Town of Brentwood New Hampshire
Town Administrator
Reports To: Selectboard
Status: Full-time
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications- relative to the Town Size and needs
Location: Brentwood NH
Position Summary:
Brentwood, NH (4,700), seeks an experienced, strategic, leader with strong communication, collaboration and team building skills, to serve as its next Town Administrator. The Town Administrator exercises significant independent judgement and demonstrates extensive responsibility for the operation of the Town with the approval and guidance of the five member Select Board.
Acts as Chief Administrative Officer of the town, appointed by and reporting to the Select Board, responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of town government consistent with policies, ordinances, and state law. The Town Administrator directs the development of the annual operating and capital budgets. In conjunction with Finance Director, reviews, analyzes and recommends budgets to the Select Board. The Town Administrator advises the Select Board, implements its decisions, supervises department heads, and ensures efficient delivery of municipal services to residents.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Below is a non-exhaustive list of responsibilities typical for a New Hampshire town administrator, adapted for Brentwood’s needs:
Administrative & Governance
- Serve as liaison between the Select Board and all town departments, boards, committees, and commissions.
- Prepare agendas, background materials, and reports for Select Board meetings; attend all meetings (in a non-voting advisory capacity.
- Draft correspondence, agreements, easements, contracts, intermunicipal agreements, and other legal documents (in collaboration with legal counsel).
- Manage public notices, postings, legal requirements (e.g. RSA 91-A “Right to Know” law), and ensure compliance with meeting and open meeting statutes.
- Coordinate and support boards, committees, and commissions (e.g. planning, zoning, conservation, recreation).
- Serve as the town’s representative to outside organizations, regional associations, federal/state agencies, and the public.
- Respond to citizen inquiries, complaints, and requests; serve as primary public contact for town administrative matters.
Financial Management & Budgeting
- In coordination with the finance director, oversee the preparation, coordination, and presentation of the annual town operating budget and capital improvements plan (CIP), working with department heads, the Select Board, and the Finance Committee.
- In coordination with the finance director, monitor revenue and expenditure trends; provide periodic financial reports to the Select Board.
- In coordination with the finance director, oversee audit process, including coordinating with external auditors and ensuring compliance with state and federal financial reporting requirements (e.g. Department of Revenue Administration).
- Administer purchasing policies, procurement processes, preparation of bid documents, review of vendor bids, contract administration, and vendor relations.
- Oversee insurance programs, risk management, claims processing, and safety programs for municipal operations.
- Analyze and recommend possible grant opportunities, assist in preparing grant applications, administer awarded grants, and monitor compliance with grant conditions.
Human Resources & Personnel
- Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, promotion, discipline, retention and termination of town employees (Subject to Select Board policy and State law).
- Administer employee benefit programs (health insurance, life insurance, workers’ compensation, etc.).
- Ensure compliance with labor laws, personnel policies, employee contracts, and collective bargaining (if any).
- Develop and enforce personnel policies, job descriptions, performance evaluation systems, and professional development programs.
- Promote a positive workplace culture, open communication, and staff development.
Operations & Project Management
- Oversee and coordinate municipal infrastructure projects, capital improvements, facility maintenance, roadwork, and utility projects (in conjunction with public works, planning, etc.).
- Act as project manager or oversight lead for major initiatives (e.g. facility upgrades, grants, energy projects, broadband, land use redevelopment).
- Maintain and manage town-owned property, buildings, and fixed assets.
- Oversee or coordinate records management, retention, archiving, and information systems (including digital records, GIS, software systems).
- Coordinate election logistics (with Town Clerk), including polling locations, ballots, meeting rooms, and Town Meeting setup.
- Prepare the town’s annual report, warrant articles for annual and special Town Meetings, and related documentation.
- Assist in planning and execution of special events, public hearings, and other municipal meetings.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
- Monitor and interpret relevant state and federal legislation (e.g. municipal statues, environmental, planning, labor law) and advise the Select Board accordingly.
- Work with legal counsel on litigation, risk exposure, code enforcement, land use issues, easements, legal notices, and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure that town ordinances, policies, and procedures are consistent with current law and best practices.
Minimum Qualifications & Desired Skills
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, municipal management, or related field is preferred.
- Typically, 5+ years of progressively responsible administrative or managerial experience, preferably in municipal government (or equivalent).
- Experience in budgeting, finance, human resources, grant administration, and project oversight.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly to boards, staff, and the public.
- Knowledge of municipal governance, budgeting, accounting practices, personnel management, and relevant state laws and regulations (RSA).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accounting/finance software, municipal software, permitting/GIS systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and respond to emergency and unscheduled requests.
- High Integrity, ethical conduct, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
- Ability to establish cooperative and effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, citizens, and regional partners.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
- Municipal certifications or membership (e.g. ICMA, NH Municipal Management Association)
- Prior experience in New Hampshire municipal environment, including working with Department of Revenue Administration, NH Statutes, and RSA budget/warrant processes.
- Grant writing and administration experience.
- Familiarity with local planning, zoning, land use, and environmental regulatory frameworks.
Working Conditions & Expectations
- Regular office hours, with attendance at evening meetings (Select Board, Town Meeting, public hearings).
- Occasional travel to state agencies, regional meetings, training, and conferences.
- Some work outside the office in construction, facilities, or field settings may be required.
- The position may require responding to town emergencies or off-hours issues.
- Occasional lifting, carrying of documents or equipment (within reason).
- Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel, legal, and financial matters.
THIS DOCUMENT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A RESOURCE AND IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE AND IS SUBJECT TO EDIFICATION/REVISION AS WARRANTED. CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH AND CONSIDER THEIR “FIT” FOR THIS POSITION.
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POSITION AND THE TOWN OF BRENTWOOD CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING THE TOWN’S WEBSITE.