TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y.—Tompkins County has officially begun the search for its next County Administrator, which serves as the CEO of the county and one of its primary leaders on a litany of issues, along with the Tompkins County Legislature.
Jason Molino led the county through the first 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, to much acclaim, before departing in May for a job leading the Water and Sewer Authority in Livingston County. He had taken over the Tompkins County Administrator job in 2018 for the beloved Joe Mareane, who retired. Lisa Holmes is serving as the interim administrator currently.
The position, now being advertised for applications by the county, is listed as paying between $150,000-$160,000. The latter figure would make whoever takes the job the highest-paid County Administrator outside of New York City (there are other types of county leaders who make more—details can be found here).
“The Administrator leads the incorporation of the County’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the announcement states. “The County Legislature is seeking candidates who are consensus-builders and able to establish rapport, initiate and maintain an open dialogue with various stakeholder groups including legislators, department heads and community partners, alike.”
The job includes New York State retirement benefits. The advertisement also touts the county’s “vibrant city center with an abundance of restaurants, theater, arts, shopping, cultural activities and community festivals and events, as well as gorgeous countryside and everything in between.” More info can be found at the county’s job listing.
“We’re looking for another transformative and committed leader to take the helm at Tompkins County,” Tompkins County Legislature Chairwoman Leslyn McBean-Clairborne said. “We tackle big problems here, and we have a dedicated and gracious workforce who are making a difference every day. If you are a values-driven leader with experience promoting equity, working with a diversity of people, and managing complex budgets, you’re invited to apply.”