Local Administrative Advisor

The Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) is seeking a rare kind of public servant—someone who thrives on solving complex problems, building trusted relationships, and helping communities succeed. As a Local Administrative Advisor, you won't be confined to a desk or a single organization. Instead, you'll serve as a trusted advisor to elected officials and community leaders across some of Utah's most unique and rapidly evolving rural communities. One day you may be helping a mayor navigate a difficult personnel issue, the next facilitating strategic planning, improving municipal operations, developing policies, securing funding, or helping local leaders turn a community vision into reality.

This role offers an unusual combination of autonomy, influence, and meaningful public impact. You will work directly with decision-makers, shape the future of local governments, and help communities strengthen their capacity to serve residents more effectively. If you are passionate about leadership, public service, community development, and creating lasting positive change, this position provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference across an entire region while working alongside a respected statewide network of municipal professionals.

Pay: 

Annual compensation is $70,000 to 95,000 depending on qualifications. We offer an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being and enhance your quality of life. From comprehensive health and dental coverage to generous retirement savings. This is a salaried exempt position, expected to work at least 40 hours per week.  

Job Summary:

Utah’s Local Administrative Advisor (LAA) Program provides administrative technical assistance and training to local governments with a population of 10,000 or less and that do not have a full-time administrator on staff.  This position is responsible for managing the program within the three-county MAG region, but is also part of a larger group of LAAs across the state that operate under the general oversight, support, and coordination of the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULTC).

Under the direction of the Community Planning and Economic Development Manager, the LAA liaises with local governments, the ULCT, and within MAG to develop and administer the program, including setting and achieving program goals and objectives, and documenting and reporting on program activities and outcomes. 

Responsibilities include developing and administering training on municipal best practices, policies, and requirements, and serving as a technical advisor to mayors, council members, and in-house staff.  In some instances, the LAA may also directly perform administrative work on behalf of local governments, such as developing administrative policies for local government approval. 

The goal of the LAA program is to elevate the capabilities of qualifying cities and towns; foster more transparent, accessible, efficient, and accountable government; and coordinate the pursuit of statewide objectives surrounding water conservation, the provision of public safety, infrastructure planning, and operational services. The LAA also plays an important role in maintaining and cultivating interagency relationships that are critical to meeting MAG’s regional goals and objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities-

Advise city and town leaders on issues including, but not limited to, relationships with other public entities, budgeting, agendas, resolutions and ordinances, and policies and procedures

Conduct internal investigations; examine records of city and town programs, or function as assigned to assure integrity of operations and prevent impropriety

Facilitate discussions with city and town leaders and liaise with public and private sector entities to create a community vision, goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes

Establish and monitor city and town budgets to accomplish goals and objectives for state compliance, meet community wide needs, and provide public transparency and accountability

Help city leaders coordinate and conduct personnel matters, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and creating personnel policies and procedures. 

Recommend strategies for financial and technical assistance needed to compete for various discretionary grants/funding opportunities

Create regular progress reports on projects and assignments, including all reports as required by state program sponsors 

Attend, participate, and make presentations at city and town meetings

Complete program-eligible assignments as requested by city and town leaders

Chair and/or participate on standing and ad hoc city committees, as requested

Work directly with city and town leaders to carry out projects, answer day-to-day questions, craft solutions to urgent needs as they arise, and implement or improve programs over time

Hold coordination meetings with LAA program sponsors and local cities/towns to support reporting, review local decision making, make assignments, and share information

Ensure timely communications, verbal and written, with city and town leaders

Other duties as assigned relating to the scope of work and intent of the LAA program

Job Specifications:  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Planning, or a related field


• At minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience as a project or program manager in municipal government


• Valid Utah Class D Driver License with access to personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement)

Desired Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience and/or working knowledge in:
  
  
  
  • Project management, methods, and practices
  
  
  • Municipal and fiscal accounting principles, practices and procedures
  
  
  • Municipal organizations and department operations, including applicable laws and regulations
  
  
  • Budgeting, accounting and related statistical procedures
  
  
  • Various revenue sources available to local governments including state and federal sources
  
  
  • State laws as they apply to city management practices, human resource management practices and procedures
  
  
  
  


• Able to work independently and exercise initiative to achieve program priorities and outcomes


• Ability to analyze a variety of financial problems and make decisions


• Coordinate a variety of intra-governmental policy matters between governing body and department heads


• Ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with city leaders, intergovernmental agencies, & the public


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal intelligence, ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders, establish & strengthen professional relationships, resolve disputes and complaints


• Strong analytical & problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively, perform technical & policy-related research, and craft context-appropriate solutions


• Demonstrated commitment to social equity, environmental sustainability, and community development


• General understanding of local & regional issues including housing, community & economic development, and transportation

Working Conditions:  

The work environment includes professional office, remote work, and in-field work, which will vary from day to day depending on the nature of work being performed.  This position requires frequent travel at various times of day  throughout the three-county MAG region, including during inclement weather and winter roadway conditions.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Physical Requirements: 

This position requires sitting for long periods of time, performing computer related work, and traveling via automobile throughout the three-county MAG region.  The individual must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.