Recreation Programs Administrator

The City of Oceanside is a vibrant and diverse community situated as the gateway to San Diego County, spanning 42 square miles and including 3.5 miles of city-owned beaches. Incorporated in 1888, Oceanside is a Charter City operating under a Council-Manager form of government. With a population of over 171,000 residents and a median household income of $86,093, Oceanside boasts a rich variety of neighborhoods, planned developments, and thriving industries including manufacturing, distribution, tourism, agriculture, and a rapidly growing biotech sector. The city is committed to providing full municipal services including police and fire departments, water and wastewater utilities, and a library and housing authority, supported by a dedicated workforce of 955 full-time employees. The Parks and Recreation Department, recently re-established as an independent entity, manages an $8.6 million operating budget and generates over $1.6 million in revenue. The department oversees an extensive network of facilities including four recreation centers with gymnasiums, senior centers, aquatic facilities, community and neighborhood parks, skateparks, and miles of trails and open spaces. It employs 26 full-time and 175 part-time seasonal staff who work across divisions such as Special Events, Senior Services, Recreation, and Aquatics. The department also runs vital programs including senior transportation and feeding services and hosts city-wide special events and film permits that contribute significantly to the local economy, generating over $8.4 million in economic impact annually.

The Recreation Programs Administrator role is a key management position within the Parks and Recreation Department. This provisional appointment, effective no earlier than May 2026 pending City Council approval and lasting through March 31, 2027 unless extended, involves comprehensive oversight of four recreation centers, two senior centers, one teen center, various recreation programs, youth and adult sports, volunteer services, facility rentals, and custodial services. As part of the department’s management team, the Recreation Programs Administrator collaborates closely with staff, community partners, and local organizations to design, implement, and promote engaging community programs that meet the diverse needs of Oceanside residents. This role requires leadership skills to supervise staff, strong project management abilities, and the capacity to analyze program outcomes and respond proactively to community interests and needs.

Key responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, developing and administering budgets and grants, coordinating marketing and public outreach initiatives, and building strategic partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups. The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, sound judgment in decision-making, and the ability to foster high-quality customer service and community engagement. They are also responsible for securing and managing grant funding, overseeing contract administration, maintaining accurate program data, and handling inquiries and concerns from various stakeholders. The position demands a solid background in recreation or public administration, coupled with proven supervisory and organizational experience. The role operates within a traditional Monday through Friday office environment with no hybrid or telework options, and bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is desirable. The City of Oceanside values diversity and inclusion, striving to serve its multifaceted community through accessible and innovative recreational opportunities.