Located on the southwestern coast of Connecticut, along Long Island Sound, Darien is part of affluent Fairfield County. There are two train stations in Darien, serviced by Metro North Railroad, for commuting to cities to the north and south of town. To the south, neighboring Stamford, a large CT community with many business headquarters, and New York City are easily accessible. To the north, Bridgeport and New Haven are frequent destinations. Amtrak is also accessible through the train stations in Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven.
While Darien is one of the most expensive places to live, it has one of the lowest mill rates in the state. Darien residents enjoy two public beaches, a number of parks, and a newly acquired 63-acre property known as Great Island. The Town offers a first-class public school system. Due to a lack of available undeveloped property, recent efforts have included redevelopment of old commercial properties into mixed-use locations with retail, restaurants, personal services on the first floor, and condos or apartments on upper floors. This will have the effect of increasing the population of this beautiful town.
Form of Government
The Town has a First Selectman, who serves as the Chief Elected and Executive Officer. The First Selectman is part of the five-member Board of Selectmen (BOS). The Board of Selectmen reviews, edits and approves the Town Administrator’s budget. The BOS also appoints all members of non-elected boards and commissions, including the Police Commission, which hires the Police Chief. The BOS hires the Town Administrator (TA), who serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town. The BOS approves the hiring of all Department Heads, based on recommendations from the First Selectman and Town Administrator.
In addition, the Town has a Board of Finance (BOF) that is elected. The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) consists of 100 elected members from six districts, who serve as the legislative body for the Town. Members serve 2-year terms, with half of the seats up for election every year. The RTM approves ordinances recommended by members or the BOS. They also approve the final budget for the Town; leases or purchases of property; and all capital improvement projects including those that need to be bonded.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration or closely related field plus ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal management, five (5) of which was as a chief administrator, department head or an assistant administrator in a municipal organization is required (Charter requires municipal experience). Master’s Degree is a plus, with 9 years of experience listed above.
- Knowledge, skills and abilities should include: Finance, budgeting, administration, management of organizations, human resources, labor relations, and working with various stakeholders and citizens.
- Ability to: deal with strong personalities, manage people and professional Department Heads, provide strategic planning and management to anticipate future needs, manage large initiatives or projects, be organized and responsive.
Compensation and Application Process
The Town of Darien offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Town provides a generous benefits package which includes health, dental, life insurance and paid vacation and sick leave. Additionally, the Town provides a defined benefit pension/retirement plan. Relocation assistance is negotiable. Please contact the Consultant for more details on position, profile, the town and salary.
Darien is an AA/EOE Employer
Website: https://www.darienct.gov/
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, or need additional details, please contact Ms. Frank at the address listed. To apply now please submit your cover letter and resume to Ms. Frank. Position will remain open until filled; first screening date is September 30, 2024. Top candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire, so early resumes will be reviewed quickly. Click here for full profile about position.
Ms. Randi Frank, Randi Frank Consulting, LLC,
203-213-3722 [email protected] www.randifrank.com
