Unit Manager

Job Description and Duties

THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE. THE AMOUNT OF TELEWORK IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS BUSINESS NEEDS ARISE.

Join the Team Modernizing California's Unemployment Insurance System!

The Unemployment Insurance Branch (UI) is looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Supervisor I (SUP I) to help lead one of the most impactful digital transformation efforts in state government --modernizing our UI business systems and processes. 

This is your chance to step into a pivotal leadership role where innovation, service, and technology come together. Let's make a difference in the lives of Californians - come join us!

What You'll Do

As an SUP I, you will:

· Lead project teams driving modernization efforts from legacy platforms to a new, integrated, efficient claims management system
· Develop policies, business process improvements, and operational guidance that directly shape the future of the UI program
· Partner with technical experts, business leaders, and stakeholders across the department
· Help ensure Californians receive timely, accurate, and accessible services during critical moments in their lives

What are we doing? EDD is enhancing the way we deliver services to better serve California's diverse communities.

Here in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Branch, we are seeking motivated individuals with top-notch analytical, communication, and organizational skills, who value an empowering work environment. This is a great opportunity if you are looking to be part of a dynamic, high-profile business team.

We're responsible for the modernization of business systems and processes for UI. As the leader of the Integrated Systems Unit, you will oversee the team's planning, organization, and work completion for mission-critical related to the Integrated Claims Management System (CMS) project. You will ensure tasks and progress are communicated promptly and accurately for the Integrated Systems Unit and oversee the documentation, communication, and resolution of issues. You will collaborate with other teams to resolve cross-functional issues, coordinate with vendors to implement system functionality, and conduct research and make recommendations to enhance IT processes and support EDD's business and project management functions. You will also participate in and oversee various project workgroups developing and supporting the implementation of innovative solutions to address regulatory, policy, and process enhancements across the Department.
We are looking for an individual who is flexible and comfortable in an evolving, startup environment with a lot of change.

We value commitment to outstanding service, teamwork, integrity, communication, and a healthy work/life balance. To view the full duties and responsibilities, please see the "position statement" linked to this advertisement.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change as business needs arise.

EDD employees will be required to report to their headquarters office on their assigned in-office days. California Government Code Section 14200 requires employees to reside in California to telecommute. Travel expenses to and from the assigned headquarters are the responsibility of the employee.

All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the EDD's policies.

Position is located in Sacramento County.

Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Home Internet is required for telework.

Due to operational needs, employees may be required at any given time to report to work at their regular EDD headquarters. Currently employees have a hybrid work schedule but may be required to work in the office per business needs.

Special Requirements

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at .

Please only submit ONE application. Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing.

If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail a completed and signed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 and application package to the mailing address provided in the “Application Instructions’ section below and ensure the following:

• Clearly indicate the Job Code #, Position Number and the Classification Title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying” section located on Page 3 of your State Examination/Employment STD Form 678.

• Clearly indicate the basis of your eligibility (list, transfer, reinstatement, etc.) in the “Explanations” section located on Page 3 of your State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678.

• Remove and do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (Page 10) with your completed State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678. This page is for examination use only.

• Do not include your full Social Security Number on your documents and/or do not provide any LEAP information.

Examination/Assessment

If selected for hire , you must obtain list eligibility by taking and passing the examination. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination unless your list eligibility has expired.

Click the examination link below for more information and to take the exam:

SUPERVISOR I

For more information about the State hiring process, click here . To watch tutorials on how to apply for a State job, click here .

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:

• You're a leader who inspires confidence, sets direction, and models accountability.
• You're a team builder who fosters trust, collaboration, and a positive work environment.
• You're a project manager who can plan, track, and deliver complex work on time and within scope.
• You have strong communication skills and can clearly convey expectations, decisions, and complex information.
• You are highly organized and attentive to detail, ensuring accuracy and follow-through in all work products.
• You are flexible and open to change, adapting quickly as priorities shift.
• You always ensure completed staff work.
• You make data-informed decisions.
• You can effectively balance and prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• You coach and develop staff, offering meaningful feedback and supporting growth.
• You can interpret complex policies and translate them into clear operational guidance.
• You build strong working relationships across teams, programs, and organizational levels.
• You exercise sound judgment and can resolve issues efficiently.
• You are comfortable partnering with technical teams and can bridge business needs with system capabilities.
• You remain calm, professional, and solutions-focused, even under pressure. 

Note: The above desirable qualifications must be addressed in the Statement of Qualifications.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website, , and the CalPERS website, .

Statement of Qualifications Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is Required . The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ is not a resume or cover letter. Resumes and/or Cover Letters  DO NOT take the place of the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ or an SOQ submitted without following instructions may not receive further consideration and may be excluded from the hiring process.

A "Statement of Qualifications" must be submitted with your application.

A Statement of Qualifications is just a short, organized paper that answers the three questions listed below based on the desirable qualifications in this job announcement. Great statements of qualifications provide real-life examples to illustrate and support each point. You'll upload your Statement of Qualifications at the end of the application process.

If you don't submit a Statement of Qualifications, or if you don't follow all of the instructions below, we'll consider it incomplete and will remove you from further consideration in the hiring process. So, please, double check your work!

Instructions:
• Answer the three questions below
• Include your name in the top right corner
• Number each answer in order
• Include your relevant experience, training, and/or education
• Do not exceed two pages, single spaced
• Use Arial or Calibri 12 pt font

Questions:

1. What makes you a highly qualified candidate for this position? What skills and experience would you bring to this role as a part of the UI Support Division management team?
2. What experiences do you have that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with other programs or individuals in cross-functional work groups?
3. What work have you done that demonstrates your ability to support a modernization project and ensure that the business voice is accurately represented in system design while quality and operational continuity are maintained?

We ask that you not use Artificial Intelligence assistance when composing your written response. Written responses are an attempt to assess and gain an understanding of your personal writing and communication skills and abilities.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is Required. Please see “Statement of Qualifications Requirements” section for more information about the SOQ.