Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

County of Mendocino. Salary DOE/DOQ.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is an at-will executive appointed by the Board and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of County affairs. The CEO oversees county government operations and implements decisions made by the Board of Supervisors. The Executive Office oversees the preparation, adoption, and administration of the County’s budget and coordinates the activities of other county departments to ensure the effective accomplishment of the Board’s directions and policies.

The CEO’s position was established by the Board of Supervisors in Chapter 2.28 of the County Code. Duties include the responsibility to appoint, transfer, discipline, suspend, or dismiss, as appropriate, any non-elected department head who is not required to be appointed by the Board of Supervisors, after meeting and conferring with the Board.

View the full recruitment brochure HERE.

• Exceptional Communication Skills – the ability to elevate communication with Board Members, Department Heads, employees, and the public.
• Proven Public Management Experience – a background and experience in local government, as a senior manager, Deputy/Assistant City or County CAO, CEO, or Manager.
• Experience & Knowledge in Policy Implementation – taking policy direction from the elected Board and transforming it into action.
• Outstanding Fiscal Management Skills – the ability to have a laser focus on budget and financial affairs, with a commitment to collaborative work toward implementing best practices in financial reporting and transparency by the CEO’s Office and the related departments.
• Ability to Articulate Vision – leadership quality in day-to-day operations, as well as the capacity to instill change and challenge.
• Collaborative Approach to Team Building – with a participatory style of management that is consistent and frequent with both appointed and elected department directors.
• Staff Delegation History – developing and utilizing staff resources to the maximum and empowering subordinates.
• Accessibility – an open-door management approach.
• Clarity in Correspondence – ability to prepare frequent memoranda, policy statements, and directives that are clear, concise, and effective.
• An Interest In The Amenities of Rural Living – and an appreciation of the same.
• A Sense of Humor – someone who fosters approachability, perspective, and positive working relationships.

Please apply immediately to ensure consideration at  This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout all phases of this recruitment. It is important to note that all interviews conducted by the Board are held in an executive session to maintain candidates’ confidentiality.

Closing date for receipt of interest is Monday, April 6, 2026. An electronic version of all submittals is required. Interested candidates should apply immediately by sending a comprehensive resume, a compelling cover letter, and notable accomplishments to  References are not required at the time of submittal, and no contact will be made with references or current employers until a mutual interest has been established to ensure the utmost confidentiality.

Questions? Please contact your recruiter, Ms. Heather Renschler, with any questions:  .

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer.