Recreation and Community Services Superintendent

Recreation and Community Services Superintendent

Salary: $115,337 – $144,171 Annually

Closing Date:

Agency: City of Pasadena

Location: Pasadena, CA

Filing Deadline: Open Until Filled

Salary Range: $115,337 – $144,171 Annually

The Recreation and Community Services Superintendent may manage community centers or park center facilities, diverse cultural/community events and citywide recreation programs with a variety of service areas to include human/social services, recreation, education, fitness and health, and/or department-wide safety, training and outreach efforts. Depending on the area of assignment, incumbents may be responsible for a variety of service locations where human services and/or recreation programs and services are rendered.

• Policy and Procedure Development: Will be responsible for creating and enforcing policies for both facility management and specialized programs, aligning program goals with departmental business plans and financial targets, and managing safety protocols, such as evacuation plans, emergency supplies, and incident reporting.
• Staff Supervision and Training: Supervises staff, volunteers, contractors, and interns by assigning tasks, conducting evaluations, and making employment recommendations. It also involves designing and delivering certification training programs, such as aquatics, as well as covering onboarding, safety, program management, and team building.
• Budgeting and Financial Oversight: Will be responsible for preparing and monitoring budgets for programs, personnel, equipment, and supplies, overseeing fee collection and accounting, and supporting financial sustainability through cost recovery and fee generation strategies.
• Program Evaluation and Reporting: Will be responsible for evaluating program attendance, participant feedback, and cost-effectiveness, preparing reports such as quarterly summaries and grant evaluations, and recommending whether to continue, enhance, or cancel programs based on performance data.
• Community Engagement and Partnerships: Will be responsible for serving as a liaison with residents and facility users, conducting needs assessments, networking with community-based organizations to match services with resident needs, and leading public relations efforts.
• Technical and Administrative Support: Will be responsible for providing technical assistance to staff and agencies, attending meetings, supporting commissions with staff reports, performing related duties as assigned, and maintaining regular attendance as a core job requirement.

The ideal candidate for this role is a seasoned and community-focused leader with extensive experience in managing public facilities and developing inclusive recreation programs, particularly in aquatics and sports. They possess strong administrative skills and are well-versed in policy creation, procedural compliance, budgeting, and safety protocol implementation. Known for their approachability and clear communication, they foster positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and participants across all demographics.

This individual is skilled at conflict resolution, capable of diffusing tense situations with professionalism and empathy, and is aware of the local political climate, navigating it with tact and diplomacy. Their leadership style emphasizes mentorship, training, and team building, and they are committed to aligning program goals with departmental business plans and financial sustainability. With a deep understanding of community needs, they actively engage residents through assessments, public relations efforts, and partnerships with local non-profits and community-based organizations.

They bring a strategic mindset to program evaluation, resource development, and operational reporting, ensuring that services remain responsive, inclusive, and impactful.

The City of Pasadena is located in the west foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, approximately 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Incorporated in 1886, Pasadena is an ethnically and economically diverse and culturally rich community of residents who…