Director of Internal Services for the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission

Position Description

Join our leadership team as the RTC’s Internal Services Director!
Are you a seasoned professional with expertise in finance, human resources, budgeting, contracts, real property, or administration? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where collaboration, innovation, and communication are at the forefront? If so, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission invites you to take the next step in your career as our Internal Services Director.

We’re seeking an exceptional leader with a solid track record of success in internal operations to lead the newly created Internal Services Department that oversees fiscal, administration, and real property functions for the RTC. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and skilled problem-solver who inspires and empowers teams. With strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a positive attitude, you will oversee essential internal functions and foster a culture of excellence, creativity, and teamwork.

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is a forward-looking organization offering meaningful projects, a collaborative team environment, and a focus on a positive workplace culture. This role is your opportunity to drive impactful initiatives while growing professionally in a dynamic, supportive, and innovative setting.

Ready to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to a community dedicated to progress and innovation? Apply today and lead with vision and purpose. Your leadership will shape the future of the region’s transportation!

Regional Government Services (RGS) and its staff are conducting this recruitment on behalf of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission.

Click HERE for the marketing brochure.

THE POSITION
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, provides administrative direction and oversight for, and participates in the activities and functions of the Internal Services department, including finance, budget, human resources, information technology, real property, and contract administration; prepares, develops and implements department goals and objectives; develops and enforces policies, procedures, and standards; provides expert professional assistance and support to the Executive Director; undertakes special projects as assigned; ensures performance objectives are established and accomplished in response to the goals and objectives adopted by the Commission; and performs related duties as assigned. Fully integrates the department within the agency to be consistent with agency goals and objectives.

This is a single position executive management level classification with full responsibility for managing all functions of the Internal Services department. In addition to providing designated staff and policy assistance to the Executive Director in assigned areas, this position has administrative responsibility for policy development and program planning and implementation with agency-wide implications. The incumbent is responsible for performing direct division functions while also being accountable, through subordinate staff, for accomplishing all department goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

The incumbent is responsible for performing direct division functions and, through subordinate staff, for managing the accomplishment of all department goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

Future projects include:

• 2016 Measure D - Assist with developing, updating, adopting, and implementing the strategic implementation plan and programming.
• Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Property Management, Rail, and Trail Projects - The Commission owns the branch line that travels 32-miles through the most populated portion of the County, creating an incredible opportunity for expanding transportation options for our region.

THE COMMUNITY:
Santa Cruz County, home to over 270,000 residents, is a dynamic community nestled along the northern shores of Monterey Bay. Located just seventy-five miles south of San Francisco and twenty-five miles southwest of Silicon Valley, the county is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse economy, and vibrant lifestyle.
The county encompasses four incorporated cities: Santa Cruz (population 65,021), Watsonville (population 53,796), Scotts Valley (population 11,928), and Capitola (population 10,180), as well as several unincorporated areas. Santa Cruz County is a gateway to the stunning Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, boasting 29 miles of pristine coastline, including six state parks and six state beaches.

Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, from surfing, kayaking, and sailing to mountain biking, cycling, hiking, golfing, and camping. The county's diverse landscapes include vast sandy beaches, lush redwood forests, and productive farmland.

Santa Cruz County also offers vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural experiences unique to the region. The economy is powered by key industries such as high technology, agriculture, and tourism. The area is well-connected with access to San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Monterey Peninsula Airport, and Watsonville Municipal Airport.

Additionally, the county is home to leading educational institutions, including the University of California, Santa Cruz, a globally recognized research university. Santa Cruz County is a truly exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) serves as Santa Cruz County’s regional transportation planning agency (RTPA) and is a state designated agency responsible for planning and financial programming of transportation projects.
Working together with our local and regional partners, RTC obtains and distributes funding, including voter-approved Measure D funds, to maintain the existing transportation network as well as prepare for the transportation needs of the next generation. The RTC keeps residents, business, and visitors moving wherever they want to go and however they choose to get there.

Governance The Commission consists of five members from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: one member each from the Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Capitola City Councils, and three members appointed by the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District. The Caltrans District 5 Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Commission.

Mission & Values

SCCRTC mission is to develop and delivers transportation solutions for a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable community. The organizational values are:

• Integrity

• Transparency

• Professionalism

• Innovation

• Responsiveness

• Equity

Services Provided

In addition to its funding, planning and policy roles, the RTC also provides valuable services to the community including:

• Cruz511 Traveler Information: A go-to place online for a wide range of multi-modal travel resources including a real-time traffic map.
• Motorist Aid: Call boxes, freeway service patrol and extra CHP enforcement on highways during peak periods.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Hazard Reporting: A system to alert local public works departments to sidewalks and bikeway conditions that need attention.
• Guide to Specialized Transportation Services: for Seniors and People with Disabilities. Lists all accessible transportation services in Santa Cruz County.

