The Cosumnes Community Services District's Parks & Recreation Department is in search of a full-time Parks & Recreation Director . This pivotal role will provide forward-thinking leadership to the Parks & Recreation Administration Division's staff and programs, with a strategic and visionary approach that has a profound and lasting impact on the District and the wider Community. See Parks & Recreation Director Recruitment Brochure For More Information For consideration, candidates must submit a current Resume and Cover Letter.

Position Description:

Under general direction, this position provides leadership and direction for assigned service areas; manages day-to-day operations of the department including managing, directing and integrating administration of assigned Parks & Recreation service areas, which may include recreation and community services, park and golf operations and maintenance, and/or department-wide administrative and strategic services; the position plans, organizes, supervises and implements programs, operations, and budgets for or within assigned management functions for the Department; provides strategic leadership, organizational direction, and executive-level oversight of assigned functions; assignment requires effective working relationships with employees, department heads, businesses and personnel from other jurisdictions, public officials and the general public. Salary Information The salary range for the Parks & Recreation Director classification is between $12,332.00 - $17,352.00 monthly. The District typically appoints new employees at step 1 of the salary range. Consideration for an appointment higher than step 1 will be based on experience, education, or the need for unique skills or knowledge and shall be no more than mid-point of the salary range. The following duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of a specific statement on duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed. Employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level as required.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICIES/PRACTICES

Assists in managing and contributes to the development and administration of the Department's annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary; evaluates new revenue-generating and cost-saving initiatives. Depending upon assignment, provides leadership for department-wide budget coordination, long-range financial planning, fee and cost-recovery analyses, grant administration, procurement, and related business services. Understands and applies governmental organizational structures and public-sector administrative practices. Negotiates contracts and agreements, including labor contracts and Collective Bargaining Agreements; determines District needs and requirements for contractual services. Prepares and administers contractual agreements for the District and evaluates contract renewals and changes; inspects and evaluates the work of the District's contractors. Assists in the preparation and administration of bid packages and contracts for assigned programs, services, public works, professional services, and other departmental needs; coordinates work with other public agencies. Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect District or divisional operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required. Provides leadership for the development, implementation, review, and continuous improvement of departmental policies, procedures, administrative systems, and organizational practices, as assigned.

SERVICE DELIVERY

Applies management principles and methods of goal setting, program development, and administration. Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; assists in directing the implementation of improvements. Oversees the selection process for consultants; prepares performance specifications, estimates budgets; oversees and coordinates the work of consultants; evaluates performance and work product; reviews progress payments. Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. Manages the Department revenue generation program; analyzes cost effectiveness of staffing operations, programs, facility operations, and related contracts; develops or oversees performance measures, benchmarking, dashboards, and other tools to evaluate organizational and service outcomes, as assigned. Directs or supports implementation and monitoring of departmental strategic plans, accreditation requirements, organizational initiatives, business process improvements, and performance management systems, as assigned. Provides executive oversight for department-wide administrative systems and technology, workflow modernization, records management, asset management, fleet, and related business applications, as assigned. Responds to emergency calls, particularly in instances in which public safety is an issue, based on operational assignment and Department needs. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public services as they relate to the area of assignment. Performs various related essential duties as required.

SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT

Applies principles and practices of effective management and supervision. Supervises personnel, including training, assigning and reviewing work, planning, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, recruiting and recommending or approving the hire of new employees, or promotions/salary increases; enacting discipline when appropriate. Conducts performance evaluations of assigned personnel at periodic intervals as required. Ensures that all personnel are informed of District and Department policies, and works through subordinate managers to ensure adherence to policies. Leads through subordinate managers and professional staff; establishes performance expectations, promotes accountability, supports leadership development and succession planning, and fosters a collaborative culture of service, innovation, and continuous improvement.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and programs reflective of the District's planning efforts. Recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Advises the Administrator of Parks & Recreation on matters within the assigned service area, including organizational effectiveness, operational priorities, strategic initiatives, resource allocation, and continuous improvement. Leads cross-divisional and interdepartmental initiatives, as assigned, to improve consistency, communication, accountability, and organizational performance.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Regularly attends District Board and other public/community group meetings to answer questions; interprets and explains existing policies on behalf of the District; presents reports to the Board and other legislative bodies. Serves as a liaison to other departments, elected officials, divisions, clients, residents, community groups, school districts, and private businesses; attends meetings, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues. Provides courteous and professional service to District personnel and the public; ensures staff provide a high degree of service to both internal and external customers. Responds to citizen complaints that have not been resolved at a lower level within the division and/or Department. Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities may be considered qualifying at the District's sole discretion. The education or experience requirements may be modified or waived at the sole discretion of the General Manager. At least one of the education or experience requirements must be met; however, neither requirement may be modified or waived. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Education and Training:

A Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university in parks and recreation management, public administration, business administration, organizational leadership, finance, or a closely related field appropriate to the assigned service area. A master's degree is desirable, but not required.

AND Experience:

Seven (7) years of full-time work, including in-depth experience in one or more areas of parks and recreation management, public administration, organizational leadership, business administration, strategic planning, financial or administrative management, or another field directly related to the assigned service area. Experience with a local government agency, such as a special district, is desirable. At least five (5) years of full-time work must have been in a management or supervisory capacity. Experience leading professional-level managers and/or multiple functional work units is highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

Principles and techniques of organization, planning, management and supervision including training, performance evaluation and discipline; Principles, practices, methods, terminology, and technical considerations applicable to the assigned service area; Principles and practices of public administration, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, policy development, program and project management, and continuous improvement; Operational and service-delivery principles applicable to public parks and recreation agencies, including recreation and community services, park and golf operations, and administrative support functions; Public-sector budgeting, financial planning, procurement, contract administration, consultant management, grants, performance measurement, interagency coordination and resource allocation, as applicable to assignment; Current methods, techniques, principles, and procedures used in good internal and external customer service; Pertinent Federal, State, and Local policies, codes, laws, and regulations affecting the assigned service area and public agency administration; Organizational performance measurement, business process improvement, administrative systems and technology, records management, and accreditation or quality-management frameworks, as applicable to the assignment; Computer database programs, desktop publishing, and word processing, which are currently used in programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity or experience with Workday is highly desirable.

Ability to:

Manage, plan, assign, and review and assess the work of a diverse staff in the accomplishment of multiple projects; Collaborate with diverse communities and people traditionally underrepresented in local decision-making; facilitate inclusive participation in programs and activities; communicate cross-culturally. Manage a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex District services. Use independent judgment to analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and implement solutions; Comprehend and prepare reports and forms such as accident and incident reports, inventory lists, budget documents, correspondence, attendance records, news releases, e-mail, policy manuals, timesheets, procedure manuals, and calendars. Identify organizational, operational, fiscal, service-delivery, and safety risks applicable to the assigned service area and institute appropriate corrective action. Interpret and apply complex technical, financial, operational, policy, and administrative information applicable to the assigned service area; Apply administrative and technical knowledge to assure compliance with contracts, policies, regulations, performance standards, and accepted professional practices applicable to the assigned service area. Interpret, analyze and advise District staff on industry-related laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and policies. Present ideas effectively, verbally and in writing; prepare and make public presentations. Develop and implement effective techniques for improving parks and recreation programs, operations, administrative systems, organizational performance, and services, as applicable to the assignment. Plan, organize, assign, and coordinate the activities of professional, technical and clerical staff; build a high-performance workforce. Lead through managers and subject-matter experts without requiring direct technical execution of every function; establish clear expectations and hold assigned teams accountable for results. Develop and implement organizational strategies; lead cross-functional initiatives; analyze complex organizational issues and develop practical solutions. Exercise sound independent judgment with general policy guidelines. Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential issues including personnel management. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, managers, labor organizations and their representatives, officials of other governmental agencies, community and business organizations, the media, employees, and the public. Understand the business needs of multiple customers and balance fulfillment of those needs with consideration of broader organizational, business, legal, and community issues and requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Mobility:

frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; occasionally reaching and twisting to reach equipment surrounding desk; occasional walking, standing, bending, stooping, and squatting; occasional pushing, pulling or lifting up to fifty (50) pounds;

Vision:

constant use of overall vision; frequent computer use; occasional color and depth vision;

Dexterity:

frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding and reaching; frequent operation of office equipment, clerical and financial calculation instruments; occasional operation of equipment or technology applicable to the assigned service area;

Emotional/Psychological:

Constant concentration and decision making; frequent ability to exercise sound judgment under stress; public contact; frequent to moderate working alone,

Environmental Conditions:

Constant work within an office environment.

