CPRS Job Listing

CITY OF SANTA MARIA

DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND PARKS 

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE $214,712.16 - $240,492 ANNUALLY/DOE

The City of Santa Maria, City Manager's Office, invites applications for the position of Director of Recreation and Parks. Lead a dynamic team that enriches lives through engaging programs and well-maintained parks and help shape the future of our community in a growing California city!

The Recreation and Parks Department Director Strategic Leader is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team reporting directly to the City Manager. This strategic and visionary role leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive recreation programs, parks operations, facility maintenance, and community events. The Director fosters community relationships, guides departmental staff, and ensures high-quality services that align with City priorities and resident needs.

WHO WE ARE:
 

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service City with a City Council/City Manager form of government with over 700 employees, and serves approximately 108,000 constituents. The City of Santa Maria is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The City has a harmonious balance of maintaining coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, and is in close proximity to beaches, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions.

WHAT WE DO:

The Department of Recreation and Parks' mission is to enrich the lives of the residents of Santa Maria through quality recreation programs and services; and to provide safe and well-maintained facilities and parks, while anticipating the changing needs of the community. The department operates 234 acres of developed parkland in 33 neighborhoods and community parks, part of the 1,774-acre Los Flores Ranch Park property, the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, and other community centers. The department provides programs in aquatics, youth and adult sports. It also manages the City's Urban Forest Program.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a strong background in municipal recreation, parks management, and community engagement. They are passionate about enriching lives through safe, inclusive, and innovative programs, as well as maintaining high-quality parks and facilities.

This individual excels in strategic planning, operational oversight, and fiscal management, and brings a proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead a diverse team. They are an effective communicator who can build strong partnerships with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate embraces creativity, fosters equity and accessibility in all programs, and is committed to shaping the future of recreation and community wellness.
  
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:
Due upon application, resume and cover letter detailing interest in position

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:
Director of Recreation and Park- Corporate/Executive Leader Broadband job class. The full salary range is $214,712.16 - $327,718.56 Annually.  

 

DUTIES

Examples Of Duties

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.  This position: 

• Develops and shares a vision along with strategic goals in the planning, coordinating, and promoting of a comprehensive program of rec­reation and park activities including activities of cultural, instructional, wellness, sports and community special activities/events.
• Demonstrates leadership and team-building capacity in unifying various professional and technical staff, responsible for specific tasks in a development process, and establish a culture of collaboration and integrated-thinking.
• Evaluates community needs for parks and recreation; meets with interested groups and individuals to discuss programs, facilities and needed improvements and develops the budget to align resources with these needs.
• Establishes relationships to foster collaboration and consultation with the stakeholders including the Recreation and Parks Commission.
• Establishes expectations for responsive customer service, and provides direction on implementing effective workflow processes.
• Seeks innovation and oversees research of possible funding sources to supplement city resources and administration of grant programs received by the City in recreation and parks.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant years of leadership and management experience to perform the job effectively; and
• Graduation from college with specialization in recre­ation management, public administration/finance or social group work, and/or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment. Should possess First Aid/CPR; Professional membership in Calif Park and Rec Society or National Rec and Park Assoc

Apply on our City website: Click here