Recreation Supervisor - Al Boro Community Center & Pickleweed Park

Apply by July 7, 2025. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

THE CITY

San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.

With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget in fiscal year 2024-2025 of approximately $180 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Library and Recreation Department is comprised of two divisions, Library and Recreation & Childcare, that are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of San Rafael residents. The Department’s mission is to enrich the community through discovery, learning, and play, and strives to maximize the delivery of strategically aligned programs and services to provide the highest value for the community.

The Recreation Division operates with a $4.93 million budget and 18 FTE. The Recreation Division includes 3 community centers, one cultural center, an aquatics center, two community gardens, 3 ballfields, a multi-use turf field, 3 community parks, 11 neighborhood parks, 6 pocket parks, and 5 special use parks. The Recreation Division is responsible for developing innovative, diverse, and community-centered programs and services at the City’s park and recreation facilities.

The Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Community Park are important facilities managed by the Recreation Division. The Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park are located in the heart of the Canal neighborhood, a vibrant and diverse area that has traditionally been marked by socio-economic disparities compared to the rest of San Rafael. The facility is heavily utilized and is an important resource for a predominantly Spanish-speaking community. Programming of the facility is supported by the City Council-appointed Pickleweed Advisory Committee.

The Community Center is co-located with the Pickleweed Library and is a successful example of joint and collaborative use between the City’s Library and Recreation Divisions. The Pickleweed Library is scheduled for major renovation starting in Fall 2025, with select library programs relocating into the Community Center. Pickleweed Park is currently wrapping up another major renovation, which included converting two full-size soccer fields to all-weather turf, and adding new amenities, including a basketball court, fitness equipment, play area, and gazebo. The park is expected to be fully re-opened in late July.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Recreation Supervisor will oversee the Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park, serving as a key leader in enhancing recreational services for the surrounding community.

The ideal candidate for the Recreation Supervisor position will be a dynamic and service-oriented leader with a strong background in recreation programs and services, staff supervision, and community engagement. They will have demonstrated experience in planning, organizing, and overseeing recreation programs and services that align with the diverse needs of the community. A successful candidate will be skilled in fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, managing and mentoring staff, and implementing innovative programs that enhance recreation services.

This individual will be an effective communicator and problem solver, adept at engaging with community stakeholders, fairly and transparently balancing the needs of diverse user groups and ensuring that programs and services meet the needs of a multilingual community. Experience with City Boards, Commissions, and Committees; diverse program offerings (multilingual and older adult programming, rentals, gymnasiums, etc.); and multiuse sports fields are a plus.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in budget management, cost recovery strategies, and policy implementation to support recreation programs and services. They will be committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that recreation programs are welcoming and accessible to all. With strong leadership skills and a passion for public service, this candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of recreation services in San Rafael.

CORE COMPETENCIES 

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess needs, align programs with Department goals, and plan for long-term community impact.
• Team Collaboration: Skilled in developing staff, fostering partnerships, and coordinating with other City departments and community groups
• Flexibility & Creativity: Comfortable navigating change and bringing fresh ideas to programs and operations
• Cultural Competence: Deep understanding of the needs, assets, and perspectives of diverse communities, especially the Canal neighborhood, and a commitment to inclusive engagement

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to - view the full job spec HERE)

• Participates in program budget development, and monitoring.
• Develops, promotes and markets quality program activities. Monitors programs and insures customer satisfaction.
• Recruits, selects and trains assigned staff.
• Develops and oversees staff scheduling, assuring appropriate and adequate staffing levels.
• Develops and delivers programs associated with assigned division.
• Participates with other staff on facility coordination of program activities.
• Represents the departments in liaisons with community and neighborhood groups.
• Procures and manages program supplies and inventory.
• Organizes and maintains personnel records and files.
• Procures and manages program supplies and inventory.
• Monitors contract employees including contracts, facility space and permits.
• Recruits, trains, and hires instructors, and evaluates performance. 

UPCOMING PROJECTS

This is an exciting time to join our team! Key upcoming initiatives include:

• Opening and managing the newly renovated athletic fields at Pickleweed Park, including expanded programming and partnerships
• Continuing cross-departmental collaboration with the Pickleweed Library, and partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and health and wellness providers to bolster community engagement and access to the facilities
• Enhancing teen, family, and cultural programming at the Boro Center
• Supporting Department-wide strategic planning and service delivery improvements

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