Town Adminstrator

The Town of Hotchkiss, CO is seeking qualified applicants for Town Administrator. To view full
posting go to: www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions.

The Town and surrounding Community
The Town of Hotchkiss, CO is located in the North Fork Valley on the Western Slope of the
Rockies, nearly 250 miles southwest of Denver and 90 miles by car to Aspen. At 5,350 feet in
elevation and with a population just shy of 1,000, Hotchkiss is a family and arts-oriented town
with a historic mining and agricultural background. In May 1900, the Town was officially
incorporated and named for Enos T. Hotchkiss, who had staked an early land claim on the site
where the Town is now situated. The Town was incorporated in 1900. The town’s namesake is
an inductee into the Cowboy Hall of Fame. As the central hub of the North Fork Valley,
Hotchkiss is a thriving, friendly community that cherishes its small-town charm and history,
offering a high quality of life and excellent living opportunities for all, including a well-managed
and resilient municipal infrastructure, focused growth, and a robust downtown and economy.
The town’s rich history is deeply rooted in mining, agriculture and farming. The semi-arid, high
desert climate, and the clean air in the North Fork Valley attracted many early settlers,
including those with lung ailments seeking a better quality of life. The area is still attractive to
those who enjoy the benefits of living an all-around healthy lifestyle!

A very temperate climate and approximately 245 days of sunshine annually, makes Hotchkiss
and the surrounding area an ideal location for outdoor recreation. Situated near the North Rim
of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the area is a popular destination for hiking,
camping, mountain biking, hunting, paddle-boarding, cross-country skiing, and off-highway
recreation. The nearby Gunnison River offers some of the best fly fishing around. Locals and
visitors also enjoy many community activities and traditions, such as the Hotchkiss Sheep Camp
Stock Dog Trials, and the Delta County Fair with its two rodeos, community BBQ and demolition
derby.

Agriculture is a primary economic driver. True farm-to-table dining and wine tasting are part of
the culture due to the many local farms, orchards and vineyards producing fresh, high-quality
fruits and vegetables and wines.

Appreciation for the arts is also deeply rooted in the local culture, exemplified by the Hotchkiss
Fine Arts Association and the Town’s restored Creamery, now the Creamery Arts Center.
Hotchkiss and nearby Paonia and Crawford are all home to galleries, showrooms, performance
spaces and public art. The North Fork Valley is a “Certified Colorado Creative District; many
creatives and artisans live and work here. To learn more, go to: Home | Town of Hotchkiss
Hotchkiss is proud of its excellent schools as part of Delta County School District Number 50.
The Hotchkiss pre-K-8 school (approximately 300 students) provides an innovative learning
model with a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio rarely found in public schools. North Fork High
School, with a diverse student body of approximately 275 students and a 15:1 student teacher
ratio, is known for its Advanced Placement participation rate of 54%. Locals and visitors have
convenient access to commercial flights that operate out of the nearby Montrose and Grand
Junction Airports.

Hotchkiss is a full-service town and statutory municipality, governed by a Mayor and six-
member Board of Trustees (BOT). The Town operates under the Trustee-Administrator form of
government with the Mayor and Board Members all elected to four-year terms. The BOT sets
policy and performs general oversight.

The Position
The Town Administrator is a new position for Hotchkiss, and has been created to
professionalize and centralize the administrative responsibilities of the Town. The Town
Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town under the direction and control of
the Mayor and the Board of Trustees. The Town Administrator is responsible for implementing
policies, managing town staff, and ensuring the effective delivery of public services.
Key duties include preparing the annual budget, coordinating with various departments, and
serving as the primary liaison between the town government and the community. The Town
Administrator also works on strategic planning and development projects to promote the
town’s growth and well-being.

The Town Administrator has four (4) direct reports: the Chief of Police, Public Works Director,
Building Inspector and the Town Clerk (total staff size, 13-17).

The Administrator is responsible for implementation of policies established by the Board of
Trustees. The Town Administrator develops and implements policies and procedures with the
Board of Trustees and the department heads; works with the public on a daily basis; strives to
maximize public satisfaction with municipal services; serves as a liaison between the Board of
Trustees and community stakeholders; serves as Human Resources Director, performs
analytical and policy research and is responsible for coordination of legal matters with the
municipal attorney.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, a great climate, engaging with residents and business partners,
building community and making a lasting meaningful impact, this may be the position for you.

Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree and three to five (3-5) years of demonstrated leadership experience in local
government or a business or non-profit administration, communications or a related field.
An advanced degree in public administration, business administration, planning or a related
field is preferred.

A combined equivalent of education, certifications, other credentials and experience which
provide the applicant the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job may be
considered.

Applicants should also exhibit organizational skills and knowledge necessary to provide for the
proper public administration of Town government; to prioritize and accomplish Town business
affairs; and to organize and administer various government programs, projects, and activities.
The Ideal Candidate

 A strong leader who is eager to embrace the Hotchkiss community and be a visible
presence.
 An excellent communicator who is engaging and transparent, and maintains positive
and effective working relationships with staff, elected officials, community members
and other key stakeholders.
 A visionary who is experienced with annual strategic planning and prioritization of
Board, staff and community goals.
 A professional, who is experienced with leveraging partnerships, grants, and other
funding steams to enhance what Hotchkiss can do with limited municipal revenues.
 An experienced successful municipal professional with working knowledge of public
administration including municipal finance and budgets; grant writing; human
resources; public works; water/wastewater management; public safety; capital projects;
housing; population/job growth; community recreation; environmental
initiatives/sustainability strategies; tourism; and economic and community
development. Must be comfortable and adept at “wearing many hats”.

 Has proven project management skills and successfully manages multiple priorities.
 A hands-on manager/administrator and mentor who is ethical, fair and accessible, and
fosters a healthy and inclusive work environment and organizational culture comprised
of team members who are prepared and eager to meet the challenges of running a
municipality.

Opportunities and Challenges
The new Town Administrator has the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in this
beautiful and vibrant community and will be challenged with the following.
Building a strong organizational culture through transparent policies, and building and ensuring
equity throughout the departments.

Developing a succession plan for several retirements that are anticipated in the next 1-2 years.
Financing a capital improvement plan paired with strategic planning for essential infrastructure
on a long- term basis.

Modernizing processes to increase efficiency, transparency, and customer service.
Visioning new opportunities for economic development and leadership during a period of
transitions and creativity for the Town

Working with staff to ensure all municipal policies, procedures and codes are up to date and in
compliance with applicable Federal laws, State statutes and regulations.
Ensuring the protection of existing water rights and future sufficient water availability.

Compensation and Benefits
Hiring Range: $125,000—$150,000– Depending on Qualifications
The Town offers a comprehensive benefit package to include health, dental, vision and life
insurance, enrollment in the FAMLI leave program, an accrual of paid vacation and sick leave,
in addition to 13 paid holidays per year. The Town also provides access to a 457(b) plan.

A cell phone is provided by the Town. The Town Administrator will be required to live within
15-20 miles of Hotchkiss unless Board of Trustees approves a different mileage requirement
based on circumstances. A moving/relocation allowance is negotiable.

Apply Online at www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions
Provide a cover letter, resume and six (6) professional references. Deadline: May 18, 2026,
5:00 PM MT.

Questions?
KRW Associates LLC is assisting the Town of Hotchkiss with this search. Questions should be
directed to: Executive Search & Consulting | KRW Associates or to KRW Associates Managing
Partner Lorne Kramer | 719-310-8960, or KRW Senior Associates Mark Collins | 307-460-1941
or Gina McGrail | 303-249-9572.

The Town of Hotchkiss is an equal opportunity employer.