HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA
Hillsborough County, located midway along the West Coast of Florida, has 1,048 square miles of land and 24 square miles of inland water for a total of 1,072 square miles and a population of 1,055,800. The unincorporated area encompasses 929 square miles and has a growing population of 707,950. The three municipalities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City account for 143 square miles and a population of 347,850.
Quality of life considerations continue to be an attraction in Hillsborough County. There are a number of major family attractions within an hour drive or less of the area including Disney World, Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Florida Aquarium, and Clearwater beach.
Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest metropolitan area and the second largest in the southeastern United States after Atlanta. Growth has not diminished the quality of life in Hillsborough County. In 1999, Tampa ranked as one of the nation’s best places to live for business and careers. Tampa Bay is a haven for new residents who enjoy the region’s cultural diversity, which permeates the community’s population, expands the area’s dynamic offerings, and enhances the overall quality of life.
Education is a major component of life in Hillsborough County. The County is home to the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Hillsborough County Community College. Hillsborough County’s schools are tops in mathematics among Florida’s ten largest school districts and Hillsborough’s schools have consistently ranked as one of the top two school districts in the number of Florida Academic Scholars for the past 15 years.
Hillsborough County boasts 340 days of sunshine with average temperatures in January of 60 degrees and 82 degrees in August. Average annual rainfall is 47 inches, 30 of which come in the form of summer thunderstorms.
Professional sports teams in the area abound. The Tampa Bay Lightning thrill hockey fans at the St. Pete Times Forum. The Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers draw sellout crowds at Raymond James Stadium and Arena football’s four-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm score big at the St. Pete Times Forum.
Tropicana Field is home to Lou Piniella and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Legends Field is the training home for the New York Yankees. The area has played host to Super Bowls in 1984, 1991 and 2001.
Hillsborough County is governed by a Home Rule Charter that was approved by voters in a countywide referendum held in 1983 and the first County Commissioners elected under this new charter took office in 1985. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), which composes the legislative branch, sets overall policy by means of ordinances, resolutions and motions.
Hillsborough County’s executive powers of government are vested in the County Administrator, appointed by County Commissioners and who is responsible for carrying out all decisions and policies made by the Board. The County’s main administrative offices are housed in a 28-story office building that is a significant part of downtown Tampa’s impressive skyline.
The County Administrator’s duties include overseeing all county administrative departments, preparing an annual operating budget and delivering a State of the County Report to the Board each January. The Administrator’s responsibilities span a wide variety of county services from Aging Services to Zoning. The organization is divided into five offices and 24 departments involving 5,000 employees.
The Assistant County Administrator for Human Services works under the general direction and supervision of the County Administrator and Deputy County Administrator. The major job function is to work in conjunction with non-profit agencies and various local, state, and federal government agencies to deliver human services, improve efficiency, and adhere to goals and objectives of the County Administrator and the BOCC.
Major responsibilities include managing a staff of administrative, professional, and technical personnel; prepares plans and budgets for the Office of Community Services; directs and coordinates the overall delivery of human services; makes recommendations for improvement of services; prepares briefings and reports for the BOCC; coordinates the activities of project-related task forces; and serves as the County liaison for various external agencies related to human services.
The Assistant County Administrator for Human Services has direct supervisory responsibility for the following offices: Aging Services, Children’s Services, Cooperative Extension, Health and Social Services, Library Services, Medical Examiner, and Equal Opportunity Administrator.
Hillsborough County has experienced, and continues to experience, a high level of vitality, growth, and prosperity. This brings with it challenges related to transportation, infrastructure to support growth, water availability issues, and affordable housing issues. The County also places a priority on economic and business development, with a particular focus on attracting high-tech and financial companies, as well as efforts to expand airport and seaport trade.
The County has a major investment in health and social services, which is amplified by an aging population and the devolution of federal and state support for these functions.
The County organization is undertaking several new initiatives. Among these are the implementation of enhanced business practices, a cultural shift toward greater employee recognition and appreciation, and a greater emphasis on customer service.
Education ¨ A pertinent Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree in Public Administration or a social science field is preferred.
Work Experience ¨ Ideally, the candidate will have at least seven year’s experience in county or municipal government, with at least five years at the senior level (above department head). This experience should have occurred within the context of either a large city or a moderate to large county. Direct experience with health and human services is highly desirable.
Desired Attributes
● Knowledge of and experience with a broad range of social service issues
● Sensitivity to social service programs
● Exceptional personal relations skills
● A strong customer service orientation
● Commitment to a team approach to management
● Outstanding written and oral communication skills
● Dynamic leadership orientation and skills
● Progressive and creative thinker
● Excellent problem-solving skills
● Excellent planning skills
● Experience with multicultural communities
● Knowledge of how to develop and motivate a good team
● Appreciation for workforce diversity
● Sound knowledge of management principles and practices
● Ability to gain the trust of the Commission, the community, and staff
● A strong personality, but works well as a team player
● Experience and skills in budgeting and financial oversight
● Possesses a high energy level and seeks challenges
● Relates effectively to diverse constituents
● Ability to interface effectively with staff, citizens, the Commission, and others
● Ability to negotiate effectively with other governmental agencies
The starting salary range for the position is $100,000 to $115,000, depending on qualifications. Fringe benefits are generous.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary history for initial screening by April 9, 2004 to: Tom D. Freijo, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, The Mercer Group, Inc., tdf_wh@hotmail.com P.O. Box 9328, Winter Haven, Florida 33883. FAX: (863) 299-6737. Hillsborough County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applicants should be aware that applications in Florida become a matter of public record upon receipt. Pre-employment drug testing is required.