The City of San Jose (population approximately 950,767) is looking for a collaborative leader with a proven record to think strategically, enhance operational efficiencies, deliver high-quality programs and services, communicate skillfully, and attract, develop, and empower talented results-oriented leaders throughout the department. The successful candidate will be expected to continuously demonstrate interpersonal skills and judgment to create trust, deliver results, and influence a positive inclusive culture.

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 46 community centers, 10 regional parks, 202 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, 293 playgrounds and almost 65 miles of trails, and programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community.

In partnership with the Director, the Assistant Director provides leadership of the organization and strategic guidance to the four Deputy Directors. Reporting to the Director, this position is charged with running the complex day-to-day operations of the agency with 575 full-time staff and nearly 300 part-time staff (benefited and unbenefited) and an operating budget of approximately $30 million along revenue sources including capital, grants, revenue generation and other special funds.

The ideal candidate will offer a professional history that reflects the ability to: 

• Empower People to do their best work and contribute to their highest potential. In addition, demonstrated success with mentoring and developing future managers and leaders is highly desirable. 
• Build Community through the effective and efficient delivery of services that enhance the quality of life for stakeholders and by providing well-maintained facilities and spaces for the community to play, learn, gather, connect, and engage. 
• Deliver on Major Projects that are managed within allocated resources and approved timelines. Adeptness at overseeing complex projects, navigating through challenges, and overcoming perceived obstacles will be expected. Experience with capital projects/programs is preferred but not required. 
• Enhance Efficiency in the operational and administrative aspects of a division or department that reflects a keen sense for identifying opportunities for optimization, simplification and/or automation. 
• Think Strategically in ways that allow an organization to proactively identify issues so that team members can maximize their creative problem-solving abilities and the agency remains nimble and adaptable to emerging community needs and aspirations. 
• Communicate Skillfully verbally and in writing in ways that reflect a deep understanding of the industry, high emotional intelligence, sophisticated political acumen, and impressive cultural competency. Outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills will be expected; excellent presentation and speaking skills are strongly preferred. 
• Attract Quality Talent to an organization by designing and implementing entrepreneurial strategies that expand reach, increase interest and result in high caliber talent pools.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, recreation administration, parks management, or related field; a master's degree is preferred. 
• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in business management, business administration and/or relevant experience is required. 
• Experience at a level equivalent to Deputy Director or higher in a mid-size or large diverse community is desirable.
• Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a public agency is strongly preferred.
• Experience in both parks and recreation is desirable but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

The approved salary range for this position is $170,138.54 - $274,847.82. The actual salary will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. The City of San Jose provides an excellent array of benefits.

How To Apply

Candidates must apply by Friday, April 19, 2024, with resume, cover letter and contact information for five work-related references (including 1 supervisor, 1 direct report and 1 colleague) to www.GovHRjobs.com to the attention of Chuck Balling, Vice President, or Joe DeLuce, Vice President, GovHR USA. Tel: (847) 380-3240 x 130 or x 155.

The City of San Jose is an Equal Opportunity Employer.