CPRS Job Listing

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Redwood City (pop. 86,754), is the third largest city in San Mateo County. More than 30 unique parks, ten sports fields, a senior center, and five community centers are popular with the community.
 
Reporting to the City Manager, the Director oversees a $26.83 million FY 2024-25 Department budget and 71.96 full-time equivalent employees. The ideal candidate will be an experienced parks and recreation leader who values collaboration and community input, equity, and inclusion. Department staff will appreciate a thoughtful and approachable leader who understands the challenges of delivering diverse programs while planning, building, and maintaining facilities and parks. Experience overseeing public art programs, coordinating safety net services, and more traditional parks and recreation responsibilities is desired. 
 
The successful candidate will possess any combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed, with ideal candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree with major work in a relevant discipline and work experience at a supervisory/management level.
 
Salary range $208,167.24 - $281,029.32 DOQE, with competitive benefits. For additional information and to apply visit www.tbcrecruiting.com. Recruitment closes Sunday, May 11, 2025.
 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Redwood City is seeking a dynamic and creative Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director with a passion for community engagement and a track record of innovation. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader in parks and recreation, ready to oversee a comprehensive recreation program, as well as the construction, maintenance, and acquisition of parks, recreation areas, landscaped spaces, and related facilities. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

The new director will work closely with City departments, partner agencies, and community organizations to develop solutions to complex challenges. Redwood City’s leadership team values collaboration, and a can-do attitude will align well with the department’s existing culture. The ideal candidate will bring strong project management, budgeting, delegation, and customer service skills, along with a resourceful and solutionoriented mindset. 

Community Engagement & Customer Focus 

This role requires a leader who values community input, equity, and inclusion. The director will actively engage with residents, businesses, visitors, and stakeholders to ensure that parks, programs, and services meet the diverse needs of Redwood City’s community. A track record of measuring participation and satisfaction and using data to improve service delivery is essential. 

Strategic Thinking & Change Management 

The ideal candidate will be adept at data-driven decision-making while balancing the nuances of community needs. They will assess services, adapt based on feedback and best practices, and implement change thoughtfully and effectively. Experience with change management in a public-facing environment and a practical approach to technology and resource allocation are key attributes. 

Team Leadership & Professional Development 

Department staff will appreciate a thoughtful and approachable leader who listens and understands the challenges of delivering diverse programs and supports professional growth. Experience managing in a union environment, mentoring staff, and fostering a positive, stable workplace culture is highly valued. Encouraging a culture of transparency, accountability, trust, and mutual support across the department is an important skill set. Celebrating successes and providing constructive feedback will be essential to maintaining a high-performing team.

 Additional Experience & Desired Qualifications 

• Public Art & Safety Net Services: Experience overseeing public art programs and coordinating safety net services in addition to traditional parks and recreation responsibilities is desired. 

• Hands-On & Strategic Leadership: A leader who can balance big-picture strategy with hands-on involvement when needed. The successful candidate will possess any combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to be successful in the position, with ideal candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree with major work in relevant discipline and work experience at a supervisory/management level.

The closing date for this recruitment is midnight, Sunday, May 11, 2025. To be considered for this opportunity, upload cover letter, resume, and a list of six professional references using the “Apply Now” feature at www.tbcrecruiting.com