• Bus: The RTC also supports and funds a variety of transit projects, including funding for expansion and improvements to local bus service, accessible transportation services, and planning for future uses of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line
  

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Deep Knowledge of and Technical Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices of public sector finance, human resources, information technology, real property, and contracting administration.
• Principles and practices of general, fund, cost, and governmental accounting.
• Principles and practices of auditing and financial control.
• Network-based computer applications and design.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including those related to human resource management, employee-employer relations, purchasing, and financial reporting.
• Principles and practices of budget and contract administration, accounting, fiscal controls, and department financing.
• Interrelationships between federal, state, regional, and local agencies involved in or affected by the assigned department's projects and programs.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to land and easement acquisition by public agencies, including just compensation and eminent domain.
• Federal, state, and local provisions governing records retention and access.
• Basic principles and practices of property and contract law, including appropriate procedures and documents to convey acquired property rights.
• Principles and practices of sound business communications.
• Principles and practices of effective good-faith negotiations.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation with a focus in accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, and control the administration and operations of the department.
• Oversee detailed accounting and financial support work and ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee and perform technical and complex personnel transactions and payroll-related duties.
• Oversee and ensure the timely preparation, review, and reconciliation of a variety of complex personnel transactions and payroll records, statistical reports, documents, and records.
• Oversee and ensure the acquisition and management of real property rights.
• Analyze financial data and draw sound conclusions.
• Prepare clear, complete, and concise financial statements and reports.
• Develop and implement department and Commission policies and procedures.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Successfully develop, control, and administer the department budget and expenditures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing, utilizing technical and statistical information.
• Make presentations that convey complex information and transportation data to a variety of audiences in a manner that is persuasive and easy to understand.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Develop effective working relationships with Commissioners, member agencies, and business and public groups to gain cooperation and consensus.

Proven Leadership Skills in:

• Visionary leadership, passion for the work they do and the team they lead
• Creative and strategic leadership with the ability to fully implement best practices and improve efficiencies
• Community engagement, and excellent customer service delivery
• Working effectively and positively with departments that occasionally have conflicting priorities
• Staff development
• Communicating complex issues and difficult realities knowledgeably and compassionately to a range of audiences
• Listening to understand; using an interest-based approach to problem solving

COMPETENCIES
Accountability - Considers alternative available actions, resources, and constraints before selecting a method for accomplishing a goal or project
Analytical Thinking - Identifies diverse solutions to complex problems integrating findings from several different disciplines; identifies and evaluates the various options developed and selects the most effective solution
Collaboration - Fosters staff and stakeholder communication and dialogue; identifies opportunities to build consensus for options, decisions, and outcomes
Communication - Exchanges information with constituents using oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Customer Service - Continuously searches for ways to increase customer satisfaction
Influence - Maintains an awareness of organizational goals and objectives while simultaneously navigating solutions towards desired outcomes and preserving relationships
Judgment - Makes decisions based on careful thought taking both agency goals and input from others into account
Leadership - Understands formal and informal power and influence structure within the organization and successfully achieves positive, desired outcomes
Leverage Technology - Comfortably works with technology and champions innovative use of technology
Time Management Organization - Manages and prioritizes both everyday responsibilities and high-level, longer-term objectives

Examples of Duties

Click here for the full job description.

Typical Qualifications

Education:
Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year accredited college or university with major coursework business or public administration, finance, economics, accounting, human resources, or a closely related field. MA/MS, MBA, or similar advanced degree is desirable.

Experience:
Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional financial, human resources, or administrative experience in the public sector, with at least four (4) years of managerial experience in program planning and development, staff supervision, and budget preparation and management.
Experience reporting to and interacting with a Board of Directors and providing information for board or commission decisions is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:
Must have the ability to provide suitable transportation needs of the Commission as a condition of continued employment.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS

Employees pay employee contribution (7% of income) and RTC pays employer contributions as defined by CalPERs:

-Classic employees - 2% at 55

- PEPRA employees - 2% at 62

Health Insurance: RTC pays insurance premiums Employees only: 95% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

• Employees plus one: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium
• Employees + two or more: 90% of the monthly premium for the Blue Shield Access (EXT) HMO premium

Dental: 100% Paid by RTC for Employee and Family Vision: RTC covers 100% premium for employees only

Life Insurance: RTC pays premium for $50,000 with AD&D.

Employees can pay for additional insurance coverage through AFLAC

Leave with Pay

RTC providesPTO which is used for vacation and sick. It accrues at the following rates(note that it’s based on hours of service, not years of employment):

Staring at .0846 hours per hour for the first 10,400 hours worked (about 4 years of employment), which is approximately 22days of leave. Increasing to approximately 37 days of leave after working 31,201 hours.

SELECTION PROCESS

DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.

Apply at: https://bit.ly/RTCDirInternalServ

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and a focused resume detailing their recent (within the past 10 years) experience and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position along with their application and supplemental questionnaire. All application materials must be submitted through the online system.
Each candidate’s background will be evaluated based on information submitted at the time of application, and qualified candidates will participate in a preliminary remote screening interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of January 20, 2025. The most qualified candidates from the remote interview will be submitted for consideration for final selection by the Executive Director.

Neither Regional Government Services nor the RTC are responsible for the failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting your application. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise us by emailing lbutler@rgs.ca.gov.

Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Agency will tentatively hold hiring interviews the week of February 13, 2025.

All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail.Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to lbutler@rgs.ca.gov. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Regional Government Services by emailing lbutler@rgs.ca.gov. Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Closing Date/Time: 1/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Regional Government Services

• 650.587.7300

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