Director of Family and Strengthening

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 County 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

Reporting to the Executive of Family and Health Strategies, the Director of Family Strengthening and Support (FSS) is responsible for driving strategic activities and partnerships, leading and overseeing the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of community-based interventions and prevention activities (i.e., initiatives, programs, projects) that aim to improve the health, well-being, and safety of children and their families in Santa Clara County. This position plays an important role in supporting FIRST 5's mission and strategic plan by providing leadership and management to achieve existing and future priorities and objectives alongside the FIRST 5 leadership team and staff. The Director recognizes the importance of working with and hearing from the community (i.e., families, parents, and community groups) to address social conditions to improve children's health and life outcomes and reduce longstanding inequities. The Director will support FIRST 5 in achieving its organizational goals and objectives by establishing and maintaining trust-based relationships with system partners and community groups.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of FIRST 5 priority population groups, including their geographic locations, health & social concerns, and systemic and structural inequities impacting them.
• Knowledge of community-based organizations and resources in Santa Clara County.
• Knowledgeable and committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice and its complex practices, issues, and principles.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence in interactions, negotiations, and communications.
• Self-directed with proven ability to assume responsibility, work independently, meet deadlines, prioritize, and move projects to completion with minimum supervision.
• 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 understand, interpret, and communicate complex processes and abstract concepts for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to practice active listening to identify and solve problems, develop trust, and build connections with community partners, community groups, and community leaders.
• 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.
• Adheres to standards of confidentiality and a strong commitment to ethical practice.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate data and information professionally, effectively, and on a timely basis internally and externally of the organization.
• 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.
• Proficiency working within a Microsoft Office 365 workspace.

Physical Requirements

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.

Job Classification/FLSA Status

This position is a full-time exempt and is part of the recognized bargaining unit represented by SEIU Loal 521.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, training, or coursework. Health, social, or behavioral discipline is required.
• Master’s degree in public health, public administration, or another relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in project management including developing, implementing, and evaluating community-related programs, projects, and/or services is required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with under-resourced and marginalized populations (i.e., low-income, people with disabilities, immigrants, court-impacted, housing insecure).
• Minimum 3 years of leadership, supervisory, and management experience is required.
• Fluent in Spanish or Vietnamese is preferred.