Special Assistant to the CEO

DESCRIPTION

The Special Assistant to the CEO (payroll title: Special Assistant) is an "at-will" classification and is exempt from the "Civil Service Ordinance."

WHAT WE OFFER
 The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package.  Aside from our annual salary of approximately $132,948.56 to $186,146.24 an employee within this position will also be eligible for the following:
 

• A general salary increase of 3.5% effective December 22, 2024.
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate's degree.
• Executive Annual Leave - The candidate selected for this position will earn 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, to 328 hours after 10 years of service, and to 368 hours after 15 years of service or other public service. Prior public service on a pro-rate basis from a previous public employer may apply.
• Annual Leave Redemption - The ability to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions. Following five (5) years of continuous County service, an additional 2% non-elective contribution will be made to the 401(k) plan. 
• Health Plans – You are afforded a flexible credit allowance of up to $23,530 annually for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans. 
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Employees may also participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase their spending power by reimbursing them with pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Both the County and you contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security.  If you are eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems such as PERS.  
• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Miscellaneous Benefits: Incumbents are entitled to County-paid membership in professional organizations related to their position. Other benefits include: Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Benefit Reimbursement Program and a Wellness Program.

THE POSITION
Under the direction of the County Executive Officer (CEO), the Special Assistant is responsible for carrying out difficult and highly complex, specialized assignments and serves as a consultant and advisor that has substantial impact on Countywide operations, programs, and projects. Assignments involve analyzing and evaluating Countywide operations and programs which require skill in project management, statistical analysis and evaluation, and the ability to establish and maintain liaisons with state, local, or federal government agencies and private sector companies. It also requires the ability to work independently and under pressure, be sensitive to confidential matters, be highly professional, and have tact and diplomacy.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. This may be demonstrated by possession of an educational and employment background with considerable experience in a major public sector department or a related field supporting an executive-level individual which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities. 
The required knowledge and abilities also can be obtained by:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related field, AND
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in administrative analysis, project management, report writing or financial analysis including two (2) years of experience in a management capacity. 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sensitivity to confidential matters, a high level of professionalism, tact and diplomacy are paramount.
• Must be capable of “managing up” to ensure deadlines are met and priorities kept.

DESIRED:

• A graduate degree in public administration, public policy, or business administration, or a related field; 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of: the purposes and problems of the County Executive Office and their relationship to other areas of administration; principles and practices of business and public administration; research techniques, including statistical analysis and graphic presentations; methods of collaborative problem solving.
Comprehensive ability to: maintain a positive and effective working relationship that maintains the confidence and cooperation of elected officials, employees, and the public; prepare and effectively present comprehensive reports and recommendations orally and in writing to a variety of individuals and groups; elicit support for new programs from other members of the management team and elected officials; work under pressure and stress; define priorities and meet deadlines; exercise functional, technical or direct supervision of staff; negotiate and manage multiple large consultant projects and oversee/ensure quality control of work prepared by consultants.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
To apply for this exceptional career opportunity, please send a resume and a cover letter which illustrates the following:
 

• Your professional public sector experience.  Include details related to:
  • Supporting or directly managing programs or services for a local, state, or federal government agency
  • Project management including developing, implementing, and applying measures
  • Financial or statistical analysis
  • Completing complex reports and making recommendations based on thorough analysis
  • Experience collaborating with diverse levels of an organization and developing professional relationships with external stakeholders

Submit in one of the following ways:

• E-mail to: Lorin.Calderon@ventura.org;
• Submit an on-line application and attachments (resume and cover letter) at www.ventura.org/jobs.

RESUME EVALUATION
The first review of resumes is anticipated to be May 14, 2024 to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met.  All relevant work experience, training and education need to be included in order to determine eligibility.
 
INTERVIEW PROCESS 
Following a structured evaluation of the resumes, the most qualified candidates will be invited to a panel interview. The top candidates, as determined by the panel, will then be invited to a second interview with County Executive Office management team. The interviews may be consolidated into one process or expanded into multiple interviews contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool.
 
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
The selected candidate may be subjected to a thorough background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record.  In addition, the successful candidate may be subjected to Live Scan fingerprinting.
 
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Lorin Calderon by email at Lorin Calderon or by telephone at (805) 654-2959.
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.