Program Manager (Children and Youth Services Masterplan) - PRNS

City of San Jose • San Jose, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) is seeking candidates for a limit-dated Program Manager vacancy in the Community Services Division. This position is crucial for implementing one of the City's highest priorities, the Children and Youth Services Master Plan 2.0. The role involves building a citywide system to ensure children, youth, and families have access to necessary resources, opportunities, and support. The Master Plan serves as San José's roadmap for improving outcomes for this demographic by aligning City and partner efforts to expand opportunity, address inequities, strengthen coordination, and prioritize underserved communities. The Program Manager will collaborate with executive leadership, City departments, community-based organizations, schools, philanthropic partners, and regional agencies to achieve measurable results. The ideal candidate is an innovative thinker with expertise in child and youth development, education, or family services, capable of translating vision into action. They should excel at building trusted relationships, communicating effectively (both orally and in writing), managing multiple initiatives, using data for decision-making, and advancing equity. This position reports to the Deputy Director of the Community Services Division.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Five (5) years of directly related experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Deep expertise in child and youth development, education, or family services.
• Ability to translate vision into action.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse communities and organizations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, elected officials, and community partners.
• Exceptional communicator with strong writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-profile initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to use data to drive decision-making, measure outcomes, and support continuous improvement.
• Commitment to advancing equity, fostering systems change, and creating opportunities for youth and families in historically underserved communities.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity while leading collaborative efforts that produce meaningful and lasting community impact.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing strategic initiatives that advance the Children and Youth Services Master Plan and City Council priorities.
• Leading cross-departmental and cross-sector collaboration among City departments, community-based organizations, educational institutions, philanthropic partners, County agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Supporting implementation of the City's "No Wrong Door" system of care by strengthening coordination, reducing service barriers, and improving access for children, youth, and families.
• Preparing City Council memoranda, committee reports, executive briefings, presentations, and policy recommendations.
• Managing budgets, contracts, grant agreements, consultant agreements, and interagency partnerships.
• Designing and monitoring performance measures, evaluating program outcomes, and using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Coordinating strategic planning efforts and facilitating collaborative meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through culturally responsive policies, programs, and community engagement.
• Representing the City before community groups, elected officials, partner organizations, and regional collaboratives.
• Supporting special projects and executive initiatives as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation.
• Potential for placement in other internal job opportunities if the position is discontinued.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager