Community Services Manager (Special Events)

Summary

Oral Interview Date: Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2025

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Community Services Manager in our Community Services Department/Recreation Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.
Operational Duties
This position will oversee the administration of Special Events (permitting and operation), Community Outreach, and the Volunteer Program. This includes permitting and liaising with large scale community event organizers that produce historic and traditionally significant events for the City of Escondido including but not limited to Crusin’ Grand, an Independence Day Celebration, Veteran’s Day Parade, Christmas Parade, Street Fairs, and Grape Day Festival. The Community Services Manager (Special Events) shall coordinate greater community engagement and a dedication to the achievement of the City Council’s overarching goals to improve and increase special event programming within the City. Active event participation, attendance, and involvement is an expectation of the position.

Under administrative direction, plans, directs, and supervises a Community Services division which includes managing community centers, athletic facilities, citywide programs, and staff; coordinates assigned activities with other programs, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Assistant Director of Community Services.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Plans, directs, and supervises a Community Services division including programs, sports, special events, and facilities management to meet the needs of the community as well as the goals of the City.

Coordinates and provides continuous management of the organization, staffing, and operational activities for providing recreational, social, and service programs and related activities at City and other facilities. Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the entire department and/or division; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.

Participates in the development and implementation of the Department's Mission, Vision and Values.

Participates in the identification, planning, development, and implementation of new and/or modified revenue generating programs that would promote and enhance the mission, goals, and objectives of the City; creates and conducts surveys, studies, and assessment of needs in the community and the region; performs the necessary research and analysis to justify the appropriateness of implementing the proposed program/project; prepares presentation materials and background documentation; monitors program and project success using appropriate tracking and feedback systems.

Directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned locations and activities; assigns work activities and projects; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.

Selects, supervises, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff and volunteers; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.

Conducts and attends staff meetings; leads work teams.

Resolves sensitive and/or controversial issues.

Participates in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.

Promotes interest and participation in activities by means of public relations, press releases, and other media development; conducts outreach in the community through speaking engagements, participating in community collaborative meetings, attending and conducting community and City events; maintains information on assigned web pages; and produces pamphlets, guides, and information items related to assigned programs.

Coordinates facility and grounds maintenance and operations for assigned buildings; inspects facilities for proper cleanliness and supplies; and ensures a safe environment, including the establishment and implementation of safety regulations.

Provides interdepartmental support on projects including capital improvement projects and facility management for new or existing facilities.

Establishes and maintains communications with community clubs and individuals; responds to requests for information and assistance; coordinates with other agencies and/or City staff to follow-up on issues and concerns and to provide resource referrals; refers inquiries to the appropriate resource within or outside the City or department; participates in the investigation and resolution of complaints related to assigned program areas, activities, and contracts.

Coordinates the permitted uses of assigned facilities including a revenue fee system; accepts rental payments and fees; and issues receipts.

Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Assistant Director of Community Services; conducts a variety of studies and investigations; develops and recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

Serves as liaison to, provides support to, and coordinates assigned program activities with those of other City departments and staff as well as the general public, federal, state, and local private and governmental agencies, community organizations, and other groups; ensures effective cooperation consistent with optimal efficiency, effectiveness, and economy; develops and participates in community organization partnerships to increase the quantity of services available in Escondido.

Supervises, oversees, and manages services provided under contract; ensures contractors and vendors are providing appropriate levels of services to meet contractual needs as outlined; assists with record keeping.

Monitors program compliance with laws, rules, and regulations related to provision of assigned program and related services.

Maintains records and prepares reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; oversees the preparation of injury reports; maintains and updates various databases and filing and record keeping systems for assigned programs; participates in researching and collecting data and information for inclusion into database and record keeping systems; creates and conducts surveys; analyzes and interprets data collected; prepares reports and distributes requested information to appropriate parties in a timely manner including reports to regulatory agencies.

Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; gathers data and information as necessary.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Community Services; Researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.

Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Methods of communication for use in effective public relations and group dynamics techniques.
Principles and practices related to the operation of multipurpose activity centers.
Motivation and capacity of persons participating in multipurpose activity centers that include recreational, social services, and educational activities.
Sources of volunteers.
Information sources and referral resources regarding recreational, educational, and social service programs.
Principles and practices of organization, system development, and service delivery related to area of assignment.
Standard organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
Customer service, public relations, and outreach methods and techniques.
Recent developments, research methods, current literature, and sources of information related to programs and service areas.
Principles and practices of record keeping and records management.
Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation.
Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and various software packages.

Ability to:
Oversee and participate in the management of Community Services programs including management of a multipurpose activity centers.
Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, promote, and evaluate assigned programs and/or projects.
Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
Select, train, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
Participate in the development and administration of program goals, objectives, and procedures.
Research, analyze, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures as well as new service delivery methods and techniques.
Prepare and administer program budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Conduct accurate and thorough research and prepare clear, complete, accurate, and concise analysis, reports, and recommendations.
Understand the organization and operation of the assigned department, other City departments, and outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Analyze, assess, and address community needs related to the assigned program area and recommend plans for modifying or extending services, programs, and activities to meet community needs and requirements.
Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
Facilitate, develop, and work with teams and groups on various programs and projects and to create partnerships and coalitions.
Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.
Prepare effective public relations and publicity materials for media and community publications.
Exercise independent judgment within established policy guidelines.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation, public administration, education, business, social sciences, or a related field.

Experience:
Six years (full-time equivalent) of responsible human services program management experience including two years (full-time equivalent) of administrative and supervisory responsibility. Experience in a municipal community services/ recreation program is desirable.

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Management Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 9/22/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Escondido

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