CPRS Job Listing

DEFINITION

The City of San Juan Capistrano is seeking a highly qualified, professional and dynamic individual to fill our Community Services Manager position. Under administrative direction the individual will plan, manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities and operations of the Community Services division, including leisure, human services, cultural, and recreational activities; coordinate projects and activities with other City departments, outside agencies and the public; and provide responsible staff assistance to the Public Works and Community Services Director. 

The ideal candidate will be a strong and strategic manager with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to effectively manage and motivate the division's experienced group of supervisory, professional, and administrative support staff.

Please Note:  The position is scheduled to receive a 3.0% salary increase effective July 1, 2026. CalPERS and OCERS are reciprocal retirement systems, and CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency without limitations. 

Don't miss this exciting career opportunity to join the San Juan Capistrano team in providing exceptional services to residents known for their enthusiasm and active community participation in this vibrant, historic city. Apply now!  We anticipate scheduling interviews February 11 - 13th.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Oversees and coordinates departmental services and activities pertaining to the leisure, human services, cultural, and recreational activities.
2. Manages and administers consultant contracts; prepares scope of work, RFP's and RFQ's; participates in the bidding and selection process; monitors contracts; processes and recommends payments.
3. Provides staff assistance to the Parks, Equestrian, and Community Services Commission; prepares and presents Commission and City Council agenda items.
4. Recommends the selection of Community Services staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures.
5. Recommends and participates in the development and implementation of goals and objectives; implements approved policies and procedures.
6. Plans and manages the work plan for assigned programs; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
7. Participates in the development and administration of assigned program budgets; submits budget recommendations; monitors expenditures and revenues.
8. Coordinates large special events including logistics, publicity, and sponsorship; supervises staff and volunteers.
9. Recommends and oversees procurement of equipment and supplies as required for assigned program; confers with management and other public and private agencies in procuring materials and equipment for program use.
10. Assesses and monitors community needs; identifies and recommends opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures and developing new programs; implements programs or improvements.
11. Coordinates marketing procedures and publicity program events with those of other divisions, outside agencies and organizations; prepares and presents brochures, press releases and related public relations material.
12. Confers with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies; identifies and implements programs to meet community needs.
13. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of recreation and human services programming.
14. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a recreation, leisure, and human services program.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of recreation program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to recreation and human services, planning and administration.
• Procurement practices related to equipment and supplies.
• Marketing theories, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of leisure services. Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Skill in:

• Managing, supervising, organizing, and reviewing the work of professional and administrative support personnel
• Evaluating, selecting, training, and motivating assigned staffed
• Interpreting and explaining the assigned recreation program policies and procedures.
• Operating office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Recommending and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective recreation programs.
• Eliciting community and organizational support for recreation programs.
• Preparing clear and concise reports.
• Developing and presenting effective public presentations.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education, Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Four years of experience in recreation program development and implementation, including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation administration, physical education, public administration, or a related field.

License or Certificate: Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate valid driver's license.

Working Conditions: Primarily office environment with significant exposure to computer screens. Frequent field environment relating to outdoor site visits and community events. Essential functions may require physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods and extensive use of computer keyboard.  

Apply online by midnight on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Community Services Manager | Job Details tab | Career Pages