Assistant Director, Grants Administration And Local Assistance

Job Description and Duties Join the leadership team of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)—the nation's premier state-level emergency management and homeland security agency, charged with protecting the people of California from all threats and hazards. Cal OES employs over 1,700 dedicated individuals who achieve the agency's mission through service to all. It is a dynamic, high energy work environment, where a team oriented approach to complex problem solving is encouraged and skills and leadership development of its employees is a priority.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Grants Management is responsible for the administration of approximately $1.3 billion in funds for homeland security, emergency management, victim services, and criminal justice programs, a majority of which are distributed to local and regional entities to enable the most effective prevention, detection, response, and recovery efforts. Improving and enhancing local agencies' capabilities through grant funding is one of Cal OES' most important missions.
The Assistant Director will contribute to achieving high-quality programming by ensuring effective grants management, including compliance requirements, reporting, timely and quality proposal development, and internal and external communication. The Assistant Director (AD), operating under general direction of the Deputy Director, Finance & Administration, will have significant involvement in the formulating, implementing, and execution of program policies related to grants. This includes directing the entire policy development process from the initial conception to overseeing all aspects of grants processing. The AD is tasked with ensuring that grantmaking complies with legal and regulatory frameworks, managing grant requirements, and providing visionary leadership to promote and improve grant program initiatives and strategies. Furthermore, the AD is responsible for the effective implementation and thorough analysis of the grant programs to ensure their success and efficiency.


The Assistant Director (AD) serves a critical role as the chief policy advisor for grant-related matters to various stakeholders including the Governor's Office, the California Legislature, state departments, and federal entities. They will actively take part in creating guidelines governing the solicitation, assessment, selection, and subsequent post-award monitoring of grants. As an advisor to the Deputy Director, Finance & Administration, the AD handles politically delicate issues such as funding decisions and justifications. They are also tasked with stepping in to troubleshoot and resolve programmatic issues as they arise. Importantly, the AD's responsibilities encompass leading and providing clear policy directions in alignment with both federal and state laws and ensuring correct application and oversight of grant funds.
If you would like to join this dynamic team and help California stand ready to respond and recover from the next major emergency, please submit your application package. You will find additional information about the job in the .
Working Conditions Telework - This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule which includes up to two days of remote work per week. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need. DMV Pull Program - Participation in the DMV Pull Program is required. The position(s) require(s) a valid California Driver's License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions. Conflict of Interest - This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment. All hires may be subject to a criminal background check. Special Requirements The Standard State Application (STD 678) including the employment history section must be completed. Please do not note "see attached resume" in the duties performed section.  Applicants who fail to follow the Statement of Qualifications guidelines and provide the required application package documents may be eliminated from this examination process.   When preparing your Statement of Qualifications, you are required to follow these guidelines: Responses to the Statement of Qualifications statements must be addressed and numbered in the same order as is listed on the bulletin. Individual responses must be provided. Information provided must be complete and presented in a clear and concise manner. The Statement of Qualifications must be typed, single spaced, with an Arial font size no smaller than 11 pt. Responses must be limited to five (5) single sided pages. One-inch margins must be used. Specific examples must be provided. Note: Resumes do not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.
Statement of Qualifications In addition to the Standard State Applications (STD. 678) and resume, all interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications. The Statement of Qualifications serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.The Statement of Qualifications should describe a narrative of your knowkedge and experience relevant to each of the factors listed below; examples must be provided to justify the experience described. You must provide individual responses, numbered and in the following order:
1.) Demonstrated experience to lead and manage complex programs from concept to execution, implementing quality management principles where appropriate, making recommendations and continuous improvement to systems and processes.
2.) Experience representing an organization, or on broad executive-level, with high-level and elected officials of federal, state and local governments, legislature, news media and the general public.
3.) Describe your experience applying leadership practices to develop collaborative working relationships with external partners, including control agencies, federal government, state and local entities and community based organizations.
4.) Experience using strong management and leadership skills, particularly in the area of policy development and the demonstrated ability to facilitate the establishment of priorities.
5.) Ability to communicate with others as demonstrated by strong written and verbal communications skills; strong negotiating skills; and particularly the ability to represent the Department effectively before a wide range of audiences, including the State Legislature, local government, the public or other similar body.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Demonstrated experience and knowledge in the development and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures related to grants management. Model leadership competencies such as integrity, reliability, flexibility, adaptability, empowerment, and encouragement of others to act. Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to maintain open, honest, consistent, confident, and professional communication always. Ability to gain confidence and support of Executive staff and advise them on a wide range of grant management matters. Expert knowledge and understanding of Homeland Security, Emergency Management and Victim Services Programs.  Ability to positively drive change management. Foster and develop a culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external staff, stakeholders, and clients. Comfortable making public presentations and establishing a level of credibility and trust with those being addressed. Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and to thrive in a high volume, demanding environment with multiple priorities. Outstanding organizational skills with attention to detail while still maintaining a big picture perspective. Exceptional interpersonal skills; able to establish and earn the trust of those they are working with. Collaborative approach; a team player who proactively connects with internal and external stakeholders. Flexible and adaptable; works well in a high volume, demanding environment with multiple priorities. Action oriented and results driven; able to get things done working with others. Benefits Benefit information can be found on the website and the website.
Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following: • Free Parking
• On-site Gym and Locker room
• Electric Carport
• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
• Investment in careers development
• Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station and Mather Sports Facility Complex.
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position. Resume is required and must be included. Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Special Requirements section of this bulletin for the filing instructions and the SOQ Questions. Applications submitted without the SOQ may not be considered.