Community Services Director in Corona, California at City of Corona

Are you a strategic, innovative leader who is passionate about making a difference in the community? Do you thrive in a role that combines big-picture thinking with hands-on leadership, and are you energized by the opportunity to shape programs and services that directly impact residents? If so, consider joining us as our next Community Services Director.

In this executive leadership role, you will directly help lead the city’s efforts to create a sense of place for Corona residents, building community by celebrating our rich heritage, and increasing access to recreational & cultural activities. Leading a team of engaged, dedicated staff, you will oversee three divisions, high-profile programs, and deliver on exciting projects from concept to completion.

We are seeking a people-centered leader who enjoys mentoring, developing talent, and building high-performing teams. This individual will bring a strategic, results-driven approach to building strong systems, improving processes, managing competing priorities, and moving complex projects from concept to completion.

The ideal candidate will bring energy, authenticity, and a genuine passion for public service. They will embrace the City’s vision and six core values, lead with accountability, and remain focused on delivering meaningful results for the community. They will also be a collaborative leader who builds relationships across departments, breaks down silos, and brings people together to advance organizational priorities.

Success in this role requires adaptability and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve, innovation is encouraged, and staying focused is essential. As a visible leader and ambassador for the department, the successful candidate will be comfortable engaging with community stakeholders, executive leadership, City Council, and commissions, while communicating with confidence, building trust, and representing the City with professionalism and authenticity.

Check out our job brochure here.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. An application via Neogov is required; a resume and engaging cover letter are highly recommended, as the quality of these materials will be part of the screening process to determine who moves forward.

OUR COMMUNITY

A City whose heritage spans more than a century, the City of Corona, located in Riverside County, California, encompasses around 40 square miles and has a vibrant, culturally diverse population of over 168,000 residents. Residents of Corona enjoy a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities that provide a first[1]rate quality of life for its residents and visitors. Within an hour's travel time, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy such winter activities as snowboarding and skiing and such summer activities as surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on a beach. Corona's economy is strong and getting stronger; more than 84,000 people work here. Our retail, commercial, and housing areas are expanding, and office development continues to be strong.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The City of Corona is a full-service city operating under a Council-Manager government led by a Mayor and four Council Members elected by district. With 12 departments and a team of 1,000 employees, the City provides high-quality services to the community. For FY 2027, the City manages a $510 million total budget, including $241 million in the General Fund.

This is a department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Community Services Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, City functions and activities, including the role of the City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

For additional details, please review the full job description here.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, recreation administration, sociology, human relations, or a related field.

Experience:

• Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible professional recreation or library experience, with a minimum of five (5) years of management experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.