Senior Center & Community Programs Director - City of Gardendale

JobsQuest•Gardendale, TX

About The Position

The City of Gardendale seeks a qualified Senior Center & Community Programs Director to oversee the administration and operation of the senior center and coordinate community programs and special events for the Center and the City. This role includes planning and evaluating programs and events, managing the senior nutrition program and department budget, supervising staff and volunteers, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing facility operations, developing funding through grants and partnerships, and promoting community engagement for older adults and the broader community.

Requirements

Valid Driver’s license.
Experience serving in a leadership or management role with responsibility for administering senior services, senior community programs, or senior recreation programs.
Experience planning, coordinating, and evaluating recreational, educational, cultural, or community events.
Experience managing an operating, grant, or program budget.

Nice To Haves

Certified in CPR and First Aid.
Food Handlers Permit.
Experience coordinating overnight or multi-day trips, travel programs, or excursions with responsibility for participant safety and logistics.
Experience working in a small or mid-size municipal organization with broad operational responsibility.

Responsibilities

Serves as department head for the agency by providing leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight of senior and community programs in accordance with organizational policies and governing authority requirements to ensure effective and compliant departmental operations.
Establishes and enforces policies and procedures for the planning, coordination, and execution of senior programs and special events, ensuring safe operations and consistent practices across staff and volunteers.
Plans, coordinates, and evaluates recreational, educational, cultural, and community programs and special events for older adults and the general public by assessing community interest, collaborating with staff and partners, and following established program guidelines to ensure meaningful participation and service delivery.
Performs administrative functions by preparing reports, serving on boards and committees, communicating with media representatives, monitoring facility conditions, and applying applicable local, state, and federal guidelines to support compliant and efficient Center operations.
Prepares, administers, and monitors operating, grant, and program budgets for the senior center and community events, including forecasting expenditures, tracking revenues and grant funds, and recommending budget adjustments as needed to ensure fiscal accountability.
Oversees contracts and grant-funded agreements supporting senior services, community programs, and city improvement initiatives, including coordination with funding agencies to ensure compliance, reporting, and performance outcomes.
Plans, schedules, and manages the senior nutrition program by coordinating services, overseeing daily operations, and monitoring facilities and equipment in compliance with program standards and regulations to ensure safe and effective meal service.
Supervises staff by assigning and distributing work, directing staff in their job duties, monitoring progress of work, providing feedback and/or training.
Plans, coordinates, and travels with senior participants on overnight and multi-day trips by arranging logistics, supervising activities, and following safety procedures to ensure participant safety and successful program experiences.
Identifies funding opportunities and develops grant proposals by researching funding sources, preparing required documentation, and adhering to grant guidelines to secure and maintain financial support for programs and operations.
Establishes and maintains partnerships with community organizations, vendors, sponsors, and public agencies by coordinating activities and agreements in accordance with organizational objectives to support and expand programs and events.