Director of Community Services

City of Walnut•City of Walnut, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction from the City Manager, the Director of Community Services will be a skilled, dedicated leader who can build on the organization's success and guide it to the next level. Ethics, integrity, customer service, and clear communication with the City Council, residents, colleagues, and staff are essential. The Director of Community Services will plan, direct, manage, and oversee the Community Services Department special events, recreational activities, facilities, and operations. Program areas include a Senior Community Center, Gymnasium and Teen Center, recreation classes, and sports leagues. The City is fiscally stable, has high staff morale, and is proud of its strong record of providing excellent community events, resources, and programs for residents of all ages. The Director must be able to demonstrate strong organizational skills and champion best practices in partnership with City leadership and employees; guide, direct, and mentor staff while planning and prioritizing tasks and projects, foster and manage community events and programs. The Department has 9 full-time and up to 75 seasonal part-time employees. The 26/27 department budget is $3,149,910. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS, WITH THE FIRST REVIEW ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2026. INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY EARLY!

Requirements

Requires a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible experience in community services and recreation program development and implementation, including supervisory responsibility.
Education equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation administration, sociology, business administration, or a related field.
A California driver's license with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

Direct a variety of programs including recreational activities, sports activities, senior and teen programs, special events, facility management, and other community services as needed.
Oversee and manage City's social media program and supervise staff.
Administer complex contractual agreements with outside agencies and companies, contract instructors, and other service providers.
Implement revisions of policies, procedures, and other information pertaining to the administration of the City and the Community Services Department; conduct research, perform complex analysis and review for conformance with City Code and other legal requirements.
Design work activities and projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Oversee marketing procedures and publicity of recreational events and programs including production and dissemination of marketing and public information materials such as flyers, signs, exhibits, newsletters, and brochures.
Provide complex staff assistance and support to the City Manager, City Council, commissions, or committees.
Act as a liaison with Local, County and State agencies in the development and implementation of programs, assist in developing program policies, guidelines, and service levels.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Community Services staff; coordinate staff training; establish and monitor employee performance objectives.
Direct the preparation of the budget and work program; implement and administer approved budgets; authorize and process the purchase of equipment, services, and supplies; monitor and control budget expenditures.
Coordinate departmental activities with other City or outside program efforts; assure cooperation between staff and other City or outside agencies; respond to complaints or requests for information.
Foster cooperative working relationships with other departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of services delivered.
Enforce safety rules; interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations; train staff in the enforcement of rules and regulations; properly interpret and make decisions in enforcement.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Work extended hours to attend meetings, events, and other functions on behalf of the City, including evening, holiday, and weekend hours.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City officials, City employees, community groups and the public.
Perform other duties as assigned.