Deputy Chief Executive Officer – First 5 Alameda County

Client: First 5 Alameda County, Alameda, California
Position: Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Closing Date: October 7, 2026

Additional Information: 

• Client Website

Make the Impact of a Lifetime

First 5 Alameda County is seeking a Deputy Chief Executive Officer to help lead the Agency at a defining moment for young children and families, and for the systems designed to support them.

First 5 Alameda County is a public agency and system builder working to ensure every child — regardless of race, income, or neighborhood — has a strong start in life. They align public funding, partners, and data to build an integrated, equity-centered early childhood system that supports the whole child, whole family, and whole community.

Alameda County is making historic investments in early childhood. First 5 Alameda County is at the center of translating those investments into lasting change — stewarding significant public resources, aligning partners and programs, and building a stronger, more coordinated early childhood system. That opportunity brings an equally significant responsibility: to build the systems, infrastructure, and organizational capacity necessary to deliver.

First 5 is evolving alongside the work it leads. The Agency is growing in scale, complexity, and responsibility, expanding its role as a funder, administrator, partner, advocate, and system builder. More resources are flowing into communities. More partners are working together. And the expectations for strong execution, accountability, transparency, and measurable impact have never been higher.

The next Deputy CEO will help lead First 5 through this transformation.

Experience and Training  

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Additional experience and/or education can be substituted to meet typical qualifications. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience in a public or private organization or community development agency, including five (5) years in a leadership and management capacity; and equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in public policy, public administration, social services, public health, or a closely related field.
• Additional relevant work experience may be substituted to meet the college coursework/ bachelor’s degree standard.

Knowledge of the Following is Strongly Desired

• Principles and practices of strategic plan development; budget development and administration; and contract administration and management.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an appointed Commission.
• Early childhood programs and agencies on a local, state, and national level.
• Local, state, and federal government operations and funding streams.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility

Compensation and Benefits

First 5 Alameda County offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits and the current salary range for the Deputy Chief Executive Officer position is $223,349.10 to $321,622.86. Placement within this range is negotiable and dependent upon experience and qualifications. First 5 Alameda County also offers an attractive benefits package which includes the following:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Retirement Plan through Alameda County Employees Association (ACERA)
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation
• Commuter Benefits
• Life Insurance

Application and Selection Process

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume via email to apply@ralphandersen.com no later October 7, 2026. The first round of interviews will take place the week of November 9, 2026, and will be in-person in Alameda, CA, except where other arrangements may be necessary. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Confidential inquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Sabrina Landreth, Ralph Andersen & Associates, at sabrina@ralphandersen.com or (916) 630-4900.