Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development Director

City of Oakland, CA • Oakland, CA

71d • $180,277 - $270,415

About The Position

The Director of Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) is an at-will executive management position reporting directly to the City Administrator. The Director provides visionary and strategic leadership for one of Oakland's most visible and community-centered departments, overseeing the city's parks, recreation facilities, and youth development programs that serve residents of all ages. The Director serves as the City's chief strategist for parks, recreation, and youth development, working across sectors to ensure all Oakland residents have access to safe spaces, equitable programs, and meaningful opportunities for engagement and growth. The next Director will join OPRYD at a dynamic moment, as the department continues to expand youth programming, restore facilities, and strengthen community trust. This leader will bring vision, strategic planning, steadiness, and a commitment to equity and accessibility - centering Oakland's diverse voices while building an inclusive, accountable, and high-performing organization. The ideal candidate is a strategic, people-centered leader with outstanding management skills, including the ability to build, mentor, and inspire effective teams while holding staff accountable. They should be savvy in public sector finance and operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility while translating complex financial information for diverse audiences. The successful candidate must be a confident, collaborative, and decisive leader with strong judgment, professional presence, and an inspiring demeanor. This is an opportunity for a bold, adaptable leader to shape the future of parks, recreation, and youth development in Oakland while leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Requirements

• Proven ability to lead complex, high-visibility departments, or initiatives.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in program design and leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Capacity to understand city operations and the department's strategic role within the municipal government.
• Vision for innovation and service excellence, balanced with practical execution and operational accountability.
• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, social sciences, recreation, park management, or closely related field. A Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Experience: Five years of executive level management experience in urban parks and recreation, recreation administration, conservation, planning or other community focused services in a public sector or a closely related field, including two years of supervisory experience. Public sector experience is highly desirable.
• License: Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long- and short-term goals that center on equity, inclusion, and community well-being.
• Prioritize safety, accessibility, and high-quality facilities and open spaces.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Develop and manage the department budget, ensure sound fiscal policies and transparent controls, while investing in vital programs, community, and staff development.
• In collaboration with other Departments and City leadership implement "best-in-class" project planning, including capital improvements, system-wide maintenance, technology integration, marketing, civic engagement, and performance-based management.
• Collaborate with Public Works Department leadership to ensure coordinated facility maintenance and adopt best practices for work order systems, meeting state and national standards.
• Develop a comprehensive long-term capital improvement program.
• Identify and secure non-general-fund revenue through public/private partnerships, sponsorships, fundraising, and grants.
• Implement a comprehensive training program for employees at all levels to promote professional development and operational excellence.

Benefits

• generous medical insurance
• life insurance
• automobile allowance
• paid holidays
• vacation
• sick leave
• management leave
• public sector retirement (CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 classic member; 2% @ 62 new PEPRA member)
• voluntary deferred compensation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support