Recreation Programs Administrator

The City of Oceanside is a vibrant and rapidly growing community located in San Diego County, California. Incorporated in 1888, Oceanside serves as a dynamic gateway to the county, encompassing 42 square miles, including 3.5 miles of pristine city-owned beaches. As a Charter City operating under a Council-Manager form of government, Oceanside provides comprehensive municipal services, including its own police and fire departments, water and wastewater utilities, library, and housing authority. The city proudly employs approximately 955 full-time staff dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for its diverse population of over 171,000 residents. Oceanside boasts a median household income of $86,093 and is characterized by a mix of diverse neighborhoods, planned developments, vibrant 55+ communities, numerous mobile home parks, a revitalized downtown area, and extensive agricultural lands. Economic sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, tourism, and agriculture remain strong pillars of the local economy, supplemented by a burgeoning biotech industry that contributes to the region's innovation and growth.

Within this thriving city, the Parks and Recreation Department has recently re-established itself as an independent entity with a robust operating budget of $8.6 million and revenue generation exceeding $1.6 million. The department manages a wide range of recreational facilities, including four recreation centers with gymnasiums, two senior centers, three aquatic facilities, community and neighborhood parks, skateparks, trails, and open space. Staffed by 26 full-time employees and supported by 175 part-time seasonal workers across four divisions – Special Events, Senior Services, Recreation, and Aquatics – the department offers diverse programs such as youth and adult sports leagues, swim lessons, after-school and teen activities, and various special interest classes. Additionally, the department administers a transportation program and a senior feeding program alongside managing city-wide special events and film permits that drive over $8.4 million in economic impact.

The Recreation Programs Administrator position plays a critical management role within the Parks and Recreation Department by overseeing key community recreation centers and programs. This provisional appointment, projected to begin no earlier than May 2026 pending City Council approval and lasting through March 31, 2027 unless extended, commands leadership and operational oversight of four recreation centers, two senior centers, one teen center, youth and adult sports programs, volunteer services, facility rentals, and custodial services. As a member of the department’s management team, the Recreation Programs Administrator collaborates intimately with staff, community partners, and local organizations to design and implement engaging programs. The role involves securing and managing grant funding, developing outreach strategies to boost participation and build community awareness, and maintaining high standards of customer service.

This leadership position demands a seasoned professional with excellent supervisory skills, capable of managing multiple projects, analyzing program performance, and responding adeptly to community needs. Success depends on building strong partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups, crafting impactful marketing and outreach campaigns, and applying sound judgment in operational decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess a background in recreation or public administration combined with strong organizational skills and a passion for serving diverse populations. Overall, this position provides an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of recreational services in Oceanside.