Chapter 7 – Career Options in Local Government Management
While some people build careers by running for and holding elected offices, such as mayors or county commissioners, these positions are just one part of the local government landscape. This chapter focuses on roles where you don’t have to run for office to lead.
A local government manager is an appointed professional responsible for the overall performance and daily operations of a local government, implementing policies and delivering public services efficiently. They are essential to the smooth operation of counties, cities, villages, and townships.
Local government managers work behind the scenes to provide the necessary services to their residents. These managers, who might have titles such as city manager, county administrator, township administrator, or chief administrative officer (CAO), are responsible for making sure the policies set by elected officials are put into action. They oversee various departments and make sure that public services, such emergency services, public works, and waste collection, are delivered effectively. In Northeast Ohio, this means ensuring that communities are well-maintained, safe, and responsive to the needs of citizens.
The local government management profession began in the early 20th century as part of a reform movement aimed at making local government more efficient and less corrupt. Initially, many managers came from engineering backgrounds, focusing on infrastructure. Today, managers come from a variety of academic backgrounds, including public administration and business. Regardless of their background, they ideally should all share a commitment to public service.
This chapter will guide you through the skills and education needed to succeed in these roles, using real-life examples and insights from experts. You’ll also learn about the importance of ethics in public service, a key factor in building a successful and impactful career in local government.
Get a better idea about what it’s like to work in local government by watching the following video. Although it was created by the Illinois City/County Management Association, it still provides a helpful overview of the various opportunities you can expect to find in Ohio:
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTW8VyPpC2U
Duration: 5:57
While pursuing elected local office can be an impactful way to serve your community, it comes with challenges and considerations. Local elected positions vary widely in responsibilities and compensation. For example, a county commissioner in Ohio earns a salary of $99,000 per year, which provides financial stability. On the other hand, some roles, such as small-town council members, may be unpaid or provide only modest stipends, making them more like volunteer positions. Additionally, elected officials are accountable to the voters, which means their ability to serve is tied to the community’s support in elections. This reliance on voter approval brings a lack of stability, as continued service depends on the outcome of each election.
This chapter, however, focuses on appointed local government positions rather than elected ones. Appointed roles, such as chief administrative officers, city managers, and department heads such as finance directors and public works directors, are typically filled based on qualifications, expertise, and performance, rather than election campaigns. These professionals lead the day-to-day operations of local government. While running for office and serving as an elected leader requires different skills, appointed positions often emphasize technical knowledge, administrative abilities, and long-term planning to ensure effective local governance. Whether elected or appointed, both paths offer valuable ways to make a difference in your community, but they require distinct approaches and preparation.
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