Chief Executive Officer

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Ukiah, CA
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Job Number: 26.167
Department: Executive Office
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


The Position
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
County of Mendocino
Salary DOE/DOQ
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is an at-will executive appointed by the Board and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of County affairs. The CEO oversees county government operations and implements decisions made by the Board of Supervisors. The Executive Office oversees the preparation, adoption, and administration of the County's budget and coordinates the activities of other county departments to ensure the effective accomplishment of the Board's directions and policies. The CEO's position was established by the Board of Supervisors in of the County Code. Duties include the responsibility to appoint, transfer, discipline, suspend, or dismiss, as appropriate, any non-elected department head who is not required to be appointed by the Board of Supervisors, after meeting and conferring with the Board.
View the full recruitment brochure HERE

The Ideal Candidate
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is seeking a new CEO who has:

• Exceptional Communication Skills - the ability to elevate communication with Board Members, Department Heads, employees, and the public.
• Proven Public Management Experience - a background and experience in local government, as a senior manager, Deputy/Assistant City or County CAO, CEO, or Manager.
• Experience & Knowledge in Policy Implementation - taking policy direction from the elected Board and transforming it into action.
• Outstanding Fiscal Management Skills - the ability to have a laser focus on budget and financial affairs, with a commitment to collaborative work toward implementing best practices in financial reporting and transparency by the CEO's Office and the related departments.
• Ability to Articulate Vision - leadership quality in day-to-day operations, as well as the capacity to instill change and challenge.
• Collaborative Approach to Team Building - with a participatory style of management that is consistent and frequent with both appointed and elected department directors.
• Staff Delegation History - developing and utilizing staff resources to the maximum and empowering subordinates.
• Accessibility - an open-door management approach.
• Clarity in Correspondence - ability to prepare frequent memoranda, policy statements, and directives that are clear, concise, and effective.
• An Interest In The Amenities of Rural Living - and an appreciation of the same.
• A Sense of Humor - someone who fosters approachability, perspective, and positive working relationships.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information
This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout all phases of this recruitment. It is important to note that all interviews conducted by the Board are held in an executive session to maintain candidates' confidentiality.
This recruitment will remain Open Until Filled, with the next screening on Friday, October 30, 2026 .


Interested candidates should apply immediately by submitting a County application, attaching a comprehensive resume, a compelling cover letter, and notable accomplishments through the County online application system. No contact will be made with references or current employers until a mutual interest has been established to ensure the utmost confidentiality.
Questions, nominations and confidential inquiries regarding this position or the recruitment process should be addressed to:
Cherie Johnson, HR Director
View phone number on click.appcast.io or via email to View email address on click.appcast.io
The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

Learn more:

• E-Verify Notice of Participation
• Right to Work

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.


SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.


MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to: