Assistant Director of Human Services

The County of Sonoma seeks an experienced and talented executive leader to work closely with the Director of Human Services to oversee administrative functions that support the department’s programs and service delivery to the community.

The annual salary for the Assistant Director of Human Services is $210,131 - $255,421*, depending upon experience.

As an integral member of the Executive team, the Assistant Director of Human Services is responsible for assisting the Director in the development, integration, and implementation of Human Services programs and functions; coordinating, analyzing, planning, and overseeing department-wide operations and services; ensuring operational compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; assisting with budget strategy and enhancing partnerships by promoting departmental and county-wide initiatives;

and representing Human Services at various local, regional, and statewide meetings.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Directing the work of administrative teams, which may include human resources, information technology, finance, facilities, contracts, special investigations, public information, compliance, care and shelter, satellite offices, and program research and evaluation
• Reviewing and editing board items and attending Board of Supervisors meetings
• Convening and leading meetings with internal and external stakeholders to foster relationships, provide information, and collaborate around shared goals
• Reviewing and signing off on behalf of the director on various documents, including procurements and contracts, reimbursements, and HR forms
• Taking a leadership role in efforts including disaster planning and response, special projects, community assessments, outreach and engagement, internal and external communication, change management, and strategic planning
• Providing guidance, support, and resources to program divisions through the work of administrative teams
• Representing the director and the department in various capacities, such as serving on committees, assisting other county departments, and making public presentations

• Experience in a leadership role within county government or in close collaboration with county government programs to deliver services to vulnerable populations
• A high level of professionalism and a proven ability to successfully work both independently and as part of a collaborative team to achieve common goals across public, nonprofit, and private sectors
• Knowledge of regulations, requirements, and state/federal funding streams for human services programs, along with the ability to interpret and implement federal, state, and local legislation and policies related to the department workforce and delivery of services
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information to elected officials and large groups of people including employees, community partners, and the public
• The ability to successfully manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, navigate challenges, and identify solutions to support employees and provide high quality services
• Strong political acumen, with experience working with elected and appointed public officials as well as community leaders, stakeholders, and board members
• A high level of integrity, along with the ability to adapt to change, think critically and creatively, identify and mitigate risk, and serve the public with compassion, dignity, and humility
• The ability to work with a diverse group of employees and community members with a strong commitment to furthering equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging both internally and in service delivery to the community
• A passion for and the ability to successfully motivate teams and develop employees
• Knowledge of contracting, budgeting, and employee performance management in a public union environment
• A commitment to professional growth, with a high degree of emotional intelligence and the ability to learn and evolve as a leader

The vision of the Human Services Department is to support people in our community to live freely chosen lives up to…