Division Manager - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department

The Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Department (PRNS) is looking for people to join the team that builds healthy San José communities that inspire belonging. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. The Department is guided by the ActivateSJ Strategic Plan five guiding principles: Stewardship, Nature, Equity & Access, Identity, and Public Life. There is an extensive inventory of assets with over 3,600 acres of parkland, 215 parks, 42 community centers and 49 pickle ball courts to name a few.

The Department employs over 800 FTEs of which 70% are full time employees. PRNS is the largest non-sworn department in the City of San José and plays a vital role as essential workers every day and during disasters. The annual operating budget exceeds $183 Million and is organized into five divisions. There are three large operational divisions: Parks, Recreation, and Community Services; plus, the Capital Division which budgets, plans and designs parks and community spaces. The Administrative Services Division is the key strategic support team in service to the operations and workforce.

To learn more about PRNS, follow @sjparksandrec on social media channels. Visit us at www.sanjoseca.gov/prns for more information.  

About the Division

The Administrative Services Division (ASD) oversees a diverse portfolio of responsibilities for delivering critical department wide strategic support services including contracting, procurement, budgeting, fiscal, human resources, workforce training and development, and emergency management. The 29 employees of the PRNS Administrative Services Division are key contributors to overall performance expectations of all divisions within the Department. The Division plays a central role in coordinating internally and with other City departments/offices such as the City Manager’s Budget Office, Human Resources, Employee Relations, City Attorney, and City Auditor.

On an annual basis, Administrative Services Division performs numerous procedures to comply with City policies and to meet Council direction.  Last year, ASD completed 15k transactions for 230 purchasing card holders and is on pace this year to execute 200 contracts. While hiring fluctuates, ASD hired 55 employees from January - March of 2025. And the emergency management team with operational staff participated in 19 days of inclement weather activations in 2024-2025. ASD is vital to achieving results for the Department, the City, and our community. 

The salary range for this classification is: $137,799.48 - $218,123.62.

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The Administrative Services Division Manager reports to the Assistant Director and currently has four direct reports (Administrative Officer, Program Managers) with a team of 24 other professionals. The Division Manager is expected to be a people leader and subject matter expert who can motivate their team to deliver quality support services. 

A top priority for the Division Manager is managing the annual General Fund budget that exceeds $180 Million and, supports the Capital Division which manages the $207 Million Capital Budget. In addition, the Division Manager has a broad portfolio of responsibilities for effectively planning and implementing department wide expectations for contracting, procurement, human resources, workforce training and development, and emergency management. 

As a member of the PRNS Executive Team, the Administrative Services Division Manager must possess strategic capabilities, strong judgment, subject matter expertise, and, embody the values of integrity and respect.  Due to the complexity and scope of authority involved, this position requires a leader who can handle multiple priorities, effectively communicate challenges, and understands how to creatively problem solve to achieve timely results. The ideal candidate will have experience working collaboratively, enjoys teamwork, and excels at strategic thinking. Education:  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a related fields such as the humanities. A master’s degree is desirable.

Experience: Six years of progressively responsible public administration, or human resources administration, government related budget experience, including three years of supervisory experience.

Required Licensing: Valid California Driver’s License

Form 700 Requirement: This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Senior professional in Human Resources Certification from HR Certification Institute, or Senior Certified Professional Certification from Society for Human Resources Management.
2. Certified Parks and Recreation (CPRP) or Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification from the National Recreation and Parks Association.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.  Desirable competencies for this position include:

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

Fiscal Management - Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurement process.

Leadership - Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.

Management - Evaluates priorities to ensure the 'true' top priorities are handled satisfactorily; sets clear goals and evaluates performance for the employees and the work unit. 

Vision/Strategic Thinking- Support, promote, and ensure alignment with the organization’s vision and values. Understand how an organization must change considering internal and external trends and influences. Builds a shared vision with others and influence others to translate vision to action.

Communication Skills - Communicates and listens effectively and responds in a timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current; well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application, resume and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise. 

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Ginger Quijano at Ginger.Quijano@sanjoseca.gov. 

Salary : $137,799 - $218,124