Associate Director, Administrative Support

Step into a pivotal executive role at the heart of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's (CDCR) fast-paced Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), where you'll support OLA attorneys and staff and drive the administrative engine behind statewide legal operations. In this position, you will lead a diverse and dynamic team committed to excellence, strengthen coordination across essential functions, and play a central role in crafting and implementing policies that directly impact the delivery of legal services across California.


The Associate Director, Administrative Support plays a crucial role in the management of OLA administrative support services which includes budgets, contracts, personnel, procurement, case law management, clerical support to attorneys, service of process, Public Records Act requests, customer service to the public and implementing office policies designed to support the delivery of legal services to the CDCR. This position holds the highest level of authority to directly create or influence policies for these programs.CDCR/CCHCS employees are encouraged to use their existing CDCR email address on their job application.

This advertisement is for a Career Executive Assignment (CEA) Level A position located in Sacramento County. Please indicate the position number on your application: 065-400-7500-005.

Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee receive a 3% reduction in pay in exchange for five (5) hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes.

To learn more about this exciting leadership opportunity, please contact Guen Saechao, by email at View email address on click.appcast.io or by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


The position is eligible for hybrid telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy. Specific telework schedules may be discussed further during the interview process. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.


Minimum Requirements This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-534288


Position #(s):
065-400-7500-005

Working Title:
Associate Director, Administrative Support


Classification:
C. E. A. $10,349.00 - $12,526.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time


Department Information
Vision
We enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs.

Mission
To facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative, and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

Commitment
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to transforming the correctional landscape to create safer, more professional, and more fulfilling environments for our employees, the incarcerated population, and those supervised in our communities. Through systemwide improvements grounded in proven and emerging practices, we aim to strengthen rehabilitation, enhance workplace satisfaction, and support successful reentry into the community through our institutions, parole, and community partnerships. Our shared mission is to promote safety, wellness, and human dignity while fostering positive change for all those who live and work within our institutions and communities.


CDCR and CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive respectful workplace. We are determined to attract and hire candidates from all communities and empower employees from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts at all levels of the Department. CDCR and CCHCS strive to collaborate with the community to enhance public safety and promote successful community reintegration through education, treatment and active participation in rehabilitative and restorative justice programs. Incumbents establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other governmental agencies, health care partners, and communities.

Office of Legal Affairs


Special Requirements
Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.


Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you should include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.


Applicants who completed their education outside of the US (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at NACES | National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.


Candidates new to CDCR/CCHCS are required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting, as well as a Tuberculosis test/evaluation prior to appointment, followed by department annual Tuberculosis testing/evaluation thereafter.


When submitting supporting documents, PDF file format is preferred.


CDCR/CCHCS utilizes E-Verify to confirm candidate's identity and employment authorization. For more information about E-Verify, you may go to .


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/22/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
EAU- Postal
Attn: Guen Saechao
Executive Appointments Unit
P.O. Box 942883
Sacramento , CA 94283


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
EAU - Drop-off
Attn: Guen Saechao
9825 Goethe Rd. Application Drop Box
(Drop off not available weekends and holidays)
Sacramento , CA 95827


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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 -
  A Statement of Qualifications is required and must be submitted with your Examination / Employment Application ( STD. 678 ). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications" section below for specific requirements. For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ or a Supplemental Questionnaire, please visit Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Examination Qualification Requirements All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.


Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.


General Qualifications
State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy - influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):


CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.


CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.


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:

• Ability to analyze complex problems; recommend and initiate effective courses of action; develop and implement policies and procedures as appropriate
• Well-developed oral, written, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with staff, various program areas, and other governmental agencies
• Managerial and program administrative experience which incudes substantial responsibility for a combination of management functions such as program planning, policy formulation; organization, coordination, and control; and training and personnel management
• Knowledge of and experience in budgets and contract management
• Shall create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued

Examination Information


This examination will consist of a review by an executive screening committee of the candidates' Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Candidates will be competitively ranked according to their qualifications using predetermined evaluation criteria consistent with the minimum and desirable qualifications for the position. An SOQ is a narrative discussion addressing specific statements, of which are aligned with the desirable qualifications of the position, that demonstrate the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills. The SOQ also serves as documentation of each candidates' ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

Statement of Qualifications Examination Instructions:

• All interested applicants must submit a completed SOQ with their application package.
• The SOQ must not be more than two (2) pages in length and should be single-spaced.
• The SOQ must have your name in the upper left hand corner of each page and page numbers listed at the bottom of each page.
• The SOQ prompts must be numbered and restated in their entirety in the same order as the statements below and your responses should provide detailed examples of your experience.

• As the Associate Director, Administrative Support for the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), you will be collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Describe your experience communicating clearly and effectively with agency staff, executive leadership, different program areas, and external partners.
• The Associate Director, Administrative Support serves as the primary individual responsible for developing and implementing administrative policies within OLA. Describe your experience managing functions such as training, planning, and hiring within a legal office or division.
• Describe your experience with budget development, project management, and contract management. Highlight your role and the impact of your work.

Please note: Applicants who fail to submit a Statement of Qualifications will be eliminated from the examination. Resumes do not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.


For additional information on how to complete an SOQ, you may reach out to Guen Saechao, directly by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io.


If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.


A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.


The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.


Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.


The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.


Special Testing Arrangements If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.


Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website, , and the CalPERS website, .


Information on benefits afforded by membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement System can be found on the CalHR Salary and Benefits website at .


Information on the benefits and protections provided to public employees by the State Civil Service Act can be found on the CalHR website at .


Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary website at

.


This webpage is intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Guen Saechao
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View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.