City San Bernardino
Community Recreation Manager
City San Bernardino, San Bernardino, California, United States, 92409
Are you ready to lead innovative programs, elevate community centers, and make a lasting impact in San Bernardino?
We invite you to join our team as a Community Recreation Manager and help drive the future of recreation and community services!
San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity. It offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.
About the Position The Community Recreation Manager plays a key leadership role within the Recreation and Community Services Division, overseeing a broad range of City-wide programs, initiatives, and community service centers. This position is responsible for planning, developing, and managing recreational and community services that serve residents of all ages, including youth programs, year‑round lunch and nutrition initiatives, sports programs, after‑school programming, special events, and off‑site activities.
The incumbent provides strategic direction, supervises assigned staff, manages budgets and grants, evaluates community needs, and develops programs that enhance quality of life for San Bernardino residents. The position also oversees daily operations of multiple community centers and the City’s amphitheater, ensuring public spaces operate efficiently, safely, and in alignment with City policies and service standards. This role requires strong leadership, community engagement, and the ability to build collaborative partnerships that support inclusive, accessible recreation opportunities for the community.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an experienced recreation and community services professional who thrives in a dynamic, community‑focused environment. They bring proven experience managing large‑scale programs, leading teams, and delivering services that meet diverse community needs. They excel at building strong relationships with residents, community partners, staff, and City leadership and understand the importance of accessible and innovative programming.
This individual is a strategic thinker who can assess needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data‑informed recommendations to improve or expand services. They are comfortable managing budgets, grants, and contracts and have experience coordinating programs across multiple locations. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional communication skills, customer service, and the ability to navigate sensitive issues with diplomacy. They model professionalism, foster a high‑performance culture, and bring enthusiasm for creating safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces that support community well‑being.
A Typical Day as a Community Recreation Manager Your day begins by checking in with staff and visiting community centers across San Bernardino to ensure programs and operations are running smoothly. You may tour sites like Perris Hill Park, Delmann Heights Community Center, or other local facilities, observing activities, addressing participant concerns, and coordinating with community partners or City departments.
Throughout the day, you’ll plan upcoming programs that reflect the unique needs of San Bernardino residents, prepare reports or outreach materials, and manage budgets or grants that support recreation initiatives. Coaching and guiding staff is a key part of your role, helping them deliver high‑quality services.
You might also attend neighborhood meetings or special events—such as community festivals, youth sports tournaments, or senior activities—representing the City and promoting available programs. Each day is a dynamic mix of leadership, problem‑solving, and community engagement, all aimed at enriching the lives of San Bernardino residents.
Desirable Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field.
Experience in community recreation programming, facility management, or municipal operations.
Knowledge of
Principles and practices of recreation program planning and evaluation.
Budget development and grant administration.
Customer service and community engagement strategies.
Applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards for public facilities.
Skills & Abilities
Strong leadership and supervisory skills to guide staff and volunteers.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse communities.
Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement improvements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and recreation management software.
Other
Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) highly desirable.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and attend special events as needed.
Valid California driver’s license.
Click here to view the Community Recreation Manager job description.
Recruitment Timeline This recruitment will close on Sunday, January 18, 2026, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Applications review: Week of Monday, January 19, 2026.
All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org. All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer.
For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Stephanie Rivera at Rivera_es@sbcity.org. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We invite you to join our team as a Community Recreation Manager and help drive the future of recreation and community services!
San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity. It offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.
About the Position The Community Recreation Manager plays a key leadership role within the Recreation and Community Services Division, overseeing a broad range of City-wide programs, initiatives, and community service centers. This position is responsible for planning, developing, and managing recreational and community services that serve residents of all ages, including youth programs, year‑round lunch and nutrition initiatives, sports programs, after‑school programming, special events, and off‑site activities.
The incumbent provides strategic direction, supervises assigned staff, manages budgets and grants, evaluates community needs, and develops programs that enhance quality of life for San Bernardino residents. The position also oversees daily operations of multiple community centers and the City’s amphitheater, ensuring public spaces operate efficiently, safely, and in alignment with City policies and service standards. This role requires strong leadership, community engagement, and the ability to build collaborative partnerships that support inclusive, accessible recreation opportunities for the community.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an experienced recreation and community services professional who thrives in a dynamic, community‑focused environment. They bring proven experience managing large‑scale programs, leading teams, and delivering services that meet diverse community needs. They excel at building strong relationships with residents, community partners, staff, and City leadership and understand the importance of accessible and innovative programming.
This individual is a strategic thinker who can assess needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data‑informed recommendations to improve or expand services. They are comfortable managing budgets, grants, and contracts and have experience coordinating programs across multiple locations. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional communication skills, customer service, and the ability to navigate sensitive issues with diplomacy. They model professionalism, foster a high‑performance culture, and bring enthusiasm for creating safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces that support community well‑being.
A Typical Day as a Community Recreation Manager Your day begins by checking in with staff and visiting community centers across San Bernardino to ensure programs and operations are running smoothly. You may tour sites like Perris Hill Park, Delmann Heights Community Center, or other local facilities, observing activities, addressing participant concerns, and coordinating with community partners or City departments.
Throughout the day, you’ll plan upcoming programs that reflect the unique needs of San Bernardino residents, prepare reports or outreach materials, and manage budgets or grants that support recreation initiatives. Coaching and guiding staff is a key part of your role, helping them deliver high‑quality services.
You might also attend neighborhood meetings or special events—such as community festivals, youth sports tournaments, or senior activities—representing the City and promoting available programs. Each day is a dynamic mix of leadership, problem‑solving, and community engagement, all aimed at enriching the lives of San Bernardino residents.
Desirable Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field.
Experience in community recreation programming, facility management, or municipal operations.
Knowledge of
Principles and practices of recreation program planning and evaluation.
Budget development and grant administration.
Customer service and community engagement strategies.
Applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards for public facilities.
Skills & Abilities
Strong leadership and supervisory skills to guide staff and volunteers.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse communities.
Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement improvements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and recreation management software.
Other
Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) highly desirable.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and attend special events as needed.
Valid California driver’s license.
Click here to view the Community Recreation Manager job description.
Recruitment Timeline This recruitment will close on Sunday, January 18, 2026, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Applications review: Week of Monday, January 19, 2026.
All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org. All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer.
For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Stephanie Rivera at Rivera_es@sbcity.org. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr