In Ocean City, the mayor exercises executive power over the municipality. Under the mayor's direction, administration staff members oversee day-to-day operations, hire employees, prepare budgets, provide services, maintain infrastructure, and plan projects and programs for all residents, guests and taxpayers. The business administrator, as the chief operating officer, oversees the following departments: Community Services, Financial Management, Fire and Rescue Services, Law, Capital Projects and Engineering, Police Services and Public Works. In addition, the business administrator also serves as the department head for the following Divisions: Construction Code, Emergency Management, Human Resources, Municipal Code, Planning, Purchasing and Zoning.

The mission of the Department of Capital Programs, Project Management and Engineering is to oversee the city’s critical infrastructure improvements and manage all projects from concept through final construction. The department leads efforts to identify and secure grant funding.

The Office of the City Clerk is the public’s access point to government records, voting information, licenses, permits, certain maps and archives. The office maintains information regarding City Council and has a variety of resources for citizens from the city, county, state and other agencies.

The Department of Community Services provides services, programs and activities for the residents, visitors and businesses in Ocean City. The department also maintains the recreation and leisure facilities throughout the city. 

The Finance department, under the direction of Chief Financial Officer, Frank Donato III, is responsible for all financial and reporting functions for the City of Ocean City as regulated by the State of New Jersey.

The Department of Law under the direction of Dottie McCrosson, is responsible for managing all legal activities of the City including the Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender and outside Counsels. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, preparing legal opinions, reviewing proposed legislation and representing the City in all legal matters.

The Municipal Code Department includes Code Compliance/Property Maintenance, Fire Prevention (smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers), and Mercantile Licensing.