To assist managers with their daily challenges, ICMA's First-Time Administrator Task Force prepared this concise yet comprehensive guide that both emerging leaders and veteran managers can benefit from this handbook's suggestions.

At some point in your career, you’re likely to face a decision whether to seek and/or accept a position as a chief administrator in a local government. Perhaps you want to advance to the next step on your career ladder—or maybe you’ve been offered a chief administrator position because the CAO in your community resigned, or because a recruiter identified you as a candidate for the job.

The First-Time Administrator’s Handbook is for professionals like you who are embarking on—or contemplating—a first position as a local government CAO. It offers advice and perspectives on the transition, whether you’re a recent MPA graduate, a current assistant/deputy manager or department head, or a manager in a private-sector or nonprofit organization or the military.

This handbook also contains useful advice for managers who serve as a community’s first appointed professional CAO, although it does not cover some of the unique challenges of that position—such as educating the governing body and the community about the role of an appointed administrator or navigating the changes in responsibility and authority that may accompany the introduction of the CAO role.

Each chapter and section is organized to help you quickly access information. First, a high level “airplane view” gives a quick glance at the material. Second, a “bird’s-eye view” outlines important principles to give you an overview of the topic. Next, a “beach view” provides a lengthier discussion. Finally, a “deep dive” section provides additional detail and links to online resources that will help you enhance your knowledge and advance your career. 

The "Deep Dive" members-only material is available on request - email careers@icma.org and ask for your copy!

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