Senior Center Director
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland Human Services Department, Senior Services Division?
The Senior Services Division of the Human Services Department provides services to support the independence, safety, health, and active lifestyles of the senior population. Oakland seniors represent a rapidly growing demographic of vital and active community members who are changing the perception of older adults. The Senior Center Director manages operations and programs at an Oakland senior center, provides staff support to the advisory council, schedules room use and building maintenance, in addition to training and supervising assigned staff. The ideal candidate can effectively prioritize the needs of a full service senior center and is familiar with the administrative policies of public sector services. If you are an innovative thinker who is self-directed, communicates effectively and possesses hands-on conflict resolution and problem solving skills, this job is for you! The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill two (2) Senior Center Director positions within the Human Services Department (North Oakland & East Oakland).
We are looking for someone who is :
- Committed to Senior Well-being : You will have a genuine commitment to addressing the needs of seniors, promoting their well-being, and delivering high-quality services, understanding their unique requirements.
- An Innovative Thinker : You are self-directed, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and possess hands-on conflict resolution and problem solving skills.
- Adaptable and Resourceful : You will be expected to adapt to evolving situations, be resourceful in managing diverse tasks, and find creative solutions when faced with challenges.
- Community-Oriented : You value community engagement and can effectively collaborate with various stakeholders, City departments, and volunteers, building and maintaining strong relationships.
- Calm and Decisive Under Pressure : You will have the ability to remain composed and make clear, decisive decisions during high-stress situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of the seniors and staff.
- Culturally Sensitive : You will need to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, respect diversity, and tailor programs and services to meet the diverse needs of the senior community, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
- Skilled at Multitasking : You will need to function well in an environment with multiple tasks and priorities, demonstrating the ability to manage competing demands efficiently and effectively.
What you will typically be responsible for :
Developing, planning, and executing daily activities, programs, classes, trips, and events for the center.Coordinating programs, services, event rentals, facility maintenance, security, and transportation-related issues of the facility.Providing staff support to the Advisory Council and partnering with the Mayor's Commission on Aging, City of Oakland Departments, and other community agencies to provide resources and services.Overseeing the membership database, handling cash, purchasing, and budgets.Recruiting volunteers and providing oversight, guidance, support, and training for staff and volunteers.Assisting with food preparation or meal service as needed to support senior center programming, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards.Communicating to members verbally, in writing, and virtually.Purchasing supplies and equipment for the facility.Daily use of technology, including but not limited to : Microsoft Office, Oracle Financial Management Software, and other common software (ie : zoom, MySeniorCenter Database).A few reasons you may love this job :
You'll have the opportunity to directly impact the lives of seniors by creating and managing programs that cater to their educational, social, and recreational needs, enhancing their quality of life.You'll serve as a crucial liaison, working not only with seniors but also with various city departments, external agencies, and volunteer programs, fostering community relations and making a positive difference.You'll work in a multi-cultural environment catering to seniors from diverse backgrounds and communities, offering an enriching experience, allowing you to interact with and learn from a wide array of cultures and traditions.You'll build relationships with the senior community, stakeholders, and city departments, which can be highly rewarding, knowing your work positively impacts the well-being of those you serve.A few challenges you may face in this job :
You will have to navigate the application of complex policies and processes in order to guide program participants.You will operate in a multicultural environment, which could pose challenges in understanding and catering to the needs and preferences of the senior community, requiring a high level of cultural sensitivity and adaptability.You may have to deal with limited resources, which could pose challenges in delivering diverse and high-quality programs while operating within the constraints of a budget.You will work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions, requiring you to change priorities created by the immediate needs of members.Competencies Required :
Decision Making : Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner.Safety Focus : Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.Adaptability : Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.Displaying Ownership and Accountability : Holding self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.Handling Stress : Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.Innovative Problem Solving : Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new and better ways of doing things.Informing : Proactively obtaining and sharing information.Interpersonal Savvy : Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations.Coaching & Developing Others : Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities.Allocating Resources : Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.Project Management : Ensuring that projects are on time, on budget, and achieve their objectives.Strategic Thinking & Perspective : Evaluating immediate actions in the context of achieving long-range objectives.Minimum Requirements for Application :
The following qualifications reflect the minimum standards typically required for this classification. Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates equivalent qualifications may