Assistant General Manager

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Outstanding Career Opportunity
A national search effort is underway to attract top candidates to consider joining the award winning El Dorado Hills Community Services District (CSD) as the Assistant General Manager. Located in the rolling foothills of Northern California, the District is recognized as the premier park, recreation, and local community services organization with a passion for providing excellent services and facilities. The District is committed to succession planning. With the Assistant General Manager in place, they will encumber much of the day-to-day operational matters; coordinating closely with departmental lead staff, but also splitting the workload with the General Manager so that a more balanced and equitable approach is achieved. We are open to maximizing areas of strength the Assistant General Manager brings to the team. As such, should they be best suited as the primary manager for a specific agency need then the division of work will follow.

Overview of an award-winning District
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District was formed on May 21, 1962 as an independent special district, and currently the boundary encompasses approximately 28 square miles (18,028 square acres). In addition to parks and recreation, the District provides waste/refuse collection, telecommunications (both done through service/franchise agreements) and performs Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R) enforcement. The District owns and manages approximately 535 acres of land including 254 acres of parks and 281 acres of open space. The District provides exceptional service, innovative programming, and diverse community experiences that enhance the quality of life enjoyed by El Dorado Hills residents. As a premier community, El Dorado Hills CSD also presents numerous annual special events including the Summer Concert Series, Park Parties, Summerfest, Trunk or Treat, Fishing Derby, Breakfast with Santa and more! Providing these exceptional services takes a highly skilled workforce, with a total of 35 full-time employees throughout the organization. Part-time employees expand the workforce by 35 to more than 110 seasonal employees during peak season. The current annual operating budget for the District exceeds $11.5 million. Over the next 10 years, the District is projected to invest $100 million in capital projects. For more information about El Dorado Hills Community Services District, visit the District’s website at www.eldoradohillscsd.org.

About the Region
El Dorado Hills is an unincorporated community region in El Dorado County, California, 22 miles east of the state capital of Sacramento. El Dorado Hills is located between the Pacific Ocean (San Francisco, 115 miles) to the west and the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Lake Tahoe, 79 miles) to the east. Folsom Lake abuts El Dorado Hills on the northwestern fringe. The major east-west highway running through El Dorado Hills is US 50. The portion of El Dorado Hills north of US 50 is mainly residential. The portion south of US 50 includes the 885-acre El Dorado Hills Business Park and the Town Center commercial area as well as additional housing subdivisions stretching the community southward toward Amador County.

This ideal location in El Dorado County also provides exciting opportunities for expanded recreation and outdoor activities within a short driving distance. This enriches the active lifestyle throughout the various seasons in Northern California. Recreational opportunities beyond the District’s boundaries and only a short drive away include hiking, biking, water-skiing, boating, river rafting, fishing, golfing, and exceptional winter activities, such as snow-skiing and snowmobiling. The greater metropolitan area of Sacramento offers arts and culture opportunities as well as professional sporting events. It goes without saying that those living in El Dorado County are well positioned to enjoy all the assets that Northern California has to offer. Today, the population of El Dorado Hills is approximately 53,000, which is not only the most populous area of El Dorado County (pop. 193,000) but also more populated than its two cities – Placerville (pop. 11,000) and South Lake Tahoe (pop. 21,400). Nearby communities include the City of Folsom, unincorporated areas of Cameron Park, Diamond Springs, and Shingle Springs. The City of Placerville serves as the county seat of El Dorado County and has an exciting history dating back to the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in nearby Coloma in 1848. The region east of Placerville, popularly known as Apple Hill, Pleasant Valley and Somerset is also becoming known for seasonal orchard experiences and wine production. This picturesque suburban region is nestled among rolling hills and oak trees and offers varied housing options. Over recent years, El Dorado Hills has continued to see steady growth in population with a general upswing on overall cost of living. Homes and rental options in the broader areas are still reasonable compared to many other parts of California. Expanding further out into El Dorado County and neighboring counties, home options include the potential of acreage and property options beyond the more suburban style living of El Dorado Hills. Primary, secondary, and high schools in the nearby and surrounding areas have strong academic and athletic programs. The immediate area also includes access to private schools. Additionally, Folsom Lake Junior College and four-year university programs are located within the greater metropolitan area.

