Program Manager Iii - Food Systems Manager

Under general direction, to plan, organize, direct and control the activities and/or staff of a very large County program.
The Food Systems Manager, located in the Office of the County Executive, reports to a Deputy County Executive, and provides strategic direction and leadership to implement the County of Santa Clara Food System Workplan. Responsibilities include the identification of priorities, establishment of goals, and implementation of actions to encourage a food system that promotes equity, sustainability, and resilience, including analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy development, coordination, evaluation and tracking. The position will work collaboratively across County departments and sectors involved in food-related issues and programs to share information; integrate food systems work between the County and organizations across the county; and expand, support implementation of, and document impact of the adopted Food System Workplan.
In addition to the employment standards, candidates must possess knowledge and work experience in all the following areas:

• Planning, implementing, and managing programs and/or projects that advance food systems;
• Experience facilitating partnerships with multi-disciplinary stakeholder groups and cultivating relationships with external constituencies, including historically underserved and/or under-represented populations.
• Experience with local, regional, and national food system policies and issues, including developing recommendations on policy options and programs.

• May prepare and make presentations to staff, boards, commissions, and external groups;
• Develops strategies to achieve objectives;
• Prepares reports and correspondence;
• Establishes an appropriate organizational structure and delineates working level and relationships of personnel to carry out the program's activities;
• Determines budgetary requirements to maintain the program;
• Selects and hires staff and ensures the orientation, training and development of program staff;
• Plans, organizes and directs a County program that provides direct service to the public or other agencies;
• Formulates and implements policies, plans and procedures for carrying out functions of the program;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Maintains liaison relationships and represents the program in contacts with public and private agencies and concerned community groups and organizations;
• Determines program objectives in light of established goals;
• May provide ongoing statistical reports;
• Is responsible for determining program funding needs and obtaining available outside funding when necessary through grants and/or contracts;
• And performs related duties as required.
• Provides assistance and advice to advisory and planning boards, commissions, task forces and other special groups as required;
• Prepares staff reports and comprehensive detailed plans with Countywide impact;
• Is responsible for the implementation, control, monitoring and evaluation of provided services to ensure compliance with terms of received grants and contracts;
• Directs and evaluates the work of subordinate staff;
• Handles complex coordination between County, local and State resources;
• Defines personnel resource needs and allocates them as required to reach program objectives;
• Works closely with cross departmental staff at all levels of the organization;
• Makes recommendations on the annual budget and may present the program's budget to the Board of Supervisors;
• Establishes program priorities;
• Keeps abreast of new trends and developments related to the program's activities;

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.
Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are typically attained through training and experience equivalent to possession of a Bachelor's degree. Relevant experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. Relevant experience includes experience performing analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management duties, which include interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing.

• It is an absolute necessity for the successful operation of the program;
• That subordinate program staff will not be able to provide the subject matter expertise that is required.
• That the Program Manager will be held accountable for this specialized knowledge; and

• Principles of organization and administrative, fiscal and program management; principles of employee supervision, training and development;
• Personnel management techniques;
• Program development and evaluation;
• Community and agency consultation methods and procedures;
• Methods of administrative problem solving;
• Techniques of organizing and motivating groups;
• Computer applications, including but not limited to: word processing, spreadsheets, data base management software, presentation and electronic mail software.

• Deal effectively with a variety of government and community officials;
• Establish and maintain program's objectives, priorities and policies;
• Prepare and review reports;
• Speak effectively in public;
• Plan, organize, control and evaluate a public service program;
• Plan and assign workloads clearly and effectively;
• Consult with and advise top administrator on the activities and status of the program;
• Integrate the activities of a program to attain program goals;
• Manage initiatives, collect and analyze data for the purpose of evaluating services and or programs;
• Develop and recommend effective courses of action;
• Develop short and long range budget plans that accurately reflect program needs. May require the ability to apply the tools of a specialty subject area.
• Train, develop and motivate staff;
• Develop and effectively utilize all available resources;