Deputy Executive Director, Finance & Administration

FIRST 5 SANTA CLARA COUNTY•San Jose, CA

6d•$159,211 - $198,739•Hybrid

About The Position

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is seeking a mission-driven, strategic Deputy Executive Director, Finance & Administration to serve on its executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role stewards the agency’s financial health, modernizes administrative workflows, and aligns operations in support of early childhood health, education, and family support systems. The position directs significant community investments and contributes to agencywide strategy, policy development, and cross-functional initiatives. The Deputy Executive Director oversees accounting, budgeting, grant management, auditing, procurement, contract administration, facilities, workplace safety, and administrative systems. The role leads the Finance and Administration division and advises the Executive Director and Commission, while representing the agency to public officials, auditors, community partners, and other stakeholders. The position receives high-level administrative direction from the Executive Director and directly supervises management, supervisory, professional, and administrative support staff across the division.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, accounting, and administrative management.
At least three years of experience in an executive or senior supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated experience managing public funds, government grants, or complex nonprofit revenue streams subject to state or local regulatory oversight.
Valid California Driver’s License or demonstrated ability to meet required mobility needs.
Strong command of governmental accounting standards (GASB), fund and grant accounting, and regulatory compliance.
Ability to analyze complex fiscal and operational challenges, design compliant solutions, and optimize resource allocation.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for public meetings, board presentations, and community engagement.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in workplace culture, public service, and vendor relationships.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Responsibilities

Direct accounting, budgeting, grant management, and auditing in compliance with GAAP and public-sector fund accounting standards.
Lead the annual operating budget process and multi-year forecasting; provide financial reports, projections, and risk mitigation strategies to the Executive Director and Commission.
Maintain internal fiscal controls, regulatory compliance, and transparent financial records across revenue streams and special project funds.
Oversee agencywide procurement, requests for proposals for professional services, vendor negotiations, and contract administration in coordination with legal counsel.
Manage facilities operations, space planning, security, and enterprise continuity and emergency preparedness plans.
Modernize administrative workflows and financial technologies to improve integration across departments.
Advise the Executive Director on agencywide strategic goals, policy development, and cross-departmental initiatives.
Represent the agency with public officials, auditors, community partners, and the Commission, and explain complex financial matters in actionable terms.
Direct, mentor, and develop Finance and Administration staff, fostering a culture of equity, accountability, collaboration, and high performance.