Division Director of Social Services Programs

Counties; California; On-site; USD 154,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Cruz, Human Services Department, seeks a Division Director of Social Services Programs to lead and oversee essential social services across the community. The role requires strategic leadership, data-informed decision making, and strong collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

The ideal candidate has three years of administrative or management experience and a master's degree (or equivalent) with substitution options.

Qualifications

• Three years of responsible administrative or management experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee vital social services programs.
• Direct operations and ensure program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with staff, leadership and community partners.
• Use data and performance metrics to guide improvements.

Skills

Human Services

Strategic Leadership

Equity & Inclusion

Crisis & Change Management

Strategic Thinking

Collaboration

Data-Informed Decisions

Communication

Accountability

Education

Master’s degree in Business/Public Admin/Social Services

Job description

Division Director of Social Services Programs

Post Date

October 20, 2026

Closing Date

October 30, 2026

153,899 - 206,336 Annually

NOW HIRING: Division Director of Social Services Programs
County of Santa Cruz | Human Services Department

Are you a dynamic leader passionate about making a difference in your community? The County of Santa Cruz is seeking an experienced professional to lead and oversee vital social services programs that support individuals and families throughout our community.

Three years of responsible administrative or management experience which would demonstrate application or possession of the required knowledge and abilities listed below.

A master’s degree in business or public administration, social services or social work, or closely related field, may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Qualifications

• Three years of responsible administrative or management experience which would demonstrate application or possession of the required knowledge and abilities listed below.
• A master’s degree in business or public administration, social services or social work, or closely related field, may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Ideal Candidate

• Human Services Expertise: Knowledge of public assistance programs, case managementsystems, and service delivery.
• Strategic Leadership: Ability to lead teams, manage operations, and achieve measurable results.
• Equity and Inclusion: Commitment to equitable, culturally responsive, and accessible services.
• Crisis and Change Management: Ability to navigate uncertainty, address challenges, and maintain operational effectiveness.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align program priorities with organizational goals and community needs.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Skill in building relationships across staff, leadership, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Data-Informed Decision-Making: Ability to use data and performance measures to guide decisions and improve outcomes.
• Judgment and Problem-Solving: Ability to make timely, informed decisions in complex and sensitive situations.
• Communication: Ability to communicate priorities, expectations, and complex information clearly and consistently.
• Accountability and Continuous Improvement: Ability to establish feedback loops, engage staff, and strengthen organizational performance.