Director of Administrative Services

About the role

The City of Arroyo Grande is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Administrative Services. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a high-performing executive team in one of California’s most charming Central Coast communities, where innovation, fiscal stewardship, and exceptional public service are highly valued. As a trusted strategic partner to the City Manager and City Council, the Director will oversee the City’s financial operations, budgeting, information technology, and administrative functions while helping shape the organization’s future.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished municipal leader who thrives on building relationships, driving organizational excellence, and delivering creative solutions that enhance services for both employees and the community. If you are an experienced executive with a “working director” mentality, ready to roll up your sleeves and make a lasting impact in a vibrant, forward-thinking city that values integrity, collaboration, and quality of life, Arroyo Grande offers an outstanding opportunity to lead and inspire.

About Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande is a vibrant Central Coast community ideally situated midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco in scenic San Luis Obispo County. Encompassing just over 5 square miles and home to more than 18,000 residents, Arroyo Grande offers an exceptional quality of life defined by its small-town charm, natural beauty, and strong sense of community. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean, rolling foothills, and renowned wine country, Arroyo Grande offers attractive neighborhoods and highly regarded schools, with an economy that reflects its rich agricultural heritage while being driven today by hospitality, regional healthcare and education hubs, and a vibrant mix of retail, small businesses, and professional services.

As part of the Central Coast’s “Five Cities” region—alongside Grover Beach, Oceano, Pismo Beach, and Shell Beach—Arroyo Grande benefits from regional collaboration and coastal proximity. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers averaging around 70 degrees and mild winters typically ranging between 50 and 60 degrees, making it an ideal place to live, work, and lead.

The Administrative Services Department

The Administrative Services Department is responsible for providing accurate and timely financial and accounting information through the maintenance of appropriate financial systems and effective internal controls to promote the City’s fiscal sustainability. The Department has an allocated staff of 7 FTEs and is made up of the Financial Services and Information Technology Divisions.

• The Financial Services Division manages the City’s financial systems by providing accurate and timely actions and information to City Council, operating departments, and the public. Areas of responsibility include treasury management and investing, utility billing, cash receipting, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, business licensing, and non-departmental charges that are not directly related to a specific department.
• The Information Technology (IT) Division handles all centralized and decentralized City technology services, facilitating the City’s ability to deliver effective and efficient service to the public. IT staff perform maintenance and upgrades of the City’s IT network system, ensure network security, support multiple software applications, manage the Citywide IT replacement program purchases, provide technical support to City staff members, and complete research and planning for new technology solutions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Finance and Information Technology Divisions.
• Assume full responsibility for all department services and activities including budget preparation, supervision of accounting procedures, and the design and implementation of automated financial accounting systems.
• Issue interim reports on the City’s fiscal and budgetary status.
• Oversee the processing of payroll and vendor payments.
• Administer the City’s investment portfolio.
• Administer the City’s utility billing, business tax collection, and accounts receivable.
• Serve as Treasurer for the Five Cities Fire Authority, a JPA for Fire Services with neighboring Grover Beach.

The City of Arroyo Grande seeks a dynamic and proactive public finance professional with astute attention to detail; a skilled communicator who is as comfortable leading their staff as they are clearly and effectively communicating with City Council; and has a strong customer service orientation.

Requirements

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible financial management or governmental accounting experience including three (3) years of management and administrative responsibility.
• Licensure: While not required, a CPA or CPFO designation is highly desirable.

Pay

The annual salary range for the position is $176,715 to $214,798. Placement in the range will be dependent on the successful candidate’s experience and work history.

Benefits

• Retirement provided by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) with a 2.0% at 55 formula for Classic members and 2.0% at 62 for PEPRA members.
• Participation in Social Security.
• Optional 457(b) plan through Mission Square with the City matching contributions up to $3,000 per year for Department Directors.