CPRS Job Listing

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.

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.

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;

Experience and Training
Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible experience in performing professional level recreation activities, preferably in programming, contract administration, and special events; one year of which has been in an administrative or supervisory capacity.
Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Recreation Administration, Physical Education, Public Administration, Business or a closely related field. A master's degree is highly desirable. 
License/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.

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.

Ability to:

• 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.

Submit an application by 4 pm on May 10. Please attach a current resume and cover letter to your application.

Apply Here

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 selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for a minimum of six months. 

Oral Board Interview: Wednesday, May 20

Selection Interview: Wednesday, May 26

Bilingual in English/Spanish is desirable. A master’s degree is highly desirable. 

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.