RFQ Documents: 

• RFQ download
• Application Cover Sheet

For more information, please contact:
FIRST 5 Santa Clara County
Attn: Raphael Rajendra, Deputy County Counsel 
4000 Moorpark Avenue, Suite 200
San José, CA 95117
[email protected]

The Commission is seeking a collaborative executive search firm to work with the Commission (including by and through the Commission’s Executive Leadership Transition Committee (ELTC) and the ELTC’s associated staff and consultants), FIRST 5, and the community in recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for FIRST 5. The contract will begin when approved by the Commission. The Commission desires to hire a new CEO as efficiently as possible, and no later than December 31, 2021 unless mutually agreed by the Commission and the consultant selected through this RFQ (Consultant).

Prior experience with public sector entities—including local governments, special districts, or other local public entities (including other FIRST 5s)—is strongly preferred.

Under the supervision of the Commission, in collaboration with the Commission and the ELTC, and in communication with FIRST 5 staff and community stakeholders, Consultant will:

• Assist with preparing candidate selection criteria, including by defining leadership needs, preparing a job description, and organizing and facilitating opportunities for stakeholder input on the type of leadership to be sought from the next CEO;
• Manage the search process, including by developing a practicable search schedule and timeline, recommending and/or conducting advertising and publicity, preparing an application package including requirements, submission, and timelines, and ensuring that the process is designed and implemented to attract a wide pool of highly qualified and diverse candidates;

• Communicate as frequently as possible with the ELTC regarding all aspects of the process; and
• Develop and implement a search process that includes stakeholder engagement, including by developing appropriate documents for prospective applicants; conducting search recruitment; prescreening and verifying that candidates’ applications are complete and meet minimum requirements; verifying candidates’ credentials; and determining in collaboration with the Panel the number of candidates to advance for consideration by the Commission or the ELTC.

Beyond the identification and hiring of a new CEO, Consultant may also assist the Commission and/or the ELTC with negotiating employment offers and supporting the Commission to facilitate a smooth and successful beginning to the new CEO’s tenure.