Description

County of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, CA

Assistant Director of Human Services

Salary: $210,131.24 - $255,421.75 Annually

Closing Date: 1/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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.

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

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with significant public service program knowledge and leadership experience, and will possess many of the following:

• 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 the 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

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
•   Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Health Benefits - A range of health plans with several options in which the premium benefits cover 100% of the employees cost; dental, vision, disability, life insurance, wellness and professional development, and more
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• 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
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• 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

Learn more and apply:  http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=313023

*Salary is negotiable within the established range for the position and benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. For more information, including minimum qualifications, & to apply, visit www. yourpath2sonomacounty.org or call 707-565-2331. The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.