EHS Deputy Bureau Director-Exempt (Community Services Bureau)

Job Description

The Position

Contra Costa County is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) EHS Deputy Bureau Director-Exempt (Community Services Bureau) position in the Employment and Human Services Department.

Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.

EHSD’s Community Services Bureau operates Contra Costa County’s Head Start program and State-funded early care and education programs for children ages 0-13. With over 300 full-time, part-time, and temporary staff, the Bureau offers services in the areas of early learning, school readiness, nutrition and health, mental health, disability, and family support. CSB’s mission is to support individuals and families to thrive as contributing members of the community by providing high-quality services and learning opportunities.

We are seeking someone who is:

• Experienced with managing or administering programs related to Head Start, early childhood education, child development, childcare needs, or a related area, with the ability to manage day-to-day functions of the Bureau
• Knowledgeable about federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to social services programs and delivery of services
• Experienced with operations background and government contract experience
• Experienced with labor relations and union negotiations
• Skilled at developing workflows and processes
• Excellent with written and oral communication skills and comfortable with making presentations to a variety of stakeholders
• Flexible, organized, collaborative team-oriented leader that engenders trust

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Participating in the development of short and long-term strategic plans, policies, procedures, and reviewing progress in meeting established goals and objectives
• In collaboration with the Bureau Director, supervising the day-to-day delivery of program services including assisting in the oversight of all field operations at childcare sites
• Producing clear, accurate, and timely reports to assist in executive decision making
• Working with, and monitoring, community-based organizations with which the bureau contracts
• Assisting with the tracking and monitoring of positions, as well as interfacing with personnel and facilities on various support issues to the Bureau
• Coordinating and assisting in the development and management of program budgets and closely monitoring ongoing fiscal reports to ensure annual goals are met
• Negotiating and monitoring contracts with other agencies and ensuring timely contract execution
• Assisting with grant proposal writing and processes to develop funding for programs and services

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Make a meaningful difference in the community. Help lead programs that support children, strengthen families, and create opportunities for individuals to thrive
• Play an important role in shaping the delivery, quality, and continued growth of early childhood education and family support services throughout Contra Costa County
• Work alongside a dedicated and diverse team. Collaborate with passionate staff, community partners, and stakeholders who are committed to improving outcomes for children and families
• Influence program improvements and innovation. Help translate strategic priorities into meaningful operational improvements while navigating opportunities for growth and change
• Gain valuable executive leadership experience, strengthen cross-departmental relationships, and contribute to the long-term vision and success of the Bureau

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Balancing competing priorities and community needs. Ensure programs remain responsive to children and families while working within available resources, staffing levels, and operational constraints
• Navigating a complex regulatory environment. Keep pace with evolving federal, state, and local requirements while ensuring program compliance across multiple funding sources
• Leading through change. Guide staff and program partners through organizational, operational, and policy changes while maintaining consistency and quality of services.
• Managing complex operations and accountability. Balance fiscal oversight, staffing, facilities, contracts, and program performance while ensuring services meet established standards and expectations
• Building consensus and maintaining strong partnerships. Work through differing perspectives, competing interests, and challenging decisions while fostering collaboration among staff, leadership, community partners, and stakeholders
  
  

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Action & Results Focused: Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Business Process Analysis: Defining, assessing, and improving operational processes and workflow
• Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
• Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objective
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Handling and resolving conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Leveraging Technology: Applying technology for improvements in organizational efficiency and effectiveness
• Managing and Facilitating Change: Addressing key factors that influence successful organizational change

You can read the complete job description at: County of Contra Costa - Class Specification Bulletin (governmentjobs.com)

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Gerontology, Counseling, Social Work, Social or Behavioral or Health Sciences, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience: Four (4) years full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) public administration experience which included responsibilities for supervision, program services operations, service delivery evaluation and regulatory compliance. Two (2) year of the above experience must have been at a managerial level.

Substitution of Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business or Public Administration, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a closely related field and (1 ) additional year of the required listed experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience managing or administering programs related to Head Start, early childhood education, child development, childcare needs, or a related area
• Knowledgeable about federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to social services programs and delivery of services
• Strong operations background and government contract experience
• Skilled at developing workflows and processes
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and comfortable with making presentations to a variety of stakeholders
• Experience with labor relations and union negotiations
• Flexible, organized, collaborative team-oriented leader that engenders trust and confidence while maintaining a commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion

Selection Process

This position is exempted from the merit system and will not follow regular County recruitment and selection procedures. Not all applicants will be invited to participate in the evaluation and interview process.

1. Application Filing: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

2. Interview: The most qualified candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an interview. This is an exempt classification. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement in the interview process.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

The employment list established by this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Flor Robb at flor.robb@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website .

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 11/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific