Chief Executive Officer

Santa Rosa, CA

First 5 Sonoma County has partnered with Leap Solutions in search of their next dynamic, inquisitive, and highly collaborative leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. Working closely with the First 5 Sonoma County Commission and leading a talented staff of 18-20 professionals, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead efforts to align the organization’s grantmaking, resources, and advocacy with shifting community needs while advancing racial justice and social equity. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed and seasoned leader to leverage First 5 Sonoma County’s 20 year momentum and $35m in annual revenue to ensure all children ages 0-5 and their families have equitable access to culturally responsive and relevant programs, services, and systems. First 5 also finds itself at a moment of evolution as the broader Sonoma County community, reflecting national conversations around racial injustice and disparities, works to build community power for all citizens and noncitizens.

First 5 Sonoma County (First 5), an independent public agency, is one of 58 First 5 Commissions across California, which directs funds from a special tobacco tax (Prop. 10) for the benefit of young children and their families. Although Prop. 10 revenues are steadily declining, First 5 Sonoma County also serves as the countywide administrator of Sonoma County’s Measure I sales tax revenue, approved by voters in 2024 to support child and maternal health and fortify the county’s early care and education system. Building on the success of the Executive who led the conversion of First 5 into an independent and sustainable public agency, the new leader will direct the next chapter of growth and maturation, leading the implementation of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, co-creating the future vision for First 5, and partnering with organizations and local institutions to maximize impact and unlock shared potential.

The CEO will further scale and stabilize the growth of First 5 Sonoma County’s organizational structure and systems that ensure a working environment in which all the organization’s personnel can thrive. First 5 Sonoma County is at an exciting inflection point and is seeking a strategic, culturally competent, and inclusive CEO to lead the organization forward. They will build on the successes of the past while uplifting staff expertise and collaborating with a wide range of external constituents, including community members, parents, elected officials, policymakers, and local funders.

Your Skills & Attributes

• Strategic Vision
• Strong Leadership
• Operations & Programs
• Governance
• Community Engagement
• Budgetary & Financial Acumen

Your Education & Experience

• The First 5 Sonoma County Commission recognizes that academic credentials alone are not indicative of leadership experience and potential. A mix of professional background and lived experience will be strongly considered in place of formal degrees. A Bachelor’s degree in early childhood, social science, education, health, public policy, public administration, or related discipline, preferred. A Master’s degree or equivalent, desirable.
• A background in early childhood development, policy, education, or health is ideal, but a strong passion for young children and families and a commitment to social, racial, and health equity is more important.
• A minimum of ten (10) years in a leadership role, working in a complex environment advancing community-focused and community-centered change, progressively responsible professional experience in a public health, public policy, or social services or child development organization.
• Experience managing a complex program and organizational budget.
• Proven capacity to develop strategic and responsive financial and administrative planning processes that are inclusive and adaptive to changing priorities.
• Experience working in and with governmental budget processes, especially at county and state level in California, is highly desirable.
• Experience working with boards or commissions of complex organizations subject to the Brown Act.

The Recruitment Process:

• All interested parties should apply with a cover letter and resume.
• Potential candidates will receive a full job description and benefit information, as well as a questionnaire that must be completed in order to be considered.
• Initial virtual screening interviews will be conducted upon completion of the questionnaire with qualified applicants.
• Applications close June 1, 2026.