Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development Director

To view the full Recruitment Brochure clickHERE

The Director of Oakland Parks Recreation & Youth Development (OPRYD) is an at-will executive management position reporting directly to the City Administrator. The Director provides visionary and strategic leadership for one of Oaklands most visible and community-centered departments overseeing the citys parks recreation facilities and youth development programs that serve residents of all ages.

The Director serves as the Citys chief strategist for parks recreation and youth development working across sectors to ensure all Oakland residents have access to safe spaces equitable programs and meaningful opportunities for engagement and growth.

Specific duties include:

• Develop and implement long- and short-term goals that center on equity inclusion and community well-being.
• Prioritize safety accessibility and high-quality facilities and open spaces.
• Foster a culture of creativity collaboration accountability and professional growth.
• Develop and manage the department budget ensure sound fiscal policies and transparent controls while investing in vital programs community and staff development.
• In collaboration with other Departments and City leadership implement best-in-class project planning including capital improvements system-wide maintenance technology integration marketing civic engagement and performance-based management.
• Collaborate with Public Works Department leadership to ensure coordinated facility maintenance and adopt best practices for work order systems meeting state and national standards.
• Develop a comprehensive long-term capital improvement program.
• Identify and secure non-general-fund revenue through public/private partnerships sponsorships fundraising and grants.
• Implement a comprehensive training program for employees at all levels to promote professional development and operational excellence.

To learn more about the position and to view the full recruitment brochure clickHERE

The Ideal Candidate

The next Director will join OPRYD at a dynamic moment as the department continues to expand youth programming restore facilities and strengthen community trust. This leader will bring vision strategic planning steadiness and a commitment to equity and accessibility centering Oaklands diverse voices while building an inclusive accountable and high-performing organization.

The ideal candidate is a strategic people-centered leader with outstanding management skills including the ability to build mentor and inspire effective teams while holding staff accountable. They should be savvy in public sector finance and operations ensuring fiscal responsibility while translating complex financial information for diverse audiences.

The successful candidate must be a confident collaborative and decisive leader with strong judgment professional presence and an inspiring demeanor. Key qualities include:

• Proven ability to lead complex high-visibility departments or initiatives.
• Commitment to diversity equity inclusion and social justice in program design and leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills both oral and written with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Capacity to understand city operations and the departments strategic role within the municipal government.
• Vision for innovation and service excellence balanced with practical execution and operational accountability.

This is an opportunity for a bold adaptable leader to shape the future of parks recreation and youth development in Oakland while leaving a lasting impact on the community.

The following qualifications are guidelines as the appointing authority has broad discretion in filling positions in this classification:

Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in public administration social sciences recreation park management or closely related field. A Masters degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Five years of executive level management experience in urban parks and recreation recreation administration conservation planning or other community focused services in a public sector or a closely related field including two years of supervisory experience. Public sector experience is highly desirable.

License: Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Drivers License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

To view the full Recruitment Brochure clickHERE

The Process
The process for the Director position will begin with the screening of applications resumes and cover letters by the Human Resources Management Department. The most qualified candidates will be contacted to arrange a screening interview which will determine who advances to the interview phase. Interviews will be conducted - likely with a panel of external stakeholders familiar with the position and with internal representatives. The most highly qualified candidate will be selected for this critical position and will serve at the pleasure of the City Administrator.

Compensation & Benefits

This comprehensive package reflects the Citys commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in public service. The salary range for this position is $180276.84 - $270415.20 annually. Salary is negotiable within the defined range depending on qualifications. Benefits include generous medical insurance life insurance automobile allowance paid holidays vacation sick leave management leave public sector retirement (CalPERS 2.5% @ 55 classic member; 2% @ 62 new PEPRA member) and voluntary deferred compensation. Click on the link for the citys 2025 Benefits Matrix.

To view the full Recruitment Brochure clickHERE