First 5 San Mateo County Executive Director - Unclassified in San Mateo, California at County of San Mateo

To apply for this exciting career opportunity, the materials listed below must be electronically submitted through the County's online application system. Click on the APPLY button above when you are ready to submit your materials. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.

1. Resume
2. Cover letter that is no more than 3 pages long and includes the following (in this order):
   • A summary of your background and leadership experience and their alignment to First 5 SMC’s current needs. Include specifics on your experience working with commissions, children and families, community partners and public or non-profit organizations.
   • A recent and significant professional accomplishment that demonstrates your strategic and innovative approach to leading an organization such as First 5 SMC.

The selection process for this position will consist of an resume/cover letter evaluation, a panel interview, which may include a pre-interview exercise, and an interview with the First 5 SMC Commission. Applicants must successfully pass the application screening to move forward to the interview process. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.

Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Final Filing Date: June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST
Resume/Cover Letter Evaluation: By June 12, 2026
Panel Interviews (In-person): Week of June 15 or Week of June 22, 2026
Finalist Interviews (In-person): Week of June 29, 2026

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 770,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

For questions about the position, please contact Lisa Yapching at lyapching@smcgov.orgor call (650) 363-4381.