Parks and Community Services Director
Apply NowCompany: City of San Ramon, CA
Location: San Ramon, CA 94582
Description:
Salary : $207,105.21 - $276,070.86 Annually
Location : San Ramon, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-04-D100
Department: Parks and Community Services
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Closing Date: 5/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, provides administrative direction and oversight for, and participates in, the activities and functions of a City department, which includes developing departmental goals and objectives, developing, implementing and enforcing policies, procedures, and standards; planning and organizing the delivery of programs and services; developing departmental budgets; approving expenditures and monitoring revenue and expenditures; providing expert professional assistance to City management staff in areas of expertise; fostering cooperative working relationships with other departments, outside agencies and the public served; and performs related work as required.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal Parks and Community Services Director is a collaborative and enthusiastic professional with a passion for providing outstanding recreation, parks, community services, and amenities for the community. They will be an approachable leader with a strong background in recreation administration, customer service, and community building. Competitive applicants will bring innovative ideas to the department, a proven background in staff development, strong leadership skills, and the ability to identify community needs and interests. This position requires a solid background in program development and administration, budget preparation, government administration, and regional collaboration. Cultural awareness and the ability to collaborate with a diverse community are essential for this position.
The selected candidate must have the ability to work positively and effectively with staff, promote positive morale, and develop a team-oriented working environment. A standout candidate has a solutions-oriented mindset, is highly organized, works with minimal supervision, is comfortable handling diverse responsibilities and adapting to change, makes sound and positive recommendations, communicates effectively, and actively engages in the department's day-to-day operations. They should also possess a talent for building relationships among diverse stakeholders.
Candidates who can demonstrate a proven track record of successful decision-making and action are highly desired.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager or their designee. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general direction and supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
Class Characteristics
This is a Department Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of an assigned department. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other elected and appointed City officials and managers and accomplishing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for achieving departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. The classification of Director is distinguished from the next lower class of Division Manager in that the latter has either oversight of multiple areas in large operational departments or is the manager of professional services with City-wide internal or external impact. Employees appointed to the Department Director classification on or after November 26, 2024, are excluded from the City's "competitive service" under Section 105 of the City's Personnel Rules & Regulations and thereby designated as at-will appointments serving at the will of the Appointing Authority. To review the Unrepresented Executive Employees Salary & Benefits Agreement, please click . This position follows standard administrative work hours, with occasional evenings and weekends required for meetings, events, or urgent departmental needs. Work is performed in person at city facilities and community locations to ensure effective leadership, collaboration, and service delivery.
Typical Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision; public agency budget development, contract administration, City-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area; organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility; principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures; methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures; record keeping principles and procedures; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and computer applications; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations; and techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:
Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas; provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City; prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner; interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility; select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques; effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of finance programs and administrative activities; conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports; establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or a field related to the area of assignment.
AND
Experience
Five (5) years of supervisory or administrative experience in the area of assignment.
Licenses and Certifications
Recruitment Process
Resumes cannot be substituted for a completed application.
The most qualified candidates, as determined by initial screening of applications, will be invited to participate in an oral and/or department panel interview.
The first round of interviews is tentatively scheduled for May 20, 2025. The eligibility list will be established from the interview process. Individuals on the eligibility list may be asked to participate in a second round of interviews based on specific individual qualifications and the City's needs. The eligibility list will remain in effect for one (1) year for potential future vacancies.
The City of San Ramon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin, sexual orientation or disability. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Division at hr@sanramon.ca.gov.
Information contained herein, including the recruitment process, is subject to change without notice.
The City's excellent benefit package includes: CalPERS retirement; medical, dental and vision plans; 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave accrued annually; 10.5 paid holidays; 3 floating holidays; adoption benefits; short and long term disability; employee assistance program; group and supplemental life insurance; and a retiree health savings plan.
for a detailed summary of our benefits by bargaining unit.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education completed.
02
Please list relevant major coursework or fields(s) of study.
03
How many years of supervisory or administrative experience in the area of assignment do you possess?
04
Please describe your experience implementing a program or service that involved regional collaboration with multiple agencies.
05
What strategies have you used to develop the leadership skills of department staff to prepare them for advancement in their career?
06
Please describe your experience implementing community building activities and programs, in particular within culturally diverse communities.
07
What are some of the upcoming challenges communities will experience while implementing recreation and community services?
08
Please describe your experience developing high quality community services with limited staff and financial resources.
09
How do you leverage technology to provide efficient services to the community?
10
Describe your methodology for balancing staff workloads and direction from elected/appointed bodies.
11
What is your experience managing or participating in capital improvement projects. Include a project where you assumed a leadership role and describe any difficulties encountered.
Required Question
Location : San Ramon, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-04-D100
Department: Parks and Community Services
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Closing Date: 5/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, provides administrative direction and oversight for, and participates in, the activities and functions of a City department, which includes developing departmental goals and objectives, developing, implementing and enforcing policies, procedures, and standards; planning and organizing the delivery of programs and services; developing departmental budgets; approving expenditures and monitoring revenue and expenditures; providing expert professional assistance to City management staff in areas of expertise; fostering cooperative working relationships with other departments, outside agencies and the public served; and performs related work as required.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal Parks and Community Services Director is a collaborative and enthusiastic professional with a passion for providing outstanding recreation, parks, community services, and amenities for the community. They will be an approachable leader with a strong background in recreation administration, customer service, and community building. Competitive applicants will bring innovative ideas to the department, a proven background in staff development, strong leadership skills, and the ability to identify community needs and interests. This position requires a solid background in program development and administration, budget preparation, government administration, and regional collaboration. Cultural awareness and the ability to collaborate with a diverse community are essential for this position.
