Dorchester County operates under a Council-Administrator form of government.

The County Administrator serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the county. This position is appointed directly by the Council and has administrative oversight over all operations of the County government with the exceptions of departments governed by elected officials and special districts.

The County Administrator is responsible for coordinating all departmental activities, studying administrative procedures and organization, and recommending changes to improve the operations of County government, reviewing budget requests and making recommendations to the Council. It is the responsibility of the County Administrator to effectively implement all decisions, policies, ordinances, and motions made by the County Council.

Mr. Jason L. Ward has served as the County Administrator since 2004.