State of California

Assistant Chief, Unclaimed Property Division

State of California$124K — $182K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Significant experience in high administrative and policy-influencing roles.
  • In-depth understanding of California State Government organization and functions.
  • Proficiency in program development, evaluation, and administrative problem-solving.
  • Strong capability in personnel management and motivating multidisciplinary teams.
  • Expertise in legislative policy development and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

  • Advise upper management on administration and policy matters related to Unclaimed Property.
  • Oversee and improve policy and program operations across multiple bureaus.
  • Represent the organization at high-level meetings and legislative hearings.
  • Cultivate relationships with business entities and government bodies involved in Unclaimed Property.
  • Develop strategic plans and operational goals for division efficiency.
  • Innovate and implement new operational models to enhance service delivery.
  • Guide staff development and establish succession management strategies.

Benefits

  • Hybrid telework eligibility for candidates residing in California.
  • Flexible working environment with free parking and access to nearby amenities.
  • Opportunity for professional development and career advancement.
  • Participation in engaging with high-level stakeholders and public entities.
Full Job Description
With general direction provided by the Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, and/or the Chief Operations Officer, the incumbent is expected to assist in the planning, organizing, and direct oversight of subordinate managers engaged in program activities of reuniting owners with their properties. It will assist in the development of program policies and procedures and help in providing a strategic plan to implement all unclaimed property laws.

The candidate will be expected to aid in the development of relationships with other high-level officials from states possessing reciprocity agreements with the State of California and seek opportunities to leverage new and innovative ways in which to fulfill the mission, goals, and objectives of the State Controller in the Unclaimed Property program area. This will also include participation in the collection and accounting of property escheated from various companies or organizations conducting business within the State of California.

Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)
  • Act as an advisor to the Chief, Unclaimed Property Division (UPD) and the Chief Operations Officer on matters related to the administration of Unclaimed Property in the Consumer Services Bureau and Accounting Bureau, including internal policy development, legislative policy development and oversight.
  • Oversee policy and program operations within the Accounting Bureau and Consumer Services Bureau. Provide policy recommendations to support appropriate statutory requirements. Provide direction to subordinate managers to ensure the most difficult and sensitive activities involving stakeholders are addressed appropriately and in a timely manner.
  • Represent the Chief or the Chief Operations Officer at steering committee meetings, legislative hearings, and other high-level events; develop cost analysis for program improvements and effective operations; present before legislative hearings when required; represent the State Controller's Office at various Unclaimed Property conventions.
  • Represent the State Controller's Office regarding Unclaimed Property issues with various business and financial entities; consult with Executive Office leadership regarding advocacy groups; assist in the coordination between other state and local government bodies involved in Unclaimed Property reporting; interact with federal authorities.
  • Develop and implement goals and objectives for the division; develop strategic plans regarding UPD operations; assist the Chief in identifying short and long-range goals for program efficiencies.
  • Oversee the development of new operation models and concepts to affect more efficient processes; develop policies consistent with the mission, goals, and objectives of the division and Office.
  • Develop policy and strategy of attracting and recruiting high impact employees to Consumer Services and Accounting Bureaus.
  • Oversee staff development through subordinate supervisors; initiate corrective action plans; develop succession management strategies specific to programmatic areas within UPD.
  • Travel to various locations to represent the division at locations such as other SCO campuses, State Capitol, conference locations, etc.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

This position is located at The Park, a quaint and historical campus environment two blocks from McKinley Park, in the heart of residential East Sacramento. Easily accessible from US 50 and I-80, The Park offers free parking, quick walks to local restaurant favorites, and countless lunchtime strolling opportunities through the quiet East Sacramento neighborhood.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment.

I n July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Minimum Requirements This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.
  • C. E. A.
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-532574

Position #(s):
051-550-7500-004

Working Title:
Assistant Chief, Unclaimed Property Division

Classification:
C. E. A. $10,349.00 - $15,297.00 A Salary Competitive and Commensurate with experience.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Special Requirements
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Completed current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD. Form 678 (when not applied electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position; solely referring to the resume for information (i.e., "See Resume") is not acceptable. The Job Control number and examination title (JC - 532574 Assistant Chief, Unclaimed Property Division CEA Level A) must be indicated on the application.
  • Resume is required and must be included. A Resume does not take the place of the completed STD. 678 application.
  • Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) - Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is required and instructions for the SOQ can be found under the Examination Information" section located in this bulletin.


  • Application Instructions
    Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
    Final Filing Date: 10/19/2026
    Who May Apply
    Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

    How To Apply
    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

    Address for Mailing Application Packages

    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

    State Controller's Office
    Human Resources
    Attn: Kelli Simpkin
    300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

    Sacramento , CA 95814

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    State Controller's Office
    Human Resources
    Attn: Kelli Simpkin
    300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

    Sacramento , CA 95814
    Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Required Application Package Documents

    The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
    • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
    • Resume is required and must be included.
    • Statement of Qualifications - Please see Examination Information section for instructions.
    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    Examination Qualification Requirements All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

    Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

    General Qualifications
    State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.
    Knowledge and Abilities
    Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy - influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:
    • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager's role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
    • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department's or agency's Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

    These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

    CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

    CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

    CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

    Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
    • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government inc

    About State of California

    The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
    Learn more about State of California
    Size
    150 employees
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