Position Information THE COUNTY OF SONOMA INVITES YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR The annual salary for the Assistant County Administrator is $235,072-$285,726, depending upon experience.
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Nestled in the heart of Northern California Wine Country, Sonoma County is the largest county in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, covering over 1,600 square miles. It is located in the northernmost part of the Bay Area, about 30 miles north of San Francisco, and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Marin County and San Pablo Bay to the south, and Solano, Napa, and Lake Counties to the east. Sonoma County is known for amazing wines and legendary vineyards, as well as organic produce and sustainable farming. The county is also home to the scenic Russian River, a popular tourist destination where residents and visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
Encompassing nine cities and five federally recognized tribes, more than a third of Sonoma County’s almost 500,000 residents live in the City of Santa Rosa, the county seat, and a quarter in unincorporated areas. Downtown areas such as Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Guerneville offer a mix of historic architecture, boutique shopping, and gourmet dining, providing a small-town feel with modern amenities. Festivals, farmers' markets, and cultural events celebrate local talent and traditions. The county enjoys a diverse economy that includes agriculture, a world-class wine region, technology, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, craft brewing, retail, and professional services.
While the latest census data shows that Sonoma County’s proportion of white residents remains higher than the national average, the share of residents who identify as Hispanic or Latino also ranks higher than the national average, making up more than a quarter of residents (29% in 2022). 37% of County residents identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Education levels in Sonoma County exceed the national average and the county’s public school system ranks considerably high within the state, including innovative charter schools and high-quality secondary education options at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. In 2022, the median household income in Sonoma County was $99,266. Although home prices reflect the value of living in an area that offers abundant amenities, the prices of Sonoma County homes remain among the more affordable in the greater Bay Area.
Visit http://www.sonomacounty.ca.gov and https://sonomacountyconnections.org for additional information about Sonoma County—the place to live, work, and build your career legacy.
The Organization Named by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s 500 Best Midsized Employers the last three years in a row, one of only two government agencies in California to make the 2024 list, the County of Sonoma has a mission to enrich the quality of life in Sonoma County through superior public services.
Sonoma County is a general law county. The primary governing body is the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, which consists of five members elected by the residents of their respective districts on a nonpartisan basis. These supervisors serve four-year terms, during which they are responsible for making policy decisions, adopting budgets, overseeing the County's departments and agencies, and discussing and deciding on matters ranging from public safety to infrastructure development. The Board of Supervisors is fully committed to a mission and vision that values high-quality services to support and enrich the community, strong leadership, engaged citizen participation, transparency and accuracy in information, and efficient and fiscally sustainable government.
The Sonoma County 2021-2026 Strategic Plan is based on the following pillars: Climate Action and Resilience, Healthy and Safe Communities, Racial Equity and Social Justice, Resilient Infrastructure, and Organizational Excellence. For more information, visit www.socostrategicplan.org .
The County provides a full range of services to the community through 27 departments and agencies. The fiscal year 2024-2025 budget is approximately $2.46 billion, with 4,462 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions.
The County Administrator’s Office The County Administrator's Office (CAO) team promotes a sustainable and equitable future for the community by making collaborative, transparent, and informed policy recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. Major activities of the Office include budget preparation, acting as Clerk to the Board of Supervisors, Board meeting agenda preparation, executing Board direction, labor negotiations, management and support of departments and agency leaders, legislative affairs, fiscal and programmatic assessments, community outreach and public information, providing oversight of the preparation of the Capital Improvement Program, climate action, special projects, and the monitoring of the Strategic Plan initiatives’ progress. In serving the Board and the public, the Office manages a high volume of diverse and exciting work, often pivoting quickly between projects.
In May 2024, the Board approved transitioning from a County Administrator to a County Executive administrative governance model, where the County Executive became responsible for day-to-day oversight and supervision of almost all non-elected department-agency heads/directors, except where otherwise provided by state law. This brings the Office’s authority, which varies in responsibilities among departments/agencies, to supporting 17 County leaders.
