Director of Recreation and Parks

Overview

The City of Santa Maria invites applications for the position of Director of Recreation and Parks
. Lead a dynamic team that enriches lives through engaging programs and well-maintained parks and help shape the future of our community in a growing California city.

Open:
February 3, 2026

Close Date:
March 6, 2026

Interview:
To be determined

CITY OF SANTA MARIA

DIRECTOR OF RECREATION AND PARKS

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $ - $240,492 ANNUALLY/DOE

The City of Santa Maria, City Manager's Office, invites applications for the position of Director of Recreation and Parks
.

Lead a dynamic team that enriches lives through engaging programs and well-maintained parks and help shape the future of our community in a growing California city!

The Recreation and Parks Department Director Strategic Leader is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team reporting directly to the City Manager. This strategic and visionary role leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive recreation programs, parks operations, facility maintenance, and community events. The Director fosters community relationships, guides departmental staff, and ensures high-quality services that align with City priorities and resident needs.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a strong background in municipal recreation, parks management, and community engagement. They are passionate about enriching lives through safe, inclusive, and innovative programs, as well as maintaining high-quality parks and facilities.

This individual excels in strategic planning, operational oversight, and fiscal management, and brings a proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead a diverse team. They are an effective communicator who can build strong partnerships with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate embraces creativity, fosters equity and accessibility in all programs, and is committed to shaping the future of recreation and community wellness.

View the full recruitment brochure here:
Director of Recreation and Parks Brochure. (Link not provided in this refined version.)

Due upon application: resume and cover letter detailing interest in position.

Director of Recreation and Park - Corporate/Executive Leader Broadband job class. The full salary range is $ - $ Annually.

• Develops and shares a vision along with strategic goals in the planning, coordinating, and promoting of a comprehensive program of recreation and park activities including activities of cultural, instructional, wellness, sports and community special activities/events.
• Demonstrates leadership and team-building capacity in unifying various professional and technical staff, responsible for specific tasks in a development process, and establish a culture of collaboration and integrated-thinking.
• Evaluates community needs for parks and recreation; meets with interested groups and individuals to discuss programs, facilities and needed improvements and develops the budget to align resources with these needs.
• Establishes relationships to foster collaboration and consultation with the stakeholders including the Recreation and Parks Commission.
• Establishes expectations for responsive customer service, and provides direction on implementing effective workflow processes.
• Seeks innovation and oversees research of possible funding sources to supplement city resources and administration of grant programs received by the City in recreation and parks.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.

• Significant years of leadership and management experience to perform the job effectively; and
• Graduation from college with specialization in recreation management, public administration/finance or social group work, and/or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Desired licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment. Should possess First Aid/CPR;
  Prof…