JOB TITLE: Assistant General Manager / Finance Director
AGENCY: Stege Sanitary District
LOCATION: El Cerrito, CA
FILING DEADLINE: August 28, 2026
SALARY RANGE: $210,000 to $260,000
The Position
The Assistant General Manager will provide executive-level leadership, financial and operational oversight, and strategic support to ensure the District continues delivering high-quality public services. The position will serve as a key advisor to the General Manager and may serve as Acting General Manager in the General Manager’s absence. The position is also expected to serve as District Treasurer, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Success in the role will be measured by the incumbent’s ability to safeguard public funds, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide transparent, data-driven financial leadership. The position will oversee budgeting, accounting, treasury, rate modeling, long-term financial planning, and financial reporting, while also supporting capital and operational plans, strategic goals, service reliability, and regulatory compliance.
- Executive Leadership and Strategy: Support the General Manager in developing and executing Districtwide strategic plans, priorities, and performance goals; provide policy analysis and recommendations to the General Manager and Board.
- Governance and Board Support: Prepare staff reports, presentations, and agenda materials for Board and committee meetings; help ensure compliance with the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and other governance requirements; and represent the District at public meetings, community events, and interagency collaborations.
- Financial Leadership and Stewardship: Lead development of the District’s annual operating and capital budgets; oversee financial forecasting, long-range capital planning, and reserve strategies; advise on financial trends, risks, and opportunities; and develop financial policies, internal controls, and fiscal procedures.
- Accounting, Reporting, and Compliance: Direct accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and fixed assets; ensure timely preparation of financial statements; oversee annual audits; and ensure compliance with GASB, GAAP, state and federal regulations, and special district reporting requirements.
- Treasury, Investments, and Debt Management: If serving as District Treasurer, receive and properly safeguard the District’s financial assets; manage cash flow, banking relationships, and investment portfolios; oversee debt issuance, continuing disclosure, and compliance with bond covenants; and provide financial analysis for capital financing strategies.
- Budgeting, Rates, and Cost Analysis: Lead rate studies, cost-of-service analyses, and fee schedules; support capital improvement program prioritization and funding strategies; and conduct financial impact analyses for policy changes, capital projects, and operational initiatives.
- Procurement, Contracts, and Risk Management: Oversee purchasing, procurement compliance, and contract administration; ensure adherence to public contracting laws and competitive bidding requirements; and support risk management, insurance renewals, and claims coordination.
- People and Culture Leadership: Provide leadership to managers and staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional development; support labor relations, performance management, and workforce planning; and promote a culture of safety, transparency, and public service excellence.
- Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response: Participate in emergency operations, continuity planning, and incident command activities, and serve in a leadership role during emergencies, disasters, or major service disruptions.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a confident, ethical, and highly capable public sector finance leader who can serve as both a technical expert and a trusted executive partner. The District is seeking someone who brings strong financial acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently without requiring micromanagement. The successful candidate will understand the importance of internal controls, audit readiness, financial transparency, and separation of duties. They will also appreciate the unique responsibilities of serving in a 24/7 public service environment and will be comfortable supporting an organization that is evolving its systems, practices, and culture. Equally important, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal judgment, emotional intelligence, and professional integrity. This individual should be approachable, collaborative, and steady under pressure, with the ability to help foster a workplace culture where employees feel supported while also being held accountable.
The District
Stege Sanitary District provides essential wastewater collection services and has served its communities for more than a century. The District’s work is grounded in public health, environmental protection, fiscal responsibility, and reliable service delivery. The District is actively modernizing its operations, financial systems, internal controls, and governance practices while continuing to invest in long-term organizational sustainability. Its leadership team is focused on building an accountable, professional, and people-centered workplace that supports employees and strengthens service to the community.
For more details about this opportunity, please visit the job brochure at: https://koffassociates.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Final-Brochure_SSD_AGM.pdf
To be considered, please electronically submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of five professional references (references will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment) to: https://koffassociates.com/stege-sanitary-district-assistant-general-manager/.
For additional information, please contact:
Chelsea Freeman
510.570.3844
chelsea_freeman@ajg.com
Website: https://koffassociates.com/
See above.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.
