Village Administrator

About the Position

The Village of Salem Lakes seeks a skilled and dynamic professional to serve as its next Village Administrator. The Village Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), responsible for day-to-day operations and policy implementation. Reporting to a seven-member Board of Trustees, the Administrator oversees Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Public Works, Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities. The Administrator also manages contracts for Information Technology, Law Enforcement, Planning/Building/Zoning, and Legal Services, ensuring that contracted services align with community needs and Board expectations.

Beyond departmental oversight, the Administrator plays a key role in shaping the Village’s long-term direction. This includes providing vision and guidance on strategic initiatives, assisting with economic development efforts, strengthening intergovernmental relationships, and ensuring that Salem Lakes remains a safe, welcoming, and well-managed municipality.

Learn more about the Village Administrator position:

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About the Community

Located in the heart of Kenosha County, the Village of Salem Lakes, Wisconsin, (population 14,625) was incorporated in 2017 through the consolidation of several historic communities: Salem, Silver Lake, Trevor, Wilmot, and Camp Lake. The Village blends small-town charm with a strong sense of community and access to abundant natural resources.

Salem Lakes is known for its pristine waterways, scenic landscapes, and year-round outdoor recreation. The Village boasts fifteen lakes—offering boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming—as well as access to hiking, biking, disc golf, golfing, and snowmobiling trails. Nearby attractions and annual events include the Fox River, Wilmot Raceway, Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park, the Kenosha County Fair, and Wilmot Mountain, a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The community also celebrates its rich history with landmarks such as The Wilmot Stage Stop—Wisconsin’s oldest tap and dining room—which continues to welcome visitors after more than 170 years in operation.

Residents enjoy a safe and welcoming community with a variety of housing options, from historic lakefront cottages to new subdivisions and rural properties. Wilmot High School, Westosha Central High School, Riverview Grade School, Trevor-Wilmot Grade School, and Salem Grade School serve the area with strong academic programs and a commitment to student success. Supporting residents in need, The Sharing Center—Kenosha County’s largest food and resource hub—is located in Salem Lakes, providing vital services such as food, clothing, and assistance programs that reflect the Village’s spirit of compassion and community care.

With its convenient location between Milwaukee and Chicago, and a short drive to Pleasant Prairie, Lake Geneva, and downtown Kenosha, Salem Lakes offers peaceful living with easy access to urban amenities. The local economy is supported by tourism, local businesses, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.

Learn more at www.voslwi.gov.

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The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an approachable, collaborative leader with strong financial acumen, relationship-building skills, and proven experience in organizational management. Key attributes include:

Demonstrated expertise in budget development, capital planning, and financial management.
Strong knowledge of human resources administration and organizational development.
A strategic thinker and effective project manager, capable of balancing multiple priorities.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, foster teamwork, and engage positively with the Board, staff, and community.
Decisiveness when needed, balanced with a collaborative and inclusive approach.

Full Salary Range: $130,000–$140,000 (DOQ)

Excellent benefits package includes:

Comprehensive insurance, benefits and time-off program.
Enrollment in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Pension.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, or public policy preferred; Bachelor’s degree is required.
Minimum of three years of upper-level municipal government management experience.
ICMA Credentialed Manager certification (or ability to obtain) is preferred.
Candidates with leadership experience in comparably sized private sector or military organizations are also encouraged to apply.
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.