy access to Denver and the Rocky Mountains. It operates as a home-rule city with a council-manager government, where the elected council sets policy, and the manager oversees daily operations and budgeting. We strive to create a welcoming environment for all staff, volunteers, and members of our community.
GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Director of Administrative Services is a key member of the City’s leadership team, responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for a variety of internal service functions that support the effective operation of City government. This position oversees the departments and functions of Human Resources, Information Technology, Risk Management, Finance, and Procurement. The Director ensures that administrative policies, systems, and practices are efficient, equitable, and aligned with the City’s mission, values, and organizational goals.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides leadership and direction to assigned divisions, ensuring effective delivery of services and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Advises the City Manager, City Council, and department directors on organizational and administrative matters.
Develops and implements strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, employee engagement, and customer service.
Oversees the City’s human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, training, benefits administration, and performance management.
Manages information technology strategy and systems to ensure data security, modernization, and operational effectiveness.
Administers the City’s risk management and safety programs to minimize exposure and promote a culture of safety.
Coordinates the preparation and administration of the department’s annual budget and monitors expenditures for fiscal responsibility.
Oversees the City’s finance department functions, including accounts payable, payroll, code enforcement billing, licensing, tax remittance, reconciliations, and the preparation and analysis of monthly and annual City financials.
Leads cross-departmental projects, policy updates, and process improvements that advance City priorities.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, residents, and external partners.
Serves as a member of the City’s Executive Management Team and participates in organizational planning, communication, and decision-making.
Conducts financial analyses and projections; monitors City revenues; compiles, reviews and analyzes department's expenditure requests; assist the City Treasurer with fiscal matters.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, public administration or a related field required; Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field preferred.
Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public operations of moderate size and complexity with considerable supervisory experience at an administrative level.
Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of fiscal management and budgetary control; of fiscal accounting principles, practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of municipal organizations including applicable budgetary laws and regulations.
Working knowledge of electronic data processing principles, practices, and equipment; principles and practices of administration, supervision and training; technical record-keeping techniques and requirements; correct English language, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Demonstrated skill in preparing written and verbal reports and projects; skill in the operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; oral and written communication skills.
Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, City officials and the public.
HOURS OF WORK, LOCATION, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position is full-time, Monday-Friday. This position may occasionally require work outside of standard business hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet deadlines or support critical activities. This position will office at City Hall but travel to other City sites is necessary.
The City of Wheat Ridge is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, marital status or any other applicable characteristics protected by law, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodations for employment to qualified applicants upon request to the Human Resources Office.