Driving:

ability to use fine and gross motor coordination for driving a District vehicle. Typical Working Conditions Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment. Occasional work is performed outside in various types of weather; Incumbents may be exposed to noise, moisture, dust, vibrations, heat and cold. Work may require travel to and from off-site locations throughout the District.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Application Review (Pass/Fail): All applicants must complete and submit an application by the final filing deadline. Applications will be reviewed for possession of minimum qualifications and evaluated according to the essential functions of the job and other needs of the position .

Supplemental Questions:

The supplemental questions are considered a part of the application process. All required questions must be completed before the application can be submitted. The supplemental questions will be used to evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of the applicant's education, training, and experience. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, the supplemental questions may be used as a part of the supplemental screening.

Supplemental Screening:

The District will review the responses to the supplemental questions of all candidates meeting the minimum qualifications. The most competitive candidates in the applicant pool will be selected to continue in the selection process. Initial/First Panel Interview - All candidates who pass the application review will be invited to participate in an initial oral panel interview. The first round of interviews will be tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026. Second/Final Panel Interview - Candidates who pass the first interview panel may be invited to a final interview. The final round of interviews will be tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026.

Conditional Offer:

Candidates selected from the process receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the successful completion of the following:

Reference Check:

Verification of work performance and employment history

Background Check :

A State of California, Department of Justice criminal background check

Driving Record:

A State of California, DMV driving record printout will be required Upon successful completion of the background check, candidates must complete the following before final appointment:

Medical:

A clear medical physical, tuberculosis (TB) test, and drug screening will be required.

Work Eligibility :

The District participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the US. Failure to meet these pre-employment requirements will be grounds for withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment.

Probationary Period:

A probationary period of one (1) year is the final phase of the selection process.

Benefits For Full-Time Employees:

Full-time employees receive generous medical, dental, life, disability, and vision benefits. The District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New members in the CalPERS system will receive a retirement formula of 2% at 62. Applicants who meet the CalPERS requirements for a "classic member" will receive a retirement formula of 2% at 55. All employees of the District participate in the Medicare portion of Social Security. Full-time employees receive generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave allowances.

RIGHT-TO-WORK VERIFICATION

Documentation verifying the candidate's legal right to work in the United States will be required and shall be presented upon hire. About the Cosumnes Community Services District The Cosumnes Community Services District serves an estimated 221,000 south Sacramento County residents in a 157-square-mile area. Its award-winning parks and recreation services - including the operation of more than 100 parks - operate exclusively within the Elk Grove area of the District. The Cosumnes CSD provides fire protection and emergency medical services throughout the District, including the cities of Elk Grove and Galt and unincorporated areas of south Sacramento County.

Our Vision:

Be an innovative, inclusive, and intentional regional leader committed to providing exceptional services that exceed expectations and enhance the quality of life of those we serve.

Our Mission:

The District is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the residents, businesses, visitors, and employees within our diverse community by protecting lives, property, and the environment through superior fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and special operations response; and by providing parks and recreation services through well-maintained parks and recreational opportunities for health, wellness, and social interactions.

Our Values:

Safety & Mitigating Risk - We protect District employees, as well as mitigate risk and exposure of the District and the public. Financial Responsibility - We are an accountable, transparent, and stable Agency as we provide quality services through progressive innovations. High-Quality Workforce - We develop and train a high-quality workforce with an emphasis on professionalism, diversity, equity and inclusion, succession planning, competency, and organizational growth. Service to the Community - We deliver the highest levels of service to the residents, visitors, and businesses within the District. Diversity, Equity & Access - We ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of District work.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

The District is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, gender identity or gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, covered veteran/military status, marital status or any other status protected by federal or state law.