ABOUT THE POSITION:
This leadership position presents an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Parks and Recreation professional to shape the future of parks and recreation services in the City of Monterey. The Parks and Recreation Director will oversee a range of services that includes community recreation programs for all ages, parks, beaches and urban forestry, special events, facility operations, and the Monterey Sports Center - one of the City’s flagship facilities.

The City is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader to take the department forward. The new Director will focus on strengthening the alignment between the Sports Center and broader recreation programs, fostering a more integrated and cohesive team and enhancing services that reflect the evolving needs of the Monterey community.

This is a key executive role for a leader who brings strategic insight, operational strength, and a deep commitment to community wellness and engagement. The position offers the opportunity to lead in a well-managed, full-service city that values innovation, professionalism, and the natural beauty that defines the Monterey Peninsula.

A detailed resume and cover letter are required with your application. Please include in your cover letter the size of staff and budget you currently manage. To be considered, please attach your resume and cover letter to your online application by September 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

TALENT ACQUISITION SCHEDULE:
-Application Deadline - September 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM
-Panel Interviews - The first round of interviews will be in-person on September 22, 2025.
-Final Interviews - The top candidates will be invited to participate in an in-personal final interview on September 23, 2025.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:
Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WHY WORK FOR US?
The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Monterey provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

SUMMARY:
Under executive direction of the City Manager, to plan, develop, coordinate and oversee the provisions of a comprehensive recreation program and the maintenance of all parks, recreation areas and related facilities and buildings; Facilities and programs include multiple community centers, the Monterey Sports Center; a full-service, year-round recreational program including sports, instructional programs, and summer programs; and special events such as the City's 4th of July Celebration; to provide highly responsible and technical staff assistance; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the Executive level classification in the Parks and Recreation professional series. The incumbent is expected to assume overall responsibility for all facets of a municipal park and recreation program including providing leadership in establishing general direction, goals, Division priorities and in promoting good customer service. The incumbent works under the direction and exercises independent judgment in the performance of a variety of professional, complex and difficult duties. This position exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and support staff. Positions designated as Non-Classified are exempt from the classified service. The incumbent shall be appointed "at-will" and serve at the pleasure of the City Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
-Education: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Park Management, Recreation/Leisure Services, or a related field. A Master's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
-Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in Park and Recreation management with three (3) years experience managing at the level equivalent to the level of a major Division Chief or higher.
-An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.