Salary : $187,956.00 - $286,464.00 Annually Location : Torrance, CA Job Type: Permanent Full-time Job Number: 25109029 Department: COMMUNITY SERVICES Opening Date: 10/08/2025 Closing Date: Continuous

DESCRIPTION WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION. The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The invites your interest in the position of COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR! The City Torrance California, the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County, is a vibrant coastal city situated in the South Bay region of Southern California. With nearly 150,000 residents and a peak daytime population that grows to 250,000 or more, Torrance spans an area of almost 22 square miles, including a picturesque mile of beach. Known for its diverse culture and strong sense of community, the city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, boasting a rich history, an array of parks, excellent schools, and a thriving business sector. The City of Torrance is governed by the Council-Manager form of government with an elected Mayor and six Council Members who appoint a City Manager, a City Attorney, and members of 14 advisory commissions, boards, and council. The Executive team works under the direction of the City Manager based on merit principles. Torrance is a full-service city with an annual operating budget of $525.4 million, capital improvement plan of 182.1 million and a staff of over 1,600 organized in 14 departments.

Torrance features world-class medical and research facilities, vibrant shopping, four-star dining, as well as an intricate mix of burgeoning industrial and commercial facilities. Torrance is one of the few cities in the South Bay to feature its own municipal airport and support facilities. It is also considered to be a "headquarters" city, with major corporations such as Sunrider International, Alpinestars USA, Health-Ade Kombucha, Pelican Products, L3 Harris Technologies, RapiScan Systems, American Honda Motor Company, and Robinson Helicopter Company all calling Torrance home. The Department The mission of the is to enrich the community through the provision of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities for persons of all abilities. The goals of the Department are to provide stewardship of the City's public open space including parks; to provide materials and services in a variety of formats that satisfy the educational, information, recreational, and cultural needs of our diverse community supporting lifelong independent learning; and to serve as a center for community information, services and activities in easily accessible locations throughout the community. A philosophy of community and customer services continues to provide the focus for our efforts. The Community Services Department offers Torrance residents the unique opportunity to help achieve a sense of purpose, identity, self-worth, and improved self-esteem within the specialized areas of Cultural Arts, Library, Parks, and Recreation. The Department has five divisions: Library, Administrative, Cultural, Recreation, and Parks. The Community Services Department is a diverse organization ranging from maintenance of parks facilities and grounds, development of open space, recreational programming, continuous public education in library services, and cultural services with unique features such as a local museum. This shows a sample of what the Community Services Department has to offer.

The Position The Community Services Director position is well suited for a visionary and innovative leader. The position provides leadership and works with managers to develop, maintain, implement, and monitor long term plans, goals, and objectives focused on achieving the City's mission and Council priorities. The Director will be responsible for the supervision of five managers from the aforementioned divisions with an annual operating budget of approximately $26 million, a capital budget of approximately $6.6 million, and a staff of 249.

The Community Services Director is a Department Head, executive position charged with administrative, managerial, supervisory, and professional duties in directing the City's Departmental functions which include: Cultural and Recreation activities and programs; operation and maintenance of Parks and Recreational facilities; operation of the Rangers, Animal Control, and Coyote Management programs; and the operation of the Municipal Library System. For a full a job description, click here .

The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is public service oriented, able to work with all groups and interests in the City and the community, and has a strong background demonstrating superior supervisory and management skills.

As a vibrant community committed to excellence, Torrance needs a strategic and self-motivated leader committed to creating a shared vision and strategy, executing their vision and strategy all the way through completion, and developing the leadership potential in others for operational efficiency by improving performance through consistent feedback and coaching. The City also seeks to hire someone who understands and is responsive to the community's needs. The successful candidate will have experience with municipal management, employee relations in a unionized environment, political sensitivity, operating in a fiscally constrained environment, as well as seeking, obtaining and managing grants; they will have knowledge of current public services trends and forecasts, be active in professional growth, and have steadfast integrity.

This candidate will have a proven track record of building and maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers (peers and subordinates), elected officials, citizens, and contractors. As a member of the Executive Management Team, the Community Services Director will collaborate with team members to achieve the City's short and long-term goals. Key Responsibilities Include Overseeing, managing, and promoting sustainable programs and practices. Providing leadership and overall direction to Departmental staff, including cross-training to cover critical positions and continue mentorship and coaching for managers and staff members. Creating long-term funding strategy for façade improvements of libraries, park buildings, etc. Ensuring that all budget modifications have been implemented. Working with a vivacious community to preserve and enhance City Council desired goals and objectives. Managing analysis and implementation of all State Legislation that impacts the Community Services Department.

Major Initiatives & Opportunities The Community Services Director will lead critical initiatives that require immediate focus and strategic vision:

Parks Infrastructure & Operations (Immediate Priority) • Address Park Conditions Citywide: Lead efforts to improve maintenance standards, facility conditions, and overall park quality in response to Council and community expectations. • Complete Parks Operations Assessment: Actively participate in the ongoing assessment and develop a comprehensive action plan, including any necessary staffing reorganization and operational improvements. • Develop Park Master Plan Funding Strategy: Collaborate with Finance to create a long-term capital improvement funding plan that addresses aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and facility modernization needs. • Enhance Park Security: Work with IT and Police Departments to implement security camera installations across park facilities.

Technology & Service Innovation • Drive adoption of new technologies and automation to create operational efficiencies across all divisions. • Modernize registration systems, facility booking platforms, and community engagement tools to improve user experience.

Community Engagement & Marketing • Develop and implement public outreach campaigns to maximize awareness and utilization of programs and facilities, particularly among underserved populations. • Strengthen partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand program reach.

Workforce Development • Conduct comprehensive staffing assessment across all divisions to ensure appropriate staffing levels aligned with service demands. • Review and enhance compensation structures for part-time and seasonal staff to improve recruitment and retention. • Strengthen professional development programs for both full-time and part-time personnel.

Facility Planning • Complete Library Services Operations assessment addressing facility conditions, ADA compliance, staffing models, and service delivery. • Lead capital project planning for library and recreation facility improvements. • Advance community-driven projects including El Nido Park Master Community Engagement and WWII Internment Memorial and various park enhancements. Monthly Salary Range $15,663 (Minimum) - $20,758 (Reference) - $23,872 (Maximum) Appointments are typically made between the minimum and reference point, depending on qualifications. The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks ! Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives !

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities would be:

Bachelor's Degree in Public or Business Administration, or relevant to operations specific to the Community Services Department; and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience managing or administering cultural, recreational or library programs, services and projects; or managing or administering the maintenance and/or construction of City parks landscaped areas, park equipment and facilities; or managing or administering a major library division.

Master's degree in Public or Business Administration or relevant to operations specific to the Community Services Department is desirable.

License and Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Drivers' License.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at . Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by October 28, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.

Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following component:

Panel Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on November 6 , 2025 .) Department Interview: (Tentatively scheduled for the week of November 10, 2025 .)

The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date. SPECIAL NOTES

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The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date. For further information, click

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. City of Torrance Inclusion Statement The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees! The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

To view the current benefits for Executive and Management Employees bargaining unit, visit::

For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:

RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. 01

I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest. Yes No

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