GENERAL MANAGER

Salary:                        $94,910-$116,265 Annually

Job Type:                   Permanent Full-Time

Opening Date:          January 15, 2026

Closing Date:             March 3, 2026

 

About Arden Park

Since 1950, the Arden Park Recreation and Park District has served as a cornerstone of community life in Sacramento County. The District has a rich history, holding the distinction of being the first independent park and recreation district formed in Sacramento County. With its tree-lined parks, vibrant recreation programs, and strong neighborhood spirit, Arden Park continues to enrich the quality of life for residents of all ages. The District includes two parks, a community center, a swimming pool, athletic facilities, playgrounds, and open space that make Arden Park a welcoming and active community. The District is well funded because of tremendous support for recreation programs and a solid tax base. Residents are accustomed to well-maintained facilities and high-quality programs. 

 Position Overview

The General Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the District, reporting directly to the 5-member Board of Directors. This position provides overall leadership and management for District operations, property,

The General Manager guides the implementation of Board policies, ensures effective public engagement, and leads strategic and long-range planning for the continued success of Arden Park’s programs and facilities.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be someone who brings a positive, collaborative approach to leadership; someone who is approachable, responsive, and trusted by staff and community alike. They will operate with a service orientation, a responsiveness to community needs, and a steady, consistent presence. Most importantly, they will embody a sincere passion for parks, recreation, and community services and a commitment to making Arden Park an even more amazing place to live.

Essential Functions:

1.       Establishes District goals, priorities, and initiatives in concert with the Board of Directors and staff. 

2.       Develops and oversees District work plans, projects, contracts, and asset management plans.

3.       Plans, directs, supervises, evaluates, coordinates, trains, supervises, and evaluates the work of staff and determines appropriate disciplinary and personnel actions for the successful operation of the District. 

4.       Attends all meetings of the District Board of Directors and other professional and community meetings, and other meetings as the Board specifies from time to time.

5.       Employs such assistants and other employees as deemed necessary for the proper administration of the District and the proper operation of the works of the District, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. 

6.       Establishes interpersonal communications and relationships to resolve all public and employee complaints.  Encourages citizen participation in the affairs of the District.

7.       Guides and implements policies of the Board of Directors, including planning the short-, medium, - and long-term work program for the District, facilitating constructive and harmonious Board relations, and explaining these policies effectively to the public, contractors, and vendors.

8.    Prepares and manages the District budget, conducting studies, and making oral and written presentations. Prepares, justifies, and administers the budget, controls and supervises District expenditures, and recommends long-term monetary and program needs.  

9.    Supervises the design, planning, and construction of facilities, projects, and recreational programs, including the use of consultants, and the acquisition, improvement, use, maintenance and repairs of all facilities and areas.  

10. Counsels with community groups and individuals to determine program needs, area and facility requirements and improvements.

11. Interprets scope and purpose of present operations, points out program deficiencies and areas in which expansion and improvement are needed.  

12. Confers with other agencies concerned with recreation and parks so that cooperative planning and working relationships can be developed.  

13. Maintains files, records, correspondence, and account books and prepares required reports.  

14. Prepares, advertises, and arranges distribution of agendas for Board meetings and prepares the minutes of the meeting and acts as ex-officio Secretary of the Board as needed.

15. Works in consort and on a regular basis with the Auditor Controller’s Office of the County of Sacramento in compliance matters.

16. Serves as manager of the Benefit Assessment District budget and projects.  With staff input, provides direction for design and implementation of these projects.  

17. Acts as a Purchasing Agent for the District and administers advertising, procurement, inventory, and disposal of equipment in accordance with developed policies and procedures.   

 

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Class C California driver’s license.

Required Qualifications:

Education and Training

Attainment of a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Park Administration or a related field.

Experience

Five (5) years’ experience in an increasingly responsible public agency management position.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

 

Desirable Qualifications

Education and Training

Attainment of a master’s degree in Recreation and Park Administration or a related field.

 

Knowledge of:

• Theories and practices of planning, budgeting, and staff management
• Design and administration of parks, recreation, and community services and management practices
• Principles of public relations and community engagement
• Budgeting, revenue, and expenditure forecasting practices
• Program development, public policy, and project management
• Employee development, supervision, training, performance appraisal, and discipline

 

Ability to:

·         Participate in the development, implementation, and administration of District goals, objectives, policies,                   procedures, work standards, and internal controls

·         Plan, manage and direct operations, activities, programs, and staff

·         Articulate and respond to community needs and interests

·         Prepare clear and detailed administrative, financial, and technical reports

·         Interpret applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations

·         Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with conflict, and maintain an even temperament

·         Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, staff, community groups and business               representatives, vendors, contractors, consultants, and the public

 

 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit, and occasionally to stand and walk.  Finger dexterity and light grasping is required to handle, feel, or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level.  The employee occasionally bends, stoops, lifts, and carries records and documents, frequently weighing less than 20 pounds. Occasionally, the employee may move file boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. The employee works in both the office and field settings performing administrative work and conducting inspections of facilities.

 

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data; use math and mathematical reasoning; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks while meeting deadlines; interact with Board, staff, management, contractors, vendors, and the general public.

 

Work Environment

The employee frequently works in an office environment with controlled temperature settings. The noise level is moderate, typically below 70 decibels.  

 

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references to:
General Manager Applicant

1000 La Sierra Drive

Sacramento, CA 95864
 

The Hiring Process

1.    Recruitment opens on January 15, 2026

2.    Application deadline: March 3, 2026

3.    The first round of panel interviews will occur in the third week of March. Finalists may be asked to                                   participate in additional rounds of in-person interviews the following week.

4.    The District will contact prior employers and other references for top candidates

5.    The top candidate is offered the job. The District is anticipating a start date in April 2026