The Town of Fairhaven (permanent population: 16,000; 5% of the housing stock is considered seasonal), an active and engaged community, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Town Administrator to serve as its Chief Administrative Officer. The successful candidate will have exceptional oral and written communication skills, a firm understanding of municipal finances, budgets, procurement, Massachusetts general laws, personnel management, and planning, and an ability to build strong working relationships with the Select Board, community, Town committees, and staff. The successful candidate will understand connecting to and communicating with Fairhaven’s many constituencies is critical to success as a Town Administrator.

Candidates must be especially fit by education, training, or previous public administration experience to perform the office's powers and duties. The Town Administrator shall be appointed based on educational, executive, and administrative qualifications and experience. The educational qualifications shall consist of at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in public administration. The professional experience shall include at least five years of prior full-time compensated executive service in public or business administration. Alternatively, at least two years of prior full-time compensated executive service in public or business administration and a master's degree in an appropriate discipline shall qualify an applicant. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned, fiscally conservative leader and a collaborative team builder capable of leading a community with an active, engaged, deliberate citizenry.

The Town Administrator plays a crucial role in the Town’s overall planning, management, organization, stability, and community growth. The Town Administrator must be able to and have a proven track record in developing strong and productive working relationships with the various constituencies in the communities and/or organizations in which they have worked. The Town Administrator works under the direction of a five-member Select Board. The duties are outlined in the Fairhaven Special Act, which can be found on the Town’s website or by searching directly: https://ecode30.com/2882.

The Select Board will directly negotiate a competitive salary and benefits package with the final qualified candidate. Current salary range is $180,000 to $190,000. Final salary negotiable commensurate with qualifications. An attractive benefits package, including health and retirement plans, is part of the Town Administrator’s total compensation. Preliminary interviews are targeted for the later part of May. All replies will be kept confidential until finalists are identified.