Deputy Director of Recreation & Community Services

Los Alamitos, City of•Los Alamitos Community Center, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Recreation & Community Services is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the Department’s daily operations and supporting the Director of Recreation & Community Services in strategic planning and program delivery. This position provides high-level managerial and administrative support in the development, implementation, and evaluation of City programs, including recreation services, park programming and development, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), community and social services, events, and facility rentals. The Deputy Director manages the day-to-day operations and plans, directs, and evaluates departmental programs, services, facilities, and operations; supervises professional and administrative staff; and ensures effective coordination across City departments and external partners. The position also serves as acting Director when designated and acts as the liaison to assigned commissions and committees. This role requires flexibility, including evening and weekend work, and occasional travel.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation, public administration or related field.
Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible full-time experience, including four (4) years at full-time Manager level experience in the development and management of municipal recreation and community and social service programs, event management, and parks and recreation facilities.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods used in parks and recreation management.
Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, rules, codes, and ordinances.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective project management, and technical report preparation and presentation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of contract negotiation, preparation, and administration.
Knowledge of principles and practices of program organization, evaluation, development, and administration.
Knowledge of recent developments, contemporary trends and practices of parks, recreation, arts, and events.
Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities of recreational and community service programs.
Knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
Knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software; computer-based project management and scheduling.
Knowledge of safe work practices.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the administration and operations of the Recreation & Community Services Department, venue rentals, arts, events, programs, and activities.
Ability to develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Ability to analyze budget and technical reports; draft, interpret, and evaluate staff reports and related documents; understand and interpret laws, regulations, codes, and procedures related to assigned areas; observe performance, motivate, train, and evaluate staff; explain and interpret policy.
Ability to analyze complex problems, identify and evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations related to Department activities.
Ability to coordinate Department activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
Ability to gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Ability to lead, manage, and motivate diverse teams while fostering a collaborative work environment.
Ability to develop, control, and administer the Department budget and expenditures, working with the management team.
Ability to interpret, evaluate, and apply City and Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure project compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Ability to research and report on current Parks and Recreation legislation.
Ability to develop plans, schedules, specifications, and cost estimates for assigned projects.
Ability to negotiate and administer service contracts and prepare bid packages.
Ability to analyze Department support needs and ensure prompt and efficient delivery of service, materials, and supplies.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to use computer technology and applications in the performance of daily activities.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to perform other duties as assigned.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree in Public Administration or Recreation Administration is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Oversee the delivery of recreation programs, community services, events, and facility operations.
Oversee front desk operations, including registration, deposits, balancing, and customer service.
Administer the Department event calendar and manage the Community Calendar.
Assist in managing facility maintenance and department vehicles.
Assist in the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, service quality, and customer experience; implement improvements and risk management practices.
Coordinate major departmental initiatives, projects, and capital improvements; stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; recommend hiring, discipline, and performance standards; and oversee training and professional development programs.
Participate in and oversee the preparation and administration of departmental budgets, including revenue projections, cost recovery analysis, grants, and expenditure control.
Provide oversight of park and facility operations and ensure alignment with City standards and community needs.
Review and approve final departmental marketing and communications.
Serve as a liaison to assigned advisory boards, community groups, and other stakeholders; provide technical guidance and support.
Research, prepare, and present reports, recommendations, and presentations to the City Council, commissions, and committees.
Analyze complex operational and community issues; develop and implement effective solutions.
Conduct and lead the team in an annual Department program and event evaluation.
Exercises sound judgment, prioritizes tasks, and maintains political awareness.
Analyzes complex issues related to parks and recreation.
Report, research, and participate in advocacy in parks and recreation legislation.
Foster partnerships and coordinate activities with other City departments, agencies, and community organizations.
Assists the Director in community representation at external activities, functions, and events.
Attend internal City events in a department lead capacity.
Act on behalf of the Director when designated.
Engages with the public and collaborates with Citizen advisory boards, Community Foundation, vendors and partners, City and community officials.
Performs additional duties as assigned.