Coordinator I - Community Services

Closing Date: March 10th, 2025, at 9:00 PM (PST) or once 200 applications have been received

Position: Coordinator I – Community Services

Department: Parks, Arts, Recreation & Community Services (PARCS)

Exempt - Not Eligible for Overtime

Under the supervision of the PARCS Community Services Supervisor, the City of Lancaster seeks a dynamic and enthusiastic Coordinator to join our Community Services Division. This vital role will enrich the lives of residents of all ages by overseeing a diverse range of community-based programs and events. The Coordinator will be responsible for the development, planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of:

• Youth programming
• Day camps (spring, summer, and winter)
• Senior Programming
• Community partnership events
• City-wide special events
• Other duties as assigned

This position also includes the supervision and development of temporary staff. We are looking for a self-starter with strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and a passion for community service. This role offers significant ownership of assigned projects and ongoing responsibilities, blending program development, coordination, community engagement, and administrative tasks.

Please note: This position requires working weekends, holidays, and non-standard hours to accommodate special events and program activities. Applicants must be prepared to work a flexible schedule as needed.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program Planning & Development: Develop, implement, and evaluate engaging afterschool programs, enriching senior programs, and successful special events. This includes needs assessments, curriculum development (where applicable), activity planning, and logistical arrangements.
• Program Coordination: Oversee all aspects of program delivery, including scheduling, participant registration, material procurement, and volunteer coordination. Ensure smooth program operations and address any issues that arise.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with program participants, families, community partners, and stakeholders. Promote programs and events through various channels, including outreach and marketing efforts. Represent the City in the community and at interdepartmental, interagency, and professional meetings.
• Budget: Develop and manage program budgets, track expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility. This includes assisting with grant writing, preparing budget requests, estimating future program needs (personnel, equipment, supplies, and space), consulting on funding priorities and availability, monitoring expenditures, and potentially negotiating contracts.
• Supervision: Supervise and provide guidance to program staff, volunteers, and trainees. This may include assigning tasks, providing training, and conducting performance evaluations. Assist in the recruitment and selection of program staff, volunteers, and trainees.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Collect program data, track participant outcomes, and prepare reports on program effectiveness. Use data to inform program improvements and future planning. Conduct needs assessments, research, and analyze data; make recommendations on administrative and operational problems, policies, and procedures.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work collaboratively with other city departments, community organizations, and stakeholders. Communicate effectively with program participants, families, and the public.
• Administrative Tasks: Perform administrative tasks related to program management, including record keeping, correspondence, and report preparation.
• Compliance: Ensure all programs comply with relevant regulations, policies, and safety standards.

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered exempt.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Cultural and social needs of the community.
• Principles and procedures of financial recordkeeping, reporting, and relevant software applications.
• Personnel management principles, practices, and techniques, including employee selection, supervision, evaluation, and training.
• Basic Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook techniques.
• General office equipment.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's Degree, with emphasis in Business, Public Administration, Recreation, or closely related field; two (2) years of experience in the field desired
• OR any equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid CA driver’s license

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness
• Put people first.
• Be visionary.
• Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
• Be Fiscally Responsible.
• Be Creative.
• Always Improving.
• Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirement

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
• To move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
• Operate Equipment (none)
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)
• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Computations (frequent)
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
• Interruptions (frequent)
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)
• Organize (frequent)

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster.

Reasonable accommodations will be made, when possible, to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visitingwww.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.

The City of Lancaster is an Equal Opportunity Employer