The selected candidate must have the ability to work positively and effectively with staff, promote positive morale, and develop a team-oriented working environment. A standout candidate has a solutions-oriented mindset, is highly organized, works with minimal supervision, is comfortable handling diverse responsibilities and adapting to change, makes sound and positive recommendations, communicates effectively, and actively engages in the department's day-to-day operations. They should also possess a talent for building relationships among diverse stakeholders.
Candidates who can demonstrate a proven track record of successful decision-making and action are highly desired.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager or their designee. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general direction and supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
Class Characteristics
This is a Department Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of an assigned department. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other elected and appointed City officials and managers and accomplishing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for achieving departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. The classification of Director is distinguished from the next lower class of Division Manager in that the latter has either oversight of multiple areas in large operational departments or is the manager of professional services with City-wide internal or external impact. Employees appointed to the Department Director classification on or after November 26, 2024, are excluded from the City's "competitive service" under Section 105 of the City's Personnel Rules & Regulations and thereby designated as at-will appointments serving at the will of the Appointing Authority. To review the Unrepresented Executive Employees Salary & Benefits Agreement, please click . This position follows standard administrative work hours, with occasional evenings and weekends required for meetings, events, or urgent departmental needs. Work is performed in person at city facilities and community locations to ensure effective leadership, collaboration, and service delivery.
Typical Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department; prepares and administers the department's budget, including determining staffing and operational needs; approves and monitors departmental expenditures.
- Plans, organizes, administers, reviews and evaluates the work of professional, technical, office support and operational staff through subordinate levels of supervision; provides for the selection, training, development and work evaluation of department staff; authorizes discipline as required; provides policy guidance and evaluation to staff.
- Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements, City needs and departmental mission.
- Prioritizes and allocates available resources; reviews and evaluates program and service delivery; makes recommendations for improvement and ensures maximum effective service delivery.
- Monitors the day-to-day operations to ensure that the department is meeting goals and objectives, is following policies and procedures, and is providing services effectively and efficiently; takes corrective action as appropriate.
- Handles administrative responsibilities for the department, including conferring with and representing the department and the City in meetings with the City Council, members of boards and commissions, various government agencies and the public; oversees the preparation of periodic and special reports, providing financial approval on documents, and preparing and delivering presentations.
- Serves on the management team and attends meetings and conferences ensuring departmental needs and concerns are represented.
- Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances and other materials; maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
- Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision; public agency budget development, contract administration, City-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area; organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility; principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures; methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures; record keeping principles and procedures; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and computer applications; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations; and techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:
Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas; provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City; prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner; interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility; select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques; effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of finance programs and administrative activities; conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports; establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or a field related to the area of assignment.
AND
Experience
Five (5) years of supervisory or administrative experience in the area of assignment.
Licenses and Certifications
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment. A valid California Driver's License is not a requirement for this position. However, persons hired into this class who intend to drive their personal vehicle and/or a City vehicle as part of their job duties will be required to possess a valid California Driver's License; alternatively, persons hired into this class could use alternative means of transportation as part of their job duties.
- At the option of the appointing authority or the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits designated licenses, professional registration, certification or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment.
Recruitment Process
Resumes cannot be substituted for a completed application.
The most qualified candidates, as determined by initial screening of applications, will be invited to participate in an oral and/or department panel interview.
The first round of interviews is tentatively scheduled for May 20, 2025. The eligibility list will be established from the interview process. Individuals on the eligibility list may be asked to participate in a second round of interviews based on specific individual qualifications and the City's needs. The eligibility list will remain in effect for one (1) year for potential future vacancies.
The City of San Ramon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex origin, sexual orientation or disability. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Division at hr@sanramon.ca.gov.
Information contained herein, including the recruitment process, is subject to change without notice.
The City's excellent benefit package includes: CalPERS retirement; medical, dental and vision plans; 12 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave accrued annually; 10.5 paid holidays; 3 floating holidays; adoption benefits; short and long term disability; employee assistance program; group and supplemental life insurance; and a retiree health savings plan.
for a detailed summary of our benefits by bargaining unit.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education completed.
- High School or Equivalent
- 1 year college (30 semester/45 quarter units)
- 2 years of college (Associate's Degree or 60 semester/90 quarter units)
- 3 years of college (90 semester/135 quarter units)
- 4 years of college (Bachelor's Degree or 120 semester/180 quarter units)
- Master's Degree or above
02
Please list relevant major coursework or fields(s) of study.
03
How many years of supervisory or administrative experience in the area of assignment do you possess?
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 4 years
- 4 years but less than 5 years
- 5 years but less than 6 years
- 6 years but less than 7 years
- 7 years but less than 8 years
- 8 years or more
04
Please describe your experience implementing a program or service that involved regional collaboration with multiple agencies.
05
What strategies have you used to develop the leadership skills of department staff to prepare them for advancement in their career?
06
Please describe your experience implementing community building activities and programs, in particular within culturally diverse communities.
07
What are some of the upcoming challenges communities will experience while implementing recreation and community services?
08
Please describe your experience developing high quality community services with limited staff and financial resources.
09
How do you leverage technology to provide efficient services to the community?
10
Describe your methodology for balancing staff workloads and direction from elected/appointed bodies.
11
What is your experience managing or participating in capital improvement projects. Include a project where you assumed a leadership role and describe any difficulties encountered.
Required Question