City Administrator

Hopkinsville is located in the Pennyrile region of southwest Kentucky, near the Tennessee border. It is the county seat of Christian County and had a population of 31,180 at the 2020 census, making it the eleventh largest city in Kentucky. The city is part of the Clarksville, TN–KY metropolitan area, and its economy and identity are closely tied to neighboring Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Airborne Division. Hopkinsville pairs a historic downtown and strong agricultural roots with an active industrial base and continued growth in housing and economic development, offering the character of a close-knit community with access to a larger regional market.

Hopkinsville is a home rule class city operating under the mayor-council form of government with partisan city elections. The Mayor, elected to a four-year term, serves as the City’s chief executive. The legislative body is a 12-member City Council, with members elected by ward. The City Administrator is the chief appointed official in City government. The Administrator is appointed by the Mayor with Council approval and is responsible for directing all departments and employees of the City. Working at the direction of the Mayor and City Council, the Administrator carries out assignments in accordance with city ordinances, state statutes, and federal regulations, projects the City’s future needs, and establishes priorities for ongoing and proposed programs and projects. Direct reports include the heads of the Police, Fire, Public Works, Finance, Human Resources, City Clerk, and Information Technology departments.

Education and experience include a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in top management position, preferably within a local government or public setting.

Excellent benefits include health, dental, vision, & life insurance. 12 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 8 floating holidays per year are offered. Federal student loan repayment program is available for eligible employees. Compensation based on experience and education.

Supervise enforcement and execution of city ordinances.

Attend and participate in all city council meetings unless excused.

Recommend to the mayor and city council, such measures as may be necessary or expedient for good government and welfare of the city.

Supervise performance of contracts for work or services to be done for the city as appropriate, including purchases of material and supplies, ensuring such material and supplies are received, and are of the quality and character called for by the contract.

Represent the city, as directed by the mayor and/or city council, in negotiations with employees, contractors, architects, engineers, and other independent contractors in matters in which the city might have an interest.

Prepare and submit to the mayor and city council reports and summaries with necessary recommendations relating to ongoing and completed city projects.

Prepare and submit an annual budget estimate to the mayor for all departments under city administrator control, together with the budget estimates prepared by other department heads, and such reports as the mayor may require including the annual reports of all city departments.

Prepare capital improvement plan in coordination with all department heads and other supervisors.

Maintain financial guidelines within the scope of the operational budget and capital improvement plan.

Cooperate with and advise any administrative agency, city board or commission, or utility board of trustees.

Work in cooperation with the mayor, city council, designated attorney, engineers, auditors, and financial consultants.

Administer and enforce established city policies.

Ensure accurate job descriptions and wage schedules are prepared and maintained for all city positions.

Gather and disseminate necessary information regarding federal, state, and county programs, laws, and directives that affect the City of Hopkinsville.

Perform duties required by ordinance or municipal orders as adopted by city council.

Devote his or her entire time to the discharge of his or her official duties.

Keep the mayor and city council advised of the needs of the city.

Prepare and provide plans and specifications for work which the mayor and city council may order. 

Verify provisions of franchises, leases, contracts, permits, and privileges granted by the city are fully observed and report any violations thereof to the mayor and city council.

Have general supervision over all city property and equipment and its use for the public or by city employees.

Organize work for departments to facilitate the prompt, economical, and efficient dispatch of city business by assigning assistants, deputies, and employees from any office or department of city government to perform work or service in connection with any other office or department or to work in more than one office or department. 

Examine, without notice, the official conduct of any officer or employee in any city government department.

Audit employees and their work and agencies that receive city funds.

Other duties as assigned by mayor and city council.

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).

Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a top management position, preferably within a local government or public setting. 

              Possess good communication skills.

Must have a valid vehicle driver’s license.

Be a Member of ICMA or other related organization.

Meet future job description changes within six months as approved by the city council.

Knowledge of city governmental operations.

Knowledge of municipal human resources, financing, purchasing, police, fire, public works, and public relations.

Ability to collect, analyze and disseminate material to city council and general public.

Ability to conduct and implement studies of procedures, policies, operations, and organizations.

             Most work is performed in a normal office environment.

Outdoor on-site visits are occasionally required to inspect projects and construction progress.

Use hands, fingers, and arms; move/lift up to 20 lbs. on a regular basis; and sit/stand on a rotating basis.

The City of Hopkinsville is an Equal Opportunity Employer