CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
0961 DEPARTMENT HEAD I
0962 DEPARTMENT HEAD II
0963 DEPARTMENT HEAD III
0964 DEPARTMENT HEAD IV
0965 DEPARTMENT HEAD V
Definition:
Under broad policy direction, creates the mission and long-term vision of a city department or agency, based on effective responsiveness to the public and/or other client needs; oversees the development of strategic plans and interim goals; establishes policies and determines priorities; adjusts plans to respond to emerging and/or urgent issues; directs the allocation of resources to achieve timely outcomes and measurable goals within budget guidelines; as defined by Charter, serves as the appointing authority; and performs related duties as required.
Distinguishing Features:
Incumbents in these positions make policy decisions of critical impact affecting the City and assume ultimate responsibility for all programs and activities of the operating department. Positions in these job codes are exempt from Civil Service appointment (Charter Section 10.104), unless otherwise defined by Charter. Incumbents in these job codes generally serve at the pleasure of the Mayor or departmental Commission.
Distinctions between levels in the Department Head job codes are generally based on, but are not limited to, the department's organizational complexity and size, nature and number of functions and programs, and classification level or types of positions managed. Consideration may also be given to any legally mandated minimum qualifications for a specific position.
Classification Levels:
0961 This class level has the responsibility for the direction of the smallest-sized City Department (guide: less than 60 employees).
0962 This class level has the responsibility for the direction of a small-sized City Department (guide: 60-175 employees).
0963 This class level has the responsibility for the direction of a medium-sized City Department (guide: 175-800 employees) or for the direction of a central Department with functions impacting employees in all departments and special districts.
0964 This class level has responsibility for the direction of a large City Department (guide: 800-2000 employees), or for the direction of a central Department whose functions include providing direct public services and having a high impact on employees in all departments and special districts.
0965 This class level has the responsibility for the direction of one of the largest City Departments (guide: over 2000 employees) with broad and complex service structures, including multiple and diverse divisions or bureaus or for the direction of a central Department whose functions involve direct public services and having the highest impact on employees in all departments and special districts.
Examples of Important Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Directs the development and timely implementation of departmental goals, policies, and strategic plans; manages the allocation of resources and service levels to meet client needs.
2. Oversees the operation of all departmental functions, activities and programs; sets objectives and monitors the performance of subordinate staff engaged in defined activities.
3. Determines the organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels and administrative systems required to accomplish a department's mission in an effective and efficient manner.
4. Consults with the Mayor regarding department programs; coordinates activities with other City departments; represents a department before and /or provides information to commissions, boards, committees and representatives from federal, state, and local agencies organizations, or the media.
5. Oversees financial long-term planning; directs the preparation and implementation of the department's annual budget; monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget.
Job Related and Essential Qualifications:
Knowledge of: federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to activities and programs of a specific department; modern management and financial principles and practices; and functional expertise associated with a department's mission.
Ability to: provide strong leadership skills; direct deputy directors and other subordinate staff engaged in diverse activities; exercise administrative ingenuity, independent analysis, adaptability and judgement on highly specialized proposals with difficult, complicated choices of action; make recommendations and present them effectively to the Mayor, commissions, boards, committees, agencies, or the public; apply the principles and practices of public administration, financial and personnel management; clearly interpret all applicable laws, ordinances and codes; direct research, survey techniques and statistical methods; communicate effectively with, subordinates, other city employees, the general public, members of civic organizations or other agencies; and provide guidance to managers in a calm, effective manner during crisis situations.
Special Requirements:
Special Qualifications including specialized knowledge, abilities, education, experience, or license may be established for individual positions.
Effective Date: 6/19/01
Amended Date:
Reason for Amendment: To reflect the tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this class.
