Job Description
Job Summary
Oversees and manages the operations, activities, and staff of the Human Services Division which includes developing and directing a range of community and human service programs and services for the public. Administers a comprehensive grants program for non-profit human service agencies. Coordinates with local and regional partners to develop and advance key policy recommendations and directs a range of programs and services for youth, families, and low-income community members.
This recruitment shall remain open until filled. Applicants must apply prior to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, to ensure initial consideration.
Representative Duties
Manages, plans and coordinates, operations of community programs for children, youth and families at multiple sites, and funding of non-profit organizations in the areas of social services.
Manages, plans, coordinates and organizes division planning efforts, including research and analyses of complex and often controversial issues.
Leads community needs assessment activities with regard to programs for youth, families, and low-income community members.
Designs and implements community outreach efforts, including oversight of staffing of task forces, advisory groups, and commissions.
Develops and recommends new and revised policies and programs to meet community needs, including working with division, department, and inter-departmental groups to design innovative and community-responsive initiatives for youth, families, and low-income community members.
Oversees and manages the City’s Human Services Grants Program and grants management staff which includes developing and reviewing Requests for Proposals, developing funding recommendations, negotiating contracts, and providing technical assistance to staff supporting non-profit grantees.
Identifies and oversees the acquisition of federal, State, local and private funding for programs; ensures compliance with all applicable external funding requirements.
Manages the delivery of direct service programs to children, youth, and families, including after school and summer youth programs, events, trips, and social/educationservices.
Manages staff who oversee the monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of a range of federal, State, and local legislation impacting human services.
Serves as a liaison in partnerships and initiatives with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Santa Monica College, and other major stakeholders and non-profit organizations in the city.
Ensures effective programming through measurement and analysis of data and reporting systems.
Prepares and administers the division’s budget and other operational budgets and projects and monitors any revenues.
Analyzes and identifies revenue-producing opportunities for programs; identifies community resources, including volunteers, to support programs.
Selects, trains, and supervises Division administrative and front-line staff; implements personnel policies and procedures; develops and implements staff development and training activities in collaboration with the Director and in accordance with Departmental policies.
Plans, designs, and implements management information and reporting systems to ensure effective programming through measurement and analysis.
Prepares and/or reviews and edits a variety of reports, including staff reports and proposed policy documents for the Director to review prior to submission to the City Manager, City Council, and Commissions.
Establishes and maintains public relations with the media, community groups, non-profit organizations, and other professional organizations and makes public presentations as needed.
Responds to and resolves citizen complaints, elevating to the Director as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, and techniques of public administration and social services administration with an emphasis on program development, service delivery, contract administration, and public policy analysis
Principles of nonprofit program management, program development methods, and governance
Principles of grant management, including proposal development and review, program and fiscal monitoring, and contract negotiation
Principles of project planning and management
Relevant local, federal, and State laws, legislation and regulations
Principles of budget development and management
Principles and practices associated with managing State and federal grants
Principles of policy creation, program development and planning
Funding sources for human services, education, and community development
Principles of leadership and management
Principles, practices and techniques of supervision, including employee relations, performance management, employee motivation and training, and employee discipline
Effective customer service techniques
Ability to:
Plan, organize, and coordinate the activities of a division
Select, supervise, motivate, train and evaluate staff
Act as a liaison and provides support for Boards and Commissions
Prepare clear, precise and comprehensive administrative and financial reports
Represent the division at community events and be forward facing to the public
Oversee programs that provide direct services to youth and families at multiple sites
Plan, coordinate, and oversee multiple projects and activities
Develop and evaluate policies and procedures
Interpret, apply and explain policies, laws, and regulations
Analyze and interpret data (financial and program related) as well as local, county, State, and federal guidelines, laws, policies, and regulations
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, commissions, Council members, community groups, diverse interest groups, and the public
Promote community participation in City sponsored activities and services
Prepare and make oral presentations to the public on behalf of the division, including presentations to community groups, social service providers, Commissions and City Council
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Analyze problems and develop effective and realistic solutions and policy alternatives
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, officials, contractors, outside agencies and the general public
Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities and approaches
Acknowledge, value and support diversity of thought, opinion and approach with customers and colleagues regardless of background, culture and organizational level
Execute work that adheres to the City’s stated principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion including, but not limited to, your “duty to act” to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all persons and historically underrepresented groups
Provide effective customer service
Skill in:
Leadership, management, and supervision
Public policy and operations analysis
Public and community relations
Public speaking
Writing and editing complex reports, communications, and other document types, ensuring clarity, accuracy and effectiveness
Strong data analysis and attention to detail
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications
Effective written and verbal communication
Fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in which everyone in the City has an opportunity to thrive
Incorporating an equity perspective to day-to-day work in all responsibilities, decisions and actions of providing public service
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in public policy, business or public administration, social work, public health, or a related field is desirable.
Experience:
Four years of recent, paid, and progressively responsible experience in the administration of a non-profit or government agency providing services to the community. Experience must have included program and policy development. At least two years of the four years of required experience must have included management /supervisory responsibilities.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.
Selection Process:
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:
Training and Experience Evaluation
Writing Project
Oral Interview
If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.
Background Investigation:
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is routinely performed indoors in a home office or work office setting in accordance with the City’s Hybrid Workplace Policy. Off-site assignments and irregular work hours are frequently required. Position may require working in the evening to attend City Council, City commission and board meetings or a range of community meetings at various sites in the community.
The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.