The City of Palmdale is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our Parks & Recreation Department as a Recreation Manager. This role provides strategic oversight and leadership across various recreational facilities, programs, and special events, ensuring high-quality engagement opportunities for Palmdale residents. The ideal candidate will be a skilled decision-maker and problem solver, leveraging data management and technology to guide strategic initiatives effectively. They will demonstrate strong political acumen, marketing and branding awareness, and the ability to multitask while producing high-caliber work efficiently. This position will be relied upon to oversee complex service agreements and projects, drive innovation, and actively engage City leadership and community members to shape future services through forward-thinking and impactful programming.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage and oversee citywide recreation programs, including arts, entertainment, sports, outdoor recreation, and wellness initiatives. Assist in and help lead the planning and execution of large-scale special events, festivals, and community celebrations. Assist in ensuring our recreation infrastructure is well maintained and effectively utilized. Identify a path forward and monitor the execution of Park Master Plan goals. Develop and maintain community partnerships to enhance services. Management of revenues and expenses, to include accurate forecasting. Implement strategies that proactively address risk management.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is data-driven and technologically savvy, using analytics to inform decision-making and optimize departmental initiatives. With a keen ability to manage complex projects, oversee resources efficiently, and implement innovative solutions, this individual will play a critical role in shaping the future of this department. Flexibility is essential, as this position requires adaptability to support evolving priorities, including occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.

Under general direction, plans, organizes, control and direct the work of staff performing difficult and complex professional, technical, and administrative support related to all programs and activities of the City. Coordinates long term and short-term project planning; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the public. Provides expert professional assistance to City management staff in all areas of expertise.