Harwich Begins Search For Assistant Town Administrator

HARWICH – The select board agreed to advertise for a new assistant town administrator after debating whether to wait until the new town administrator, James “Jay” McGrail, is on board to assess the position.

 Acting Town Administrator Tony Schaivi told the board he was coordinating with McGrail to make sure the new town administrator is satisfied with the job description before it is advertised.  Schiavi said McGrail was pleased with the description.

Former Assistant Town Administrator Meggan Eldredge left in September to take the community development director’s position in Yarmouth. 

There are changes planned for the position, one of which has already been made. The next assistant has been removed from the personnel bylaw and will work under a contract.

Select Board Chair Donald Howell said he talked with McGrail who is looking for an individual to take on and execute projects. Howell suggested the board delay the conversation until McGrail can describe how he plans to use the position.

Select Board member Mark Kelleher said the previous assistant town administrator did human resources and procurement, but the town has hired a human resources officer and is expanding the procurement resources. He had questions about an assistant and suggested looking at a hybrid position.

“I think it’s worth looking at before we hire somebody at a high salary,” he said. “The load from before has been reduced quite a bit, maybe 20 to 30 percent. I think it’s worth looking at what the job responsibilities are going to be, especially without human resources and procurement.”

 “Mark makes a good point,” said Select Board member Peter Piekarski. “In the short term, we either have to revisit the job description so we can get it posted, or wait for Jay to come on board.”

 “I’m not recommending we put it on the street if it’s going to be changed,” Schaivi said. “I’d be cautious of putting it out if you’re going to make significant changes in the job description or salary range.”

 Charter commission member Richard Waystack said the group has discussed amending the charter to specify a strong town administrator position, transferring some of the select board’s tasks to administration so the select board can focus on policy.

 Schaivi said the assistant town administrator has been elevated to an executive position in the new job description.  

  “He’s not looking for a task generated person, he’s looking for a partner that will divvy up things, that’s part of the team,” Howell said, suggesting the board might want to give McGrail a week to address any concerns. 

 The board unanimously approved posting the existing job description.

 According to the advertisement, the position is responsible for supporting the town administrator in the oversight, coordination, and administration of all municipal operations and serves as a key advisor and second-in-command, exercising broad authority across departments, leading initiatives, and making high-impact decisions that support the town’s strategic objectives. 

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or related field, though a master’s degree is preferred along with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible municipal management or administrative experience. The salary range is $145,000 to $165,000. The filing deadline is March 6.