LAFCO Executive Officer

About the Role

The County of Sonoma seeks a collaborative, hands-on executive leader to become the next Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) Executive Officer. The Executive Officer manages, coordinates, and evaluates the varied functions of the LAFCO, providing administrative, research, analytical, and advisory services to the Commission.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Commission to formulate policies, procedures, and operational objectives, and develop, review, and implement the Commission’s annual work plan
• Analyze information and prepare reports, recommendations, and other agenda materials for the Commission relating to jurisdictional boundaries, contracts for provisions of services outside city or district boundaries, sphere of influence amendments, municipal services reviews, and other matters within the Commission’s authority
• Provide supporting fiscal services to the Commission, including budget development, financial account management, revenue forecasting, cost evaluation, and preparation of required fiscal reports
• Act as the LAFCO’s representative with public and private policy-making agencies and community groups; provide operational assistance with the development and coordination of the contract for staff services
• Serve as a primary liaison to cities, special districts, county departments, state agencies, and the public
• Represent Sonoma County LAFCO at conferences and statewide forums
• Supervise a small team of LAFCO staff and manage consultant relationships
• Successfully navigate complex and high-profile initiatives, such as potential fire district reorganizations, pending annexations, and special district consolidation efforts
• Advise the Commission on the interpretation of Commission policy and procedures, legislation, current events, and matters of interest, requesting legal opinions and guidance as needed

Qualifications

• Three years of increasingly responsible experience in a professional-level position performing duties related to general administration, operations, or accounting/budgetary analysis, including research, analysis, and preparation of written reports
• Experience supervising staff is desirable
• Significant college coursework in subjects such as public administration, public policy, economics, business management, finance/accounting, urban/regional planning, or a closely related area
• A master’s degree is desirable

Skills

• Strategic thought partner who is service-oriented and self-directed
• Strong sense of public service and understanding of local issues
• Ability to make balanced decisions and understand how cities, counties, and special systems operate
• Knowledge of the Cortese-Knox-Hetzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and California land use planning laws is highly desirable
• Ability to build and maintain rapport and trust among diverse constituencies
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Additional Information

Salary: $158,203 - $192,307
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Location: 575 Administration Dr, Rm 104A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2815

To apply, visit LAFCO Executive Officer.