Assistant County Administrative Officer

The Assistant County Administrative Officer is responsible for assisting the County Administrative Officer in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities, with accountability for providing program planning and policy development, and oversight of matters with countywide implications. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, County functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Supervisors, and the ability to develop, oversee and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the County Administrative Officer with those of County departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the Office. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering County goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. 

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

The Assistant County Administrative Officer is an “at-will” position, which is not included in the County’s classified service and is exempt from merit system status. As such, the incumbent is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the County Administrative Officer. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Administrative Officer as the appointing authority.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides highly complex support to the County Administrative Officer in the development and implementation of countywide goals, objectives, policies and work standards. 
• Provides day-to-day leadership and works with executive and management team members to ensure a high performance, client-centric work environment, consistent with sound management principles and County mission and values. 
• Works collaboratively with the County Administrative Officer, Board of Supervisors, departmental management, a variety of public and private organizations, and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to County services. 
• Oversees and coordinates the preparation of the County's annual budget, including supervising and participating in the review of budget proposals made by County departments; reviews and makes recommendations regarding requests for mid-year budget transactions; prepares a variety of fiscal projections for the Board of Supervisors; identifies and evaluates potential revenue sources. 
• Works closely with the County Administrator and departmental heads to prepare and review the agenda for the weekly Board of Supervisors meetings; ensures that all required documentation, reports, and recommendations are submitted in a timely manner; coordinates the flow of information between departments to ensure alignment with Board priorities.
• Supports the County Administrative Officer with the Risk Management division in the handling and resolution of complex cases related to insurance claims, liability issues, and worker’s compensation.
• Supervises the Minors Advocacy Division, ensuring that services for minors in the County are effective, equitable, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Manages the contracts for indigent defense services, ensuring that contracted attorneys provide high-quality legal representation in compliance with all contractual obligations; coordinates with the contractors to monitor contract performance and ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines; works to resolve any disputes or challenges related to indigent defense services and makes recommendations for improvements in service delivery; ensures that contracts remain in compliance with state and federal mandates for indigent defense.
• Acts as the primary liaison between the County government and the public, media, and other external stakeholders; develops and implements communication strategies that align with the County’s goals and initiatives, including press releases, social media outreach, and public presentations; responds to media inquiries and prepares statements to ensure accurate and timely information is provided to the public; coordinates with various departments to ensure consistent messaging and accurate information dissemination during times of crisis or important County developments. 
• Oversees project funding, working with the finance department and departments to ensure adequate resources are allocated and spent efficiently on capital projects; evaluates the long-term impact of capital projects on County infrastructure and services, making recommendations for future improvements or expansions.
• Coordinates with Public Works on the planning, implementation, and completion of capital projects within the County, ensuring projects are aligned with County goals, timelines, and budgets.
•  Monitors and reviews proposed and newly enacted state and federal legislation that may affect County operations, services, or budget; analyzes the potential impact of new legislation on County programs, policies, and staffing needs, providing detailed reports and recommendations to the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors; works closely with department heads and legal teams to assess changes in regulations, ensuring compliance with new laws and aligning County practices with legislative requirements.
• Assumes the role of department head for any County department that has a vacancy and does not have an appointed interim or acting department head; provides leadership and direction to department staff, ensuring continuity of operations and that services are delivered effectively; ensures that all department functions, projects, and services are managed and overseen in alignment with County policies and goals; coordinates with department staff to address any immediate issues or challenges during the vacancy period.
• Prepares and recommends long-range plans for services and programs; directs the development of management systems, procedures and standards for program evaluation and monitors developments related to specified service areas 
• Reviews and makes recommendations regarding a wide variety of proposals, contracts and other actions involving the performance of in-depth budgetary, organizational, staffing, service delivery and County policy and ordinances analyses. 
• Selects, trains, develops, and directs assigned staff; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; provides or coordinates staff training and countywide training as it pertains to the administrative office; works with employees to correct deficiencies; makes discipline recommendations; responds to staff questions and concerns. 
• Directs the preparation of, and/or prepares, a variety of reports for the Board of Supervisors, and other stakeholders; appears before the Board of Supervisors to present reports and recommendations. 
• Analyzes proposed legislation for local impact, prepares legislative proposals for consideration by the Board of Supervisors and acts as a legislative advocate state and federal matter.
• Coordinates capital projects for the County; monitors and directs the processing of contracts, building leases and general leases. 
• Conducts or coordinates contract negotiations for services and drafts contracts for Board of Supervisors approval.  
• Acts as County Administrative Officer in their absence and represents the County Administrative Officer and Board of Supervisors before various community or special interest groups.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of management and administrative experience in a large governmental or similar public agency which included responsibility for overall program, budget, and personnel administration at a level equivalent to a department director. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check, which includes a credit check. Ability to work irregular hours as necessary, and travel within and outside the County.

For a detailed Job Description, click here.

In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience. This resume must be attached to your application. You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or written examination (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list. 

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Veteran's Preference Application
You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Closing Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM

First Interview: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Salary : $144,000 - $204,000