The City of Santa Clara is recruiting for the Parks and Recreation Director in the Parks and Recreation Department. The City seeks an accomplished professional with a strong “service-first” orientation and a proven performance record in working collaboratively with staff and community partners to deliver high-quality parks, programs and facilities. Innovative, yet pragmatic, the new Director will have an exceptional ability to engage residents and external agencies representing different interests and perspectives, and will be a strategic thinker, politically astute but not political, technically competent with a “can-do” attitude. The next Director will value the traditions that make the Santa Clara community unique while embracing a sense of innovation, inclusion and diversity. An advocate for staff development, the Director will inspire employees to seek greater efficiencies and continuously improve the department, earn the trust and respect of the staff through training and mentoring, while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery. 

The ideal candidate will understand what it takes to be successful in a large, complex organization and bring a spirit of collaboration to the Executive Team. Adept at developing relationships, the next Director will demonstrate an ability to influence others through well-reasoned explanations, be an exceptional presenter, comfortable speaking before different groups – from Santa Clara residents at neighborhood gatherings to City Council meetings or advisory committees.

Candidates with a strong background in park development, public/private partnerships, aquatics and other facets of recreational programming are encouraged to apply.

As a member of the City's Unclassified Service, this is an "at-will" position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and values.Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. 
This recruitment is being conducted by Peckhman & McKenney. In order to be considered for this position, please apply via Peckham and McKenney at Parks and Recreation Director. The filing deadline is May 19, 2024.The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.