First 5 San Mateo County: Executive Director
First 5 San Mateo County is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the organization’s operations, programs, and initiatives. Reporting to the First 5 SMC Commission, the Executive Director will collaborate closely with the Commission, staff, community members, and partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to advance policies, partnerships, and investments that support young children and families throughout San Mateo County. Additionally, the Executive Director will lead the implementation of the agency’s strategic priorities while overseeing programmatic, fiscal, administrative, and evaluation functions, managing a team of eight, which includes a Deputy Director and program staff.
About First 5 San Mateo County:
First 5 San Mateo County (First 5 SMC) promotes positive outcomes for young children and families through strategic investments, partnerships, and community leadership. To help ensure all families have what they need to thrive, First 5 SMC works broadly and proactively to create, support, and sustain the social, physical, and economic conditions needed for children’s success.
First 5 SMC is led by a Commission made up of nine (9) members, including one member of the County Board of Supervisors, the Chief of San Mateo County Health, the Director of the County Human Services Agency, County Superintendent of Schools, five members appointed by the Board of Supervisors and two youth commissioners. To learn more about First 5 SMC, its mission and strategic plan, visit the website at https://first5sanmateo.org.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the First 5 SMC Commission, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the organization’s operations, programs, and initiatives. In this highly visible role, the Executive Director collaborates closely with the Commission, staff, community members, and partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to advance policies, partnerships, and investments that support young children and families throughout San Mateo County. The Executive Director leads the implementation of the agency’s strategic priorities and oversees programmatic, fiscal, administrative, and evaluation functions. The position manages a staff of eight (8), including a Deputy Director, Program Specialists, and administrative staff. Note: The First 5 SMC Executive Director position is Unclassified and not covered by Civil Service Rules.
The Executive Director has a unique opportunity to guide First 5 SMC through a period of evolving community needs despite declining funds while continuing to advance meaningful outcomes for young children and families. Key challenges and opportunities include:
Lead and support a lean, highly motivated staff team through organizational and funding changes while maintaining employee engagement, collaboration, and morale.
Strengthen and coordinate relationships at the statewide level, including maintaining effective government and legislative partnerships.
Serve as a thought leader and convener on issues impacting early childhood education and the well-being of young children and families.
Sustain the organization’s strategic vision and priorities. Build upon the community’s strong history of collaboration by fostering partnerships across publicly funded service systems and community-based organizations.
Lead the implementation of all statutory requirements of Proposition 10 which guides the work of all First 5 organizations in California.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The next Executive Director will ideally have at least three (3) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in early childhood development, program development, and in working with independent commissions. Most importantly, the Executive Director is:
A strategic and visionary thinker capable of guiding First 5 SMC through funding challenges and organizational changes.
A politically astute relationship-builder who can effectively navigate complex public sector environments, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and maintain strong relationships with community, county, and statewide partners.
A financially prudent administrator with experience in long-term planning, strategic investments and partnerships.
A passionate advocate for early childhood development who is committed to improving outcomes for young children, families, and communities through collaboration and equity-centered leadership.
A strong communicator and facilitator who fosters trust, transparency and accountability.
A supportive and empowering manager who values staff development, wellness, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. An approachable, emotionally intelligent, and adaptable professional who navigates challenges with professionalism and compassion.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $170,622 - $213,346 annually. In addition to salary, the County offers an excellent benefits package that is available to spouses, domestic partners, and eligible dependents. For more information, please visit our Employee Benefits website at https://www.smcgov.org/hr/employee-benefits.
To Apply
To apply for this exciting career opportunity, the following materials must be electronically submitted online at Resume https://jobs.smcgov.org: Cover letter that is no more than 3 pages long and includes the following (in this order): A summary of your background and leadership experience and their alignment to First 5 SMC’s current needs. Include specifics on your experience working with commissions, children and families, community partners and public or non-profit organizations. A recent and significant professional accomplishment that demonstrates your strategic and innovative approach to leading an organization such as First 5 SMC. Resumes and cover letters submitted via email will not be accepted. If you have question about the position, contact Lisa Yapching (lyapching@smcgov.org)
Apply by June 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST