Recreation Programs Administrator

Introduction

Oral Board Interview: Wednesday, May 20

Selection Interview: Wednesday, May 26

Oceanside was incorporated in 1888 and is the gateway to San Diego County, spanning 42 square miles, including 3.5 miles of city-owned beaches. The City of Oceanside is a Charter City with a Council-Manager form of government. Oceanside is a full-service city with its own police and fire departments, water and wastewater utilities, library and housing authority. The City of Oceanside has 955 full-time employees.

The City is home to 171,063 residents with a median household income of $86,093. Oceanside has diverse neighborhoods and planned developments, multiple 55 communities, 17 mobile home parks, a revitalized downtown and 3,500 acres of farmland. Manufacturing, distribution, tourism and agriculture remain the region's top industries, but biotech industries are among the area's fastest growing business sectors.

The Parks and Recreation Department was recently re-established as an independent department with an operating budget of $8.6 million and generates more than $1.6 million in revenue. The City’s parks and recreation facilities consist of four recreation centers with two gymnasiums, two senior centers, three aquatic facilities, 17 community parks, 16 neighborhood parks, a regional park, 5 skateparks, and miles of trails and open space. The department has 26 full-time and 175 part-time seasonal staff that work in 4 divisions: Special Events, Senior Services, Recreation, and Aquatics.

The Parks and Recreation Department operates a transportation program and a feeding program for seniors. The department manages external city wide special events and film permits that generate more than $8.4 million in economic impact, including events on Oceanside beaches. The department offers youth and adult sports programs, swimlessons, after school and teen programming, and a variety of special interest programs and classes.

The Position

The Recreation Programs Administrator is a management position with oversight of 4 recreation centers, 2 senior centers, 1 teen center, recreation programs, youth and adult sports, volunteer services, facility rentals, and custodial services. The Recreation Programs Administrator is part of the department management team, and works closely with staff, community partners, and local organizations. They are responsible to design and implement engaging programs, secure and manage grant funding, and develop outreach strategies that increase participation and community awareness.

This position requires a strong leader who can supervise staff, manage multiple projects, analyze program performance, and respond effectively to community needs. Success in this role depends on the ability to build relationships, communicate clearly, and apply sound judgment in program and operational decision-making.

Key Highlights:

• Lead and manage a wide range of community recreation programs and events;
• Develop and oversee budgets, grants, and contracts;
• Supervise staff and drive performance toward service goals;
• Build partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups;
• Create impactful marketing and public outreach strategies;
• Ensure high-quality customer service and community engagement;

Ideal Candidate:

The City of Oceanside is seeking a dynamic and experienced parks and recreation professional to lead the Recreation Division. A motivated professional with a background in recreation or public administration, strong leadership and organizational skills, and a commitment to serving diverse communities.

Examples of Duties

• Manages and coordinates the day-to-day operations including administration, marketing, public relations, contract administration, park and facilities maintenance, and customer service;
• Develop and administer budgets; assist in acquisition and development, and maintenance of parks and open spaces; prepare and administer grants; and other department administrative management functions;
• Plans, manages and evaluates the work of assigned staff. Develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve recreation service goals and performance measures;
• Prepare applications for various grants; administer approved grants; maintain knowledge of current and relevant grant processes, rules, regulations and associated agencies;
• Maintains and updates financial, statistical and program-specific data, reports and records;
• Develops and maintains computer-aided databases of program information, including demographic information of participants and the community in general;
• Administer and manage contracts for services provided by internal and outside agencies. Participates and coordinate with various non-profit organizations, school officials, community groups and others in offering programs and services;
• Receives, investigates and resolves participant, volunteer, staff, citizen, community group, or community partner inquiries, concerns, complaints and problems;
• Researches, identifies and develops marketing and publicity plans and strategies for the City’s recreation services;
• Oversees development and distribution of media releases, pamphlets, fyers, newsletters and other publicity materials for activities, events, and recreational programs;
• and performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of recreation management;
• Recreation activities for children, adolescents, adults, senior citizens, and special events;
• Budget preparation and analysis and management audit techniques;
• Developing, planning, and overseeing a diverse number of public recreational programs and events;
• Methods and techniques for recreation facility maintenance and operations;
• Public sector employee relations theory, practices and issues;
• Principles and practices of supervision;
• Principles and practices of public sector contract administration;
• Principles and practices of customer service.

• Communicate and establish rapport, understanding and confidence with participants and the general public;
• Exercise independent judgment in the application of program rules and procedures;
• Understand, follow and complete verbal and written directions;
• Plan and organize work with a high degree of independence of action;
• Conduct research and prepare complete and accurate reports and recommendations on a variety of issues;
• Prepare clear and concise oral and written reports, both narrative and statistical;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of City staff, other governmental agencies and the general public;
• Plan and supervise the work of others;
• Read, understand, interpret and apply laws, policies, rules, contracts, guidelines and professional practices;
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the diversity of the community;
• Speak clearly and effectively when communicating with individuals and groups.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret information. Work schedule is a traditional Monday through Friday shift. There is no opportunity for hybrid or telework schedules.

Note: Bilingual in English/Spanish is desirable.
Please attach a current resume and cover letter to your application.

SelectionProcess: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process will include an oral board interview. Candidates who successfully complete the selectionprocess will be placed on the eligibility list for a minimum of six months.

Oral Board Interview: Wednesday, May 20

Selection Interview: Wednesday, May 26

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.