COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR (AT-WILL)

Community Services Director

Are you passionate about Community Services and dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents? The City of National City is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to become our next Community Services Director. About the Role : As the Community Services Director, you will oversee the planning, management, and execution of various community programs and services. This key leadership position is part of the City's Executive Team, directly responsible for enhancing recreational, cultural, and social opportunities that benefit our diverse population. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time without notice once sufficient qualified applicants are received. National City's multi-cultural population, mild climate and central location make National City a great place to live and work. The City takes great pride in its rich history and traditions, diverse cultures, dynamic and progressive atmosphere, strong community spirit, schools, neighborhoods and vibrant business districts. National City is 10 minutes from everywhere and positioned for prosperity, with proximity to the San Diego Bay, US-Mexico border, downtown San Diego, international airport, rail, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities. National City is circled by interstates 5 and 805, and highways 54 and 15.

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager or designee; plans, organizes, coordinates, controls, and directs the delivery of programs and services in the Community Services Department, which includes recreation services, activities, facilities, and special events; senior and nutritional services; manages and makes budget, personnel and policy decisions; develops and implements strategic plans that meet community and City needs; and performs related duties as assigned.

The following duties and responsibilities are representative of those typically performed by positions assigned to this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these duties and / or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

• Plans, organizes, directs and supervises the programs and activities of the Community Services Department; directs and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities to ensure project and program objectives are met.
• Provides guidance and direction to staff in resolving day-to-day operations, meeting goals and deadlines, and developing and implementing diverse and innovative programs and services related to recreation services, activities, facilities, and special events, senior and nutritional services.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitors workloads, organizational structure, staffing, service levels, and administrative systems; identifies opportunities for improvement, and directs the implementation of changes.
• Prepares and monitors the annual department budget maintaining appropriate budget controls, making recommendations to the City Manager regarding operations, staffing, equipment, materials, facilities and supplies.
• Supervises staff of the Community Services Department; selects, assigns, monitors and evaluates work performance; establishes rules, procedures and / or standards; provides training and guidance; administers personnel policies; coaches employees to correct performance issues; and implements discipline.
• Works with community representatives, City management and staff to develop, plan, and implement long-term and short-term department goals, objectives, and services needs through an assessment of community needs.
• Identifies potential grant opportunities, developing grant applications and budgets, tracking grant performance and ensuring grant reporting compliance.
• Studies and analyzes department operations; makes recommendation for improvements and works with staff, other City departments and outside agencies to initiate improvements.
• Keeps up-to-date on current trends, technology and best practices in the delivery of department services and activities; evaluates developments and trends for possible application to department.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with City departments, community leaders, organizations, and local businesses to provide a variety of services, projects and activities for the community.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other city agencies, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal agencies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; serves as the City's representative to regional, state, and national organizations.
• Represents the department at public meetings and discusses and presents Community Services matters to the City Council, commissions, boards, state and federal agencies, and community groups, as required.
• Prepares or directs the preparation, and presents complex staff reports, correspondence, documents, studies, and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, boards and committees.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

Training and Experience : Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public, business or parks administration, recreation, urban studies, social services or a closely related field; and six (6) years of increasingly responsible management experience, in the areas of business or public administration; cultural, recreational, parks, community, social, and / or closely related services and programs. Experience must include at least three (3) years of administrative and supervisory experience in a public agency implementing and evaluating Community Services initiatives. Possession of a Master's degree in a related field is desired and may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Knowledge and Skills in : Principles, practices and procedures of public administration with emphasis on cultural, recreational, senior, nutritional, community, and social services; program development and evaluation; theory, principles and practices of planning and directing social, and recreational activities for various age groups; budget planning, preparation and control; management and supervisory principles and practices, including training, evaluation and discipline methods; principles and practices of public relations; pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations; emerging trends in cultural, recreational, senior, nutritional, community, transportation, social services. Ability to : Plan, organize, and direct the administration and operations of the Community Services Department; develop and implement projects and programs; evaluate program effectiveness and recommend and implement changes; organize and promote city and community events; develop and direct the implementation of departmental strategic plans, goals, objectives, policies and procedures; analyze and interpret applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards related to departmental services and objectives; plan, develop, and direct innovative programs and projects; prepare clear, accurate, and complete reports, correspondence, informational materials and other written documents; provide innovative recommendations and solutions to problems and issues; make public presentations and communicate effectively both orally and in writing; plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the performance of managers, professional, technical, and support staff; establish and maintain effective, responsive, and cooperative working relationships with all levels of staff, public officials, community groups, and a diverse community; provide effective customer service; and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines.

A comparative review and evaluation of all applications will be conducted by a screening committee. Those candidates possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to participate in an appraisal interview. To apply for this exciting career opportunity, all applicants must submit a City application, cover letter, and resume via the City of National City website. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held, as well as size of staff you have managed. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include an oral interview and / or other assessments designed to predict successful job performance. The City of National City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any class protected by law.