The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate for the position of Assistant General Manager will be an experienced professional with outstanding judgment, management skills, and integrity. The ideal candidate will also be organized, energetic, self-confident, and have an open, approachable personal style. The position requires someone who is personally engaging, approachable, politically astute and has a comfort with and desire for interacting with elected officials, local and regional government entities, business leaders, residents, and diverse stakeholders. Importantly, the Assistant General Manager will also be strategic and forward-thinking with strong knowledge of current trends in special districts and adaptable to deal with current issues. This high achiever will also have a strong commitment and track record of working collaboratively with others and being able to support the General Manager by effectively carrying out the duties and responsibilities with a positive and energetic personal style. This top candidate will also be an individual that builds consensus, respect, and trust among staff and the public at all levels. Additionally, this individual will be actively involved in representing the District at events and related community-based functions. Some personal attributes and skills which are required for the successful candidate to have/be:

Ability to quickly grasp the value and service standards of the District; Proven management and leadership skills; Ability to “lean in” and fit within the existing culture; Proactive, innovative, and forward-thinking; A “can-do” attitude; Skilled at working in a high-touch community with equally high expectations; Effective communication skills with an open and accessible communication style; Enthusiastic with the ability to provide strong leadership and a collaborative team environment; Creative and visionary; Problem solver and decision-maker; and Ability to hold people accountable and take responsibility for leading key segments of the District.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major course work in business, public administration, finance, or a closely related field and eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public agency administration of which five (5) should be in a management capacity. A Master’s degree in business, public administration, finance, or a closely related field is highly desired, but not required. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California Driver’s license.

Overview of assistant General Manager responsibilities
The Assistant General Manager is an exempt at-will position and serves at the pleasure of the General Manager. The incumbent is a member of the District’s Management Team and receives administrative direction from the General Manager, with the position being highly complex in nature. This position will include direct or indirect oversight of specific departments, dependent upon the qualifications of the incumbent. Incumbent works from general directions or broadly defined missions of the District. The position requires a demonstrated ability for working successfully with staff, management, citizens, planning groups, neighborhood associations, development corporations, Board-level committees and other organizations and individuals. The position requires considerable contact and the ability to have a successful working relationship with appointed committees and elected boards. Additionally, this position will have management responsibility to ensure safe work practices, work quality, and accuracy of respective departments.

Other responsibilities of the Assistant General Manager may include:
Direct or in-direct management responsibility for planning, coordinating and directing the activities, operations and services of specific District departments; such as Planning, Administration and Finance and/or Parks and Recreation. Develop, implement and maintain District-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures, work standards and internal controls; review and evaluate work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services and meeting goals; ensure that goals are achieved. Participate as a contributory member of the District Management team, coordinating efforts with the General Manager and all other departments; attends meetings with the General Manager, Board of Directors and Management Team. Analyze complex District challenges and evaluate alternative solutions ending in adopting effective courses of action. Provide leadership and supervision; establish performance goals for employees; coordinate and participate in the recruitment, selection, and training, assignment of work, management, discipline and termination of personnel; assume responsibility for motivating District personnel; identify necessary training; initiate disciplinary procedures as is appropriate, up to and including termination. Develop, monitor and administer the annual District budget and monitors monthly budget reports for all program areas. Develop and administer internal controls for District programs, ensuring continuous monitoring, evaluation and reporting on effectiveness of controls in meeting organizational goals. Prepare and submit a variety of administrative, technical and fiscal reports for District’s program areas; prepare and conduct presentations on program areas to internal and external stakeholders including the Board of Directors, department heads and community groups. Establish positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, District management, District staff and the public.

Compensation & Benefits
The annual salary for the Assistant General will be $126,776 to $150,675. Additional compensation based on achieving annual performance measures may be granted ranging from 2.5% to 5% based on the General Manager’s full discretion. This position is supported by an at-will employment contract agreement.

Additionally, the District offers an excellent benefits package, including: CalPERS Retirement: 2% @ 55 for Classic Members and 2% @ 62 for New Members as defined by PEPRA. Employees are responsible for paying the employee portion of the CalPERS retirement contribution plus 1%. The District does participate in Social Security including Medicare. Generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave. Life Insurance: Employer paid life insurance and AD&D policies – $100,000. Other perquisites which will be described during the hiring process. Further details on compensation and benefits may be obtained by contacting Human Resources. If electing benefits*: up to $1,880 per month (Employee with 2 or more dependents). Funds may be used for: CalPERS medial insurance premiums; Dental, Vision, and AFLAC premiums; Dependent care reimbursement; and/or FSA qualified medical expense reimbursement. *Cash in lieu if not electing benefits in the amount of $300 per month with proof of comparable, full medical insurance through another source.

Moving & Temporary Housing
The District will include reasonable and mutually agreeable moving and temporary housing expenses for this position to further encourage candidates to participate on a national level.

To Be Considered
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District issues this recruitment for Assistant General Manager (AGM) with an expectation that the process may be protracted to ensure candidates of the highest caliber are considered, and so that a “never settle” approach is fully implemented. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as this is a continuous recruitment. Interested parties should submit a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to jleal@edhcsd.org or apply on the District website. As such, this unconventional recruitment will proceed to interviews and assessments when qualified candidates submit to the District their resume/CV, completed application, and any other support documents. There is no limitation as to the amount of material submitted by the candidate, as we intend to ensure that the final selection is agreed to by parties that find this employment endeavor to be the best-of-fit. Confidential inquiries are strongly encouraged and welcomed to Human Resources Manager, Jennifer Leal at 916-614-3238. The District celebrates and embraces diversity in the workplace.