Assistant County Administrative Officer

California State Association of Counties; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Tuolumne County's Assistant County Administrator is a key member of the executive leadership team, partnering with the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors to ensure efficient operation of county government.

This role translates policy direction into effective programs, oversees organizational management, financial administration, personnel, strategic planning, and intergovernmental relations, and may assume responsibility for departments or countywide initiatives.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, political science, public policy, finance, or related field.
• Two (2) years executive-level experience in a related administrative/managerial capacity involving planning, organization, and implementation of programs and services.
• Master’s Degree in Public or Business Administration is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Translate Board of Supervisors’ policy direction into effective programs, services, and operational strategies.
• Provide leadership and oversight across County functions, including organizational management and financial administration.
• Serve as trusted advisor to the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors.
• Identify emerging issues, evaluate organizational needs, and lead initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Public Policy, Finance, or related field

Master’s Degree in Public or Business Administration is highly desirable

Job description

The County Administrative Office is responsible to the Board of Supervisors for the proper and efficient administration of all County Offices and Departments under the jurisdiction of the County of Tuolumne. We are tasked with ensuring that Board policies and directives are carried out in the most efficient, cost effective, and service-oriented manner.

Working with 16Department Heads, the County Administrative Office oversees the development, preparation and management of the $340M annual budget. Our department staff play a key role in leading the County and collaborating in all levels of the organization with broad impacts to both departments and the community we serve.

About the Position

The Assistant County Administrator serves as a key member of the County’s executive leadership team and plays an important role in supporting the County Administrator in the effective and efficient operation of County government. Working under the direction of the County Administrator and in coordination with the Board of Supervisors, the Assistant County Administrator provides leadership and oversight across a broad range of County functions, including organizational management, financial administration, personnel, policy implementation, strategic planning, and intergovernmental/community relations.

The Assistant County Administrator translates the Board of Supervisors’ policy direction and organizational priorities into effective programs, services, and operational strategies. The position works collaboratively with department heads, employees, elected officials, community partners, and regional, state, and federal agencies to ensure County resources are managed responsibly, and public services are delivered effectively. The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, strong management skills, political and organizational awareness, and the ability to build trust and consensus across diverse stakeholders.

This position is both strategic and operational. The Assistant County Administrator will help identify emerging issues, evaluate organizational needs, develop recommendations, and lead initiatives that strengthen the County’s financial position, organizational effectiveness, and ability to serve the community. The position will also serve as a trusted advisor to the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors and may assume responsibility for specific departments, programs, or countywide initiatives as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate

Our new Assistant County Administrator will be an experienced and collaborative public-sector leader who understands the unique opportunities and challenges of managing county government. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in public administration, organizational leadership, budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, personnel management, and policy implementation. Experience working directly with elected officials, governing boards, department heads, and community stakeholders is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, approachable, and decisive leader who can balance long-term strategic thinking with the day-to-day demands of County government. They will be comfortable working in a complex political and organizational environment and will demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and discretion.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• A collaborative leader who builds strong relationships and works effectively across departments, agencies, and stakeholder groups.
• A strategic thinker who can anticipate emerging issues, identify opportunities, and translate broad goals into achievable strategies and measurable results.
• A strong financial manager who understands budgeting, fiscal sustainability, resource allocation, and long-term financial planning.
• An effective communicator who can clearly explain complex issues to the Board of Supervisors, employees, community members, and other stakeholders.
• A trusted advisor who provides candid, objective, and well-informed recommendations while respecting the roles and responsibilities of elected officials and executive leadership.
• A people-focused manager who develops employees, supports organizational excellence, and promotes accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• A change-oriented leader who can guide the organization through evolving community needs, financial pressures, regulatory requirements, and changing expectations for public services.
• A community-minded public servant who is committed to transparency, responsiveness, fiscal responsibility, and delivering high-quality services to residents.

THE RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the screening interview process. Successful canidates will be invited to return for a selection interview.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application.

Qualifications

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, political science, public policy, finance, or related field and two (2) years executive-level experience in a related administrative/managerial capacity involving responsibility for planning, organization, and implementation of programs and services for an organization. An equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Public or Business Administration is highly desirable.