Chief Administrative Officer - Fire

The Boise Fire Department is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer to provide executive leadership and overall management of the department’s Business Services Division. This position oversees supervisory, administrative and professional services that support the department’s business operations and long-range goals.

As an active member of the department’s executive management team, the Chief Administrative Officer plays a key role in shaping short- and long-range strategy and provides leadership and guidance on administrative operations, policies and procedures. The position works closely with the Fire Chief and department leadership to advance organizational priorities and ensure initiatives are carried through to successful completion.

This executive-level position operates with considerable independence, judgment and discretion in the performance of assigned responsibilities, working under the administrative direction and overall intent of the Fire Chief.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, public administration or a related field 
• And fifteen years of increasingly responsible management, supervisory and administration experience including years of experience in fire service administration/management
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid state-issued driver's license.

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Boise Police Department Criminal Justice Information System Background Check (BPD CJIS)
• Hybrid Work Eligible

Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your familly.
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing. Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.Oversees a group of managers and supervisors in a specific area; develops and implements related management policies for the assigned department(s); and develops staffing structures and evaluates the success of lower-level managers in the assigned department(s). 

Manages all facets of administrative services for the department. Provides objective analysis of current administrative functions and processes, identifies opportunities for change to create desired capacity for other departmental needs and communicates these service alternatives to department leadership, the mayor and council. Facilitates consensus and the desired restructuring of administrative processes, staffing and functions. Manages all administrative and change management processes necessary to realize identified efficiencies. Serves as a liaison with other city departments regarding administrative, financial and employment matters and as a team member working toward common goals across departments.

Develops and manages strategic planning and project management efforts following citywide objectives and processes. Creates and maintains the department's project portfolio. Anticipates needs for associated change management for project and program implementation and improvement. Develops, leads and monitors the short- and long-range project and program management of initiatives relating to a variety of objectives, including operational efficiencies, process improvements, implementation of best practices, interdepartmental coordination ordinance and policy development; communication with mayor/council, employee development and performance management, joint powers agreement, records management, employee wellness and special projects with a significant impact on the department. Defines and oversees contract development and management, oversees audit reviews and coordinates the department grievance process. Conducts and/or deploys resources for various data analyses necessary to support collective and department-specific fiscal and business planning, policy development and standards of cover. Develops and monitors department benchmarks and performance measures.

Collaborates with the finance team on the operating budget and financial matters. Performs economic and financial analyses of proposed programs and/or projects in cooperation with internal and external stakeholders. Monitors divisional budgets keeping within budget constraints and department policy. Manages contracts, department policies, procedure processes and other applicable union documents and matters such as the Collective Labor Agreement. Ensures compliance with standards and policies.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Knowledge of:

• The mission and operations of providing public safety services
• Principles and practices of public administration and office management
• Effective supervision and performance management
• Short- and long-range planning and delivery of service techniques and procedures
• Computer usage including related software
• Project and contract management techniques
• How to gather organize and analyze management, financial and related data
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, media relations and successful conflict resolution
• Experience with oversight of a multi-million-dollar annual budget.

Ability to:

• Build strong relationships, work collaboratively and achieve consensus with the command and management of the department
• Clearly communicate technical information using strong written and presentation skills
• Provide leadership and motivation to employees
• Maintain confidentiality related to the area of work
• Exhibit initiative and problem-solving skills
• Effectively direct diverse activities
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Master's degree in business administration, public administration or related field.

Extensive experience working with governmental budgeting processes and completing financial projections and models.

A proven track record as an effective administrator and results-oriented team member with a professional presence and a positive interpersonal style.



The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate and rarely very loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.