C.E.A. B - Assistant Director, Administrative Services

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent CalPERS pension

401(k) and 457(b) plans

Flexible schedules

Generous paid time off

Health, dental & vision insurance

Free Parking

Career development

Job summary

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) seeks an Assistant Director (CEA B), Administrative Services, to provide executive leadership over financial and administrative operations in support of emergency management programs. The role directs budgeting, procurement, accounting, and grants, while advising the executive team on fiscal policy and funding strategies.

Based in Mather, CA, the incumbent will lead policy development, ensure compliance, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Executive-level leadership directing complex financial and administrative organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of public-sector budgeting, accounting, controls, and reporting.
• Understanding of state and federal budget processes, funding mechanisms, and compliance.
• Experience overseeing disaster-related financial operations and grants.
• Ability to design policies and strategic initiatives for fiscal accountability.
• Ability to advise executives and represent interests with partners and agencies.
• Proven capacity to lead during emergencies with balance of short- and long-term priorities.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight of financial and administrative operations.
• Direct budgeting, procurement, expenditure reporting, and grant administration.
• Advise the Executive Leadership Team on budgeting, funding, and fiscal policy.
• Collaborate with governance partners to align resources with priorities.
• Develop policies and procedures to improve fiscal accountability and efficiency.
• Lead during emergencies, balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives.

Skills

Executive leadership

Public sector financial management

Budgeting & accounting

Grant administration

Policy development

Stakeholder collaboration

Strategic thinking

Change management

Job description

Job Description And Duties

Join the leadership team of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) — the nation’s premier state-level emergency management and homeland security agency, charged with protecting the people of California from all threats and hazards. Cal OES employs over 1,900 dedicated individuals who achieve the department’s mission through service to all. It is a dynamic, high energy work environment, where a team-oriented approach to complex problem solving is encouraged and skills and leadership development of its employees is a priority.

Join the leadership team of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) — the nation’s premier state-level emergency management and homeland security agency, charged with protecting the people of California from all threats and hazards. Cal OES employs over 1,900 dedicated individuals who achieve the department’s mission through service to all. It is a dynamic, high energy work environment, where a team-oriented approach to complex problem solving is encouraged and skills and leadership development of its employees is a priority.

Under the administrative direction of the Deputy Director, Finance and Logistics Administration, the Assistant Director (CEA B), Administrative Services, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of Cal OES's financial and administrative operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective stewardship of state and federal resources that support California’s emergency management, disaster response, recovery, and mitigation programs.

The Assistant Director directs and establishes strategic priorities for the Department’s financial and administrative functions, including Internal Financial Services (procurement and expenditure reporting), External Financial Services (Budget Office), Accounting, and Local and Disaster Assistance (disaster and grant reimbursement) programs. Through subordinate managers and program leaders, the incumbent oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies, procedures, budgets and financial operations that support organizational effectiveness, fiscal accountability, and compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.

Serving as a principal advisor to the Executive Leadership Team on financial and administrative matters, the Assistant Director provides expert guidance on budgeting, funding strategies, resource allocation, fiscal policy, and complex operational issues. The incumbent works collaboratively with executive staff, control agencies, governmental partners, and stakeholders to ensure sound financial management and alignment of resources with departmental priorities.

This position plays a critical role in supporting Cal OES’ mission by strengthening financial integrity, organizational accountability, and operational readiness. The Assistant Director must be capable of balancing long-term strategic objectives with immediate operational demands in a dynamic environment where effective fiscal management directly supports the state’s ability to respond to emergencies and disasters.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in public-sector financial and administrative management, demonstrated success leading large and complex organizations, sound fiscal judgment, and the ability to develop practical solutions to complex policy, regulatory and operational challenges. Success in this role requires strong collaboration, political acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to build partnerships, influence decision-making, and lead through change.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position headquarters is based in Mather, California.

Conflict of Interest

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.

Department Information

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

The Finance & Logistics Administration Directorate oversees sections managing Cal OES operations including budgeting, fiscal analysis, accounting, grants management, human resources, labor relations, staff recruitment, examinations, organization and professional development, disaster and internal logistics support. The Directorate is comprised of four sections: Administrative Services, Human Resources, Grants Management and Logistics.

During activation of the state operations center in response to an emergency, the incumbent, as part of the Cal OES management team, may need to work excess hours during the activation. Incumbent will provide the activation management team with guidance and support related to administrative services related functions.

More information may be found here: Finance & Logistics Administration | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov

Desirable Qualifications

• Executive-level leadership experience directing complex financial and administrative organizations, including oversight of large budgets, multiple programs, and subordinate management teams.
• Extensive knowledge of public-sector financial management, including budgeting, accounting, fiscal controls, financial reporting, strategic resource allocation, and grant administration.
• Knowledge of state and federal budget processes, appropriations, funding mechanisms, compliance requirements, and applicable fiscal laws, regulations, and policies.
• Experience overseeing disaster-related financial operations, including federal reimbursement programs, disaster assistance funding, and recovery of eligible expenditures.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives that improve fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and organizational performance.
• Ability to provide executive-level policy and fiscal advice, develop sound recommendations, and effectively represent organizational interests before executive leadership, control agencies, legislative entities, and state and federal partners.
• Proven ability to lead during emergencies and rapidly changing conditions while balancing immediate operational needs with long-term fiscal objectives.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and collaboration skills, including the ability to influence outcomes, resolve complex issues, and work effective with stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including experience presenting complex information to executive audiences and governmental entities.
• Experience recruiting, developing, mentoring, and managing high-performing workforce, including succession planning, performance management and organizational development.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture that values diversity, equity, employee engagement, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risk, prioritize competing demands, and develop effective solutions in a high-volume environment.
• Flexibility, resilience, and sound judgment, with the ability to maintain a department-wide perspective while managing multiple complex and time-sensitive priorities.

Benefits

Cal OES is conveniently located near downtown, many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station. Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee and their family
• Investment in careers development
• Free Parking
• Electric Carport

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025): Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which reduces employee pay in exchange for leave credits. The reduction amount and leave credits vary by bargaining unit. Salary range(s) listed do not reflect this temporary reduction. For more information, visit the CalHR website (www.calhr.ca.gov).