Director of Administrative Services

Opportunities to join a diverse and beautiful City with a significant history in an outstanding location don’t come along very often.

The City of Fullerton is recruiting for a highly experienced Director of Administrative Services to manage the day-to-day activities of the Administrative Services Department. The successful candidate will have a broad background in municipal finance and a strong track record of success in managing a multi-faceted organization. The new Director will work closely with the City Manager’s Office and will be directly responsible for a Department of 31 full-time employees, with an operating budget of $5.6 million. This senior-level executive will be results-driven, with well-grounded, ethical decision-making skills, superior interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated leadership potential, and outstanding public speaking abilities.

THE CITY

Fullerton is renowned for its unique mix of residential, business, educational, and cultural environments. Boasting a population of approximately 140,000 citizens. Fullerton is a community with a strong sense of tradition and takes pride in providing an atmosphere that allows for both the preservation of its historic past and opportunities to meet the challenges of the future. Known as the "Education Community", Fullerton is also home to award-winning elementary and secondary school system, plus five universities and colleges, including Cal State Fullerton.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Administrative Services Department recommends fiscal policies to City management and implements such policies. The department provides fiscal support to all City departments and programs and ensures that the fiscal affairs of the City are effectively managed in accordance with the City's municipal code, policies, and state and federal statutes. The primary activities of the Department include budget administration, accounting and financial reporting, Water Utility billing and collections, business registration, purchasing, information technology, and investment of City funds. The Department is also responsible for administration of many City contracts, including computer services and refuse collection.

THE POSITION

Under the general administrative direction of the City Manager, the Director of Administrative Services plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Administrative Services Department.

The Director of Administrative Services will provide advice and consultation to management and the City Council in assigned program areas and is a key Executive strategist for the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE:

• Develops, implements, and administers multi-year and near-term goals and objectives, as well as policies and procedures necessary to provide quality Administrative Services.
• Oversight of long-term (5 year) financial projections and revenue enhancement efforts as a means to ensure fiscal sustainability and responsible delivery of core services.
• Advises the City Manager and City Council on matters pertaining to Fiscal Services; assists in researching and analyzing a variety of administrative and operational issues and developing recommendations.
• Oversees, directs, and coordinates citywide fiscal services and accounting functions including general accounting, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, payroll, cash receipting, investments, and treasury.
• Oversees the investment of City funds; coordinates financial transactions with various financial institutions.
• Oversees citywide procurement services including purchasing and contract administration.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The successful candidate for this position must be an exceptional leader capable of planning and directing the full range of financial and administrative services within a sophisticated and fast-paced culture. This full-service city will expect top contenders to have a proven track record of career accomplishments complemented by a high degree of professionalism, sophistication, and emotional intelligence. The ideal candidate is a proven financial leader who is well versed in California public financial practices, exhibits a positive, forward progress attitude, and maintains a high degree of accountability within the department, City organization, and community.

This successful candidate will be appropriately assertive in presenting his or her opinions in a tactful and diplomatic manner. This position requires a person with a high energy level, capable of operating with significant independence and initiative, yet open to direction from City management and policy makers. A hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example are also required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in finance, management, business administration, public administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
• Experience: This position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible administrative, finance, municipal management, or a closely related field, including three years at the mid-management level in an organization comparable to Fullerton in terms of the scope of activity.
• Professional License: A California CPA license is desirable.

Interested candidates should apply no later than June 1, 2025, but the City may close the recruitment at any time once a suitable strong group of candidates has been established. Along with the City of Fullerton application, submissions must also include a cover letter, resume and five professional references. Please visit Employment Opportunities | Fullerton, CA to submit your application materials. Questions can be sent to Laura Giannetti-Mercer, Human Resources Manager II at laura.gm@cityoffullerton.com.