Program Manager (Children and Youth Services Masterplan) - PRNS

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) connects people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life. The department manages 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 209 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds, and almost 61 miles of trails, along with programs and services that impact individuals and families across the community.

About the Role

The Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department is seeking an innovative, strategic, and passionate Program Manager to help implement the Children and Youth Services Master Plan 2.0. This role is an opportunity to build a citywide system ensuring every child, youth, and family has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. The Children and Youth Services Master Plan aligns City and partner efforts to expand opportunity, address inequities, strengthen coordination, and prioritize historically under-resourced communities. The selected Program Manager will collaborate with executive leadership, City departments, community-based organizations, schools, philanthropic partners, and regional agencies to turn this vision into measurable results.

This is a limit-dated position anticipated to be funded through June 30, 2028, subject to further extension. The salary range for this classification is $134,490.72–$174,851.04, including an approximate 5% ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance the Children and Youth Services Master Plan and City Council priorities.
• Lead cross-departmental and cross-sector collaboration among City departments, community-based organizations, educational institutions, philanthropic partners, County agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support implementation of the City's "No Wrong Door" system of care by strengthening coordination, reducing service barriers, and improving access for children, youth, and families.
• Prepare City Council memoranda, committee reports, executive briefings, presentations, and policy recommendations.
• Manage budgets, contracts, grant agreements, consultant agreements, and interagency partnerships.
• Design and monitor performance measures, evaluate program outcomes, and use data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate strategic planning efforts and facilitate collaborative meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through culturally responsive policies, programs, and community engagement.
• Represent the City before community groups, elected officials, partner organizations, and regional collaboratives.
• Support special projects and executive initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Five (5) years of directly related experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Completion and filing of an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment to disclose outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions.

Skills

• Job Expertise: Knowledge of applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Analytical Thinking: Approaches problems or situations using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
• Collaboration: Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.
• Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective listening skills; displays openness to others’ ideas.
• Initiative: Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; pursues continuing education opportunities.
• Management: Evaluates priorities to ensure top priorities are handled satisfactorily; sets clear goals for employees and the work unit.
• Leadership: Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable; promotes a cooperative work environment; provides motivational support and direction.
• Project Management: Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate is an innovative thinker with deep expertise in child and youth development, education, or family services, capable of translating vision into action. They build trusted relationships across diverse communities and organizations, collaborate effectively with executive leadership and elected officials, and excel at managing multiple high-profile initiatives. Strong writing skills are essential for preparing policy recommendations, grant proposals, and executive reports. A commitment to advancing equity, fostering systems change, and creating opportunities for youth and families in historically underserved communities is critical.