Recreation Services Manager

City of SunnyvaleSunnyvale, CA
Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale is looking to hire a Recreation Services Manager to join the Department of Library and Recreation Services! This recruitment may also be used to fill future Recreation Services Manager vacancies. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and the ability to create a team-oriented environment that emphasizes cooperation with other departments and partner agencies, as well as responsiveness in achieving the City’s goals and objectives. Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations of an assigned Recreation Division within the Library and Recreation Services Department, including recreation, arts, and community services programs; participates in the development of policies and strategies for division operations; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Deputy Director of Recreation Services in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in recreation, leisure, arts administration, public administration, business administration, hospitality management, or related field; AND Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of recreation, arts, and/or community services, including prior experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
  • Knowledge of organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership.
  • Knowledge of administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
  • Knowledge of principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of budget development and administration.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of contract administration and management.
  • Knowledge of general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of recreation and leisure programming and service delivery, including rules, materials, best practices, and equipment.
  • Knowledge of community organizations to source and partner in the provision of recreation and community programs and services.
  • Knowledge of methods and practices of evaluating, developing, and implementing recreation, arts, and community services programs.
  • Knowledge of complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
  • Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
  • Knowledge of recent and on-going developments related to the operations of the assigned department.
  • Knowledge of methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Knowledge of City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  • Ability to select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
  • Ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Ability to provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the assigned Recreation Services Division.
  • Ability to prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
  • Ability to understand community leisure and social conditions to determine special recreation needs.
  • Ability to plan, oversee, coordinate, review, and evaluate recreation and leisure program operations and activities.
  • Ability to develop promotional materials and effectively market City recreation and leisure programs and services.
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
  • Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Ability to supervise the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
  • Ability to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  • Ability to effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
  • Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
  • Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

  • Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of an assigned Recreation Division, including recreation, arts, and community services programs, youth sports, and aquatics.
  • Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
  • Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
  • Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations to the Deputy Director of Recreation Services.
  • Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; collaborates with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends discipline.
  • Performs project management responsibilities; develops logical and efficient project plans; establishes priorities; monitors and manages task completion; anticipates and avoids problems; works collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and user groups to ensure project accountability.
  • Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
  • Oversees the development and implementation of recreation, arts, and community services programs, services, and facilities to meet community needs and interests, while utilizing market-based pricing strategies and a balanced approach to subsidizing activities while reducing dependency on the General Fund.
  • Acts as a representative to educational institutions, community groups, private businesses, and others regarding questions, problems, concerns, and activities in the provision of recreation program operations, activities, facilities, amenities, and services; cultivates partnerships to maximize community benefit and leverage City resources.
  • Makes recommendations regarding the implementation of annual and long-range Capital Improvement Programs; manages Capital Improvement Projects at gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, pools, and related facilities.
  • Oversees the marketing of recreation programs and activities; supervises and participates in the design, preparation, and distribution of recreation publicity including activity guides, press releases, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, and printed schedules.
  • Evaluates community needs and interests; prepares community surveys; ensures facilities, programs, and activities are meeting the changing needs of the community; recommends new recreation programs; forecasts trends and develops curriculum.
  • Plans, organizes, and coordinates special events, including logistics, staffing, budget, and coordination with outside vendors, event producers, and contractors.
  • Serves as liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces.
  • Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Deputy Director of Recreation Services; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
  • Reviews the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, and the public.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of contemporary trends and innovations in the field of recreation and community services.
  • Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
  • Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from residents, other departments, and agencies.
  • Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • SMA Benefits Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service