Executive Director

ICMA; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 310,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and oversee all agency operations, programs, and resources. This high‑impact role reports to the 21‑member Board and guides collaboration among the County and twenty cities and towns within San Mateo County.

Successful candidates will bring political acumen, diplomacy, and a track record of leading diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of a regional government or public agency.
• Ability to navigate complex political environments.
• Strong strategic planning and financial oversight.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversee agency operations.
• Lead the executive team and manage budgets and personnel.
• Collaborate with the 21‑member Board and regional partners.

Job description

The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) comprised of the County of San Mateo and the county's twenty incorporated cities and towns. Governed by a 21-member Board of Directors and supported by eight active committees, C/CAG serves in several important countywide roles, including as the Congestion Management Agency (CMA), the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for state transportation planning purposes, the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC), and the program manager for the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program.
The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of C/CAG, providing strategic leadership and organizational direction to advance the C/CAG Board of Directors' vision and priorities. Reporting directly to the 21-member Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees all agency operations, programs, personnel, and financial resources while ensuring C/CAG remains a trusted regional partner and effective advocate for San Mateo County. The Board of Directors seeks a collaborative, visionary, forward-thinking, and politically astute executive who can implement the C/CAG Board of Directors' vision for the agency while effectively directing its programs, priorities, and strategic initiatives. Because the Executive Director serves 20 member cities and County and works closely with numerous regional partners, the successful candidate will possess exceptional political acumen and the ability to navigate complex and often competing interests with diplomacy, credibility, and sound judgment. Those who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and a proven ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to address complex regional issues will be most competitive.
The salary range for the position is between $310,0000 and $360,000 and will be negotiated with the successful candidate.