FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is dedicated to supporting the health, development, and well-being of young children in our community. Through innovative programs and strategic initiatives, we strive to ensure every child has the best possible start in life. The Contracts Director will lead a team responsible for managing contracts related to programs and services aimed at supporting the health, education, and well-being of young children and their families in Santa Clara County. The Director will collaborate closely with stakeholders to assess needs, mitigate risks, and optimize contract performance. This position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of contract management principles. This is a dynamic opportunity to promote and advance the equity-centered efforts of our recently completed 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
Aligning with our mission, we hope to create a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community. We believe fostering emotional intelligence is at the heart of our work, both internally and in the broader community. By embracing empathy, understanding, and compassion, we aim to build and grow a team of individuals who not only excel in their roles, but also contribute to a supportive and nurturing environment.
Background on FIRST 5:
FIRST 5 Santa Clara County (FIRST 5) was formed when California voters approved Proposition 10 in November 1998. FIRST 5 is a local public entity governed by a nine-member Commission. FIRST 5 Santa Clara County supports the healthy development of children from prenatal through age five and enriches the lives of their families. FIRST 5 allocates funds to promote, support, and improve early childhood development for children prenatal through age 5 and their families.
Commitment to Diversity:
First 5 Santa Clara Country is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We believe that diversity enriches our community and enhances our ability to innovate and thrive. We are dedicated to creating a culture that celebrates differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and other dimensions of diversity. We recognize that diverse perspectives lead to better solutions and stronger relationships. Through ongoing education, training, and intentional efforts, we strive to eliminate bias and discrimination in our policies, practices, and interactions. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for growth, advancement, and recognition to all members of our community.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Executive of Finance and Operations, the Director of Contracts is a key member of the leadership team responsible for contracts administration for the provision of services of FIRST 5’s strategic priorities by collaborating with program/evaluation and finance departments internally and engaging with grantees. The Contracts Director must have a strong base of coordination and technical skills that can be flexibly adapted to meet the needs of many different internal and external stakeholders. The Director must understand the unique responsibilities and accountabilities of a multi-agency collaborative and provide outstanding leadership; communicate professionally; and work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a complex team/community effort.
JOB CLASSIFICATION & SALARY RANGE
- This position is full-time exempt and is part of the recognized bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 521.
- FIRST 5 SEIU Director Salary Range: $112,562 - $130,491(External salary placement is in accordance with the MOU Article 12.4)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
People Management:
- Lead and manage a team of five contract professionals, providing guidance, support and mentorship to ensure high performance and professional development.
- Maintains a thorough understanding of contractual practices and obligations regarding contract implementation and compliance.
- Cultivate and employ leadership and listening skills to guide the work of the Contracts team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and creative environment.
- Provide supervision, guidance, and delegation of work to Contracts team members that fosters a sense of belonging.
- Monitor contract performance, including deliverables, milestones, and budgetary requirements, and take appropriate action to address any deviations.
Contract Administrative Policies and Procedures:
- Train staff on procurement and grant processes.
- Provides consultation to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Lead the creation of contractual agreements for service provisions.
Analysis and Reporting:
- Design and execute systems for institutional research, documentation, analysis, and reporting on critical data pertaining to overall impact and effectiveness.
- Project management of data management systems, including database development, architecture, security, and administration for both internal and external partners.
- Manage the administration of the Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) Federal Program for both external and internal partners.
Community Engagement and Education:
- Participates in community engagement and educational activities related to children prenatal through age 5 and their families.
Administrative
- Develop and present to FIRST 5 staff, FIRST 5 Commissioners, and external partners as needed.
- Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging issues in contract management, and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a diverse and inclusive organization as an active participant in culture initiatives, training opportunities, and employee resource groups.
- Knowledgeable and committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice and its complex practices, issues, and principles.
- Excellent analytical skills for evaluating contract-related documents, including but not limited to, scopes of work, budgets, reports, and invoices.
- Self-directed with proven ability to assume responsibility, work independently, meet deadlines, prioritize, and move projects to completion with minimum supervision.
- Adheres to standards of confidentiality and a strong commitment to ethical practice.
- Demonstrates emotional intelligence in interactions, negotiations, and communications.
- The ability to work under pressure while exercising good judgment and handling conflict and uncomfortable situations with peers, and direct reports with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to work under limited direction and exercises independent judgment.
- Demonstrate a proven track record of effectively leading teams or workgroups, managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, exhibiting strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize, plan, and execute effectively.
- Display adaptability to changing priorities.
- Exhibit proficiency in conflict resolution skills, making sound decisions while considering potential impacts on individuals, organizational skills, delegation, and coordination.
- Possess experience in providing feedback or participating in performance evaluation process.
- Demonstrate the ability to coach and mentor effectively.
- Proven ability to identify challenges and devise solutions within programs and when engaging with individuals and communities.
- FIRST 5 operates within a Microsoft Office 365 workspace.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
The ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally, and the capability to sit and stand for extended periods, bend stoop, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity. Will require participation in FIRST 5 related community events and working some evenings and weekends.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed in a typical office setting which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