The CAO team's current focus is effectively facilitating this transition, which brings opportunities for increased operational efficiencies, and effectiveness, as well as improvements to the overall coordination, collaboration, teamwork, and consistency throughout the organization. The recent addition of this second Assistant County Administrator position will enable the County Executive to provide greater support to the various County leaders.
The Office’s fiscal year 2024-2025 budget is $22.1 million, with a staffing component of 80 full-time equivalent team members. The department leadership team includes the County Executive, two Assistant County Administrators, two Deputy County Administrators, the Chief Deputy Clerk of the Board, the County Communications Manager, and the Climate Action & Resiliency Director. For additional information, visit www.sonoma-county.org .
The Position The Assistant County Administrator plays a critical role on the County’s leadership team by assisting the County Executive in making major financial, administrative, and policy recommendations to the Board, as well as conducting or directing special projects and the analysis of public policy issues that are complex, difficult, and often of a sensitive nature.
Additionally, the incumbent hired into this position will handle the day-to-day operational support of County departments/agencies as well as share in the responsibility of managing the County Administrator’s department operations and staff.
The Assistant County Administrator will champion and implement improvements to County systems that help bring consistency and collaboration throughout the organization, serve as a key and visible partner to local governments and partners, and may represent the County and its community-serving functions. The wide breadth of County functions and the complexity of the County’s budget, combined with the legal, legislative, and operational complexities within the various departments, special districts, and agencies, make this role especially appealing to proven executives who enjoy an active and central position in a fast-paced, supportive, and energizing team environment.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for this position is a confident, dynamic, enthusiastic, positive, gracious, tenured, service-oriented leader with a passion for learning, innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering results. They like to rise to a challenge individually and be part of a team. Someone committed to a culture of innovation, trust, accountability, transparency, shared purpose, cohesion, collaboration, and putting forward their best work is desired. A standout candidate can strategically lead, communicate effectively, adeptly oversee policy, systems, and fiscal priorities, demonstrate strong political acumen, proactively solve problems, and seek and lead executing solutions. They are naturally accountable, know how to set clear expectations and deliver results, are willing to roll up their sleeves, get the work done, and take responsibility when needed.
Moreover, genuine collaboration and teamwork are easy for them to achieve. They are committed to championing a “one County” perspective and leading organizational change to break down silos. The ideal candidate also has excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively facilitate and mediate groups. Candidates should possess extensive public administration and management knowledge, familiarity with county government organization and functions, their relationship to federal, state, and municipal governments, as well as demonstrated legislative experience.
The Assistant County Administrator will also recognize and champion the County’s diversity, vibrant cultures, populations, visions, and varied communities across all demographics and socio-economic levels to advance its mission of enriching the quality of life in Sonoma County through superior public services.
The minimum qualifications for this position typically include a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, management, finance, economics, or accounting, and five years of increasingly responsible experience in a private or governmental agency with responsibility in administration or financial analysis, including systems, procedures, and program evaluation. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the college education on a year-for-year basis. At least two years of experience in a responsible executive-level administrative or management capacity with a governmental/public sector agency, including supervising professional-level staff, is required.
The most qualified and desirable candidates will possess an executive management background that includes at least five years in the capacity of County Administrator, Assistant/Deputy County Administrator, County Department Head, Assistant/Deputy Department Head, City Manager, Assistant/Deputy City Manager, or a related position within a complex and challenging public sector environment.
What We Offer The annual salary range for the Assistant County Administrator is $235,072 - $285,726, depending upon experience. In addition, the County of Sonoma provides a robust benefits package. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation accrual and additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; generous sick leave accruals.
- Health Benefits - A range of health plans with several options, in which the premium benefits cover 100% of the employee's cost; dental, vision, disability, life insurance, wellness and professional development, and more.
- Retirement - County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, which has reciprocity with other public retirement systems. Retirement is fully integrated with Social Security. New employees, as defined and eligible, will be PEPRA plan members and receive a 2.5% at 67 formula, or those individuals who meet certain criteria, including establishing reciprocity eligibility, will be Legacy plan members and receive 3% at 60. For more information about reciprocity, please visit Sonoma County Employees’ Retirement Association website at https://scretire.org/
- Incentive Retirement Saving Plan - A defined contribution 401(a) plan; a 3% County “foundation” contribution and voluntary IRS 457 plan Pre-Tax employee contribution up to IRS annual maximum, plus a 100% County match of employee contribution deposit into the 401(a) account (up to 1% of base salary).
- Post-Retirement Medical - County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
- Relocation Reimbursement - Reimbursement may be authorized for the successful candidate.
- Cell Phone Stipend - Optional monthly stipend of $50/month (if not assigned a County-issued phone).
- Employee Assistance Program - County offered at no employee cost.
- Hybrid Work Policy - The County Administrator’s Office team members are allowed a maximum of 2 days/week of remote work. While flexible work arrangements are acceptable as needed, this position is expected to be onsite most of the time.
Additional details on employment for management employees may be found in the Salary Resolution here .
Minimum QualificationsExperience: Any combination of experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, five years of progressively responsible experience in a private or governmental agency with responsibilities in administration or financial analysis, including systems, procedures and programs evaluation, including two years of experience in a responsible administrative or management capacity with a governmental agency including the supervision of professional level staff.
Education: Academic course work which directly relates to the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in business administration, public administration, management, finance, economics, or accounting, would provide the knowledge and abilities. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the college education on a year-for-year basis.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extensive knowledge of: the principles and practices of public administration, organization and management; County government organization and functions and their relationship to federal, state and municipal governments; research methodology, report writing and basic statistics; written and oral communications, language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Extensive knowledge and ability to: interpret the laws, rules and regulations governing the operation of County government.
Considerable knowledge of: group dynamics as it relates to public organizations; modern office methods and procedures; principles and practices of supervision; principles and practices of employee relations.
Ability to: effectively assemble, organize and present, in either written or oral form, the logical conclusions and sound recommendations resulting from the analysis of administrative, financial, factual, or other information derived from a variety of sources; develop, organize and effectively coordinate programs and activities; exercise responsibility, initiative, ingenuity, independent analysis and judgment in solving highly specialized administrative and management problems; analyze complex budgets and fiscal practices of County departments; understand, interpret and apply provisions of applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and operating procedures; orient, train, supervise and evaluate subordinate staff; analyze situations and take appropriate courses of action; perform data collection, interpretation and evaluation pertaining to administrative, fiscal and management matters; use principles of inductive and deductive reasoning to validate conclusions and recommendations; utilize sound judgment, tactfulness, persuasion and authority in relationships with subordinates, County officials, administrative personnel, and the general public; respond in a timely and flexible manner to requests by the Board of Supervisors.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When ApplyingThe information contained in the application and responses to the supplemental questions will be evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the employment process. Applicants should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of the application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
Candidates must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this job announcement to be considered; please also upload/attach a resume and cover letter which articulates your experience, responsibilities, pertinent accomplishments, and why you are interested in the position to your application. This is a position in the classified service. Therefore, an application screening will be conducted to evaluate satisfaction of minimum qualifications. Candidates considered most qualified from the application screening will be invited to a Panel Interview. The most appropriate candidates from the Panel Interview will be forwarded for a Final Selection Interview with the County Executive.
SELECTION PROCESS & KEY TENTATIVE DATES Accepting application materials through October 10, 2024
Panel Interviews - October 29, 2024
Final Selection Interviews with County Executive - October 30, 2024
Please be mindful of the planned timeframe. Although it may be subject to change, it would be wise to plan availability around these dates and submit application materials as early as possible.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.
TO APPLY To apply for this exciting and special career opportunity, please go to www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org to submit an online job application, including a resume and cover letter that articulates your experience, responsibilities, pertinent accomplishments, and why you are interested in the position, as well as respond to the supplemental questions. The filing deadline is Thursday, October 10, 2024, by 11:59PM.
Please do not hesitate to contact Danielle Noble, Executive Recruiter with Peckham & McKenney, toll-free at (866) 912-1919 if you have any questions regarding this position or the recruitment process.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off :Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan :Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generousCounty contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement :Fully integrated with Social Security.For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .
IRS 457 Plan :Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical :County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief :County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331.Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
Closing Date/Time: 10/10/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
