Recreation Director

City Manager

The City of Seaside is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of City Manager. This is a full-time role with an annual salary of $221,156.00. The position is located at the Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside, CA 93955.

Priority screening application deadline is August 14, 2026. Applications submitted incomplete and/or without the required documents and responses to application and supplemental questions will be disqualified. Applications will be accepted continuously until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

This recruitment may close at any time without notice. Priority Screening Deadline: August 14th 2026. A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard online City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to change components of the examination process.

As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam, including a drug screen.

The City of Seaside provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for the City's recreation programs, special events, and City sponsored cultural and leisure programs; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs other work as required.

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises general direction over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of management and supervision.

This is a Department Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Community Services Department, including short- and long-term planning and development and administration. This class provides assistance to the City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, municipal functions and activities, including the role of an elected City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas.

Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and clients, local residents, community groups, and private businesses and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, organizes, manages, controls, and evaluates through subordinate management staff all of the construction, maintenance, and repair activities assigned to the department, including landscaped areas, parkways, open spaces, pools, pavilions, athletic fields, park amenities, and facilities to assure the safety and security of City patrons.
• Plans, organizes, manages, controls, and evaluates through subordinate management staff, the City's recreational programs including youth programs, adult and youth sports, aquatics, cultural arts, social services, contract programs, and special events.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Plans, organizes, manages, controls, and evaluates through subordinate management staff all of the construction, maintenance, and repair activities assigned to the department, including landscaped areas, parkways, open spaces, pools, pavilions, athletic fields, park amenities, and facilities to ensure the safety and security of City patrons.
• Act as a liaison, attend meetings of, and prepare reports, agendas and minutes for Commission and community advisory groups, including the Parks & Recreation Commission, Senior Commission, and Historical Commission; provide technical and professional advice and recommendations related to art, history, and recreation commissions for the City of Seaside.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Supervise the maintenance of records, reports, and division program software such as RECTRAC, Target Solutions, Suite One and Incode.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project afterward; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers the same afterward.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Access community recreation interests and make recommendations to ensure productive implementation of City recreation programs.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Direct the development of grants, corporate sponsorships, donations, and other fundraising programs to support services and programs.
• Oversee and schedule City-wide special events.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in recreation administration, public or business administration, or a related field and seven (7) years of management experience in community services and recreation. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Driver's License. Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, City-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Principles and practices of community services program development and management in a municipal setting.
• Principles and techniques of community services long-term maintenance planning and budgeting.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of community services projects.
• Principles, procedures, and practices for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of recreation and leisure activities and programs through community participation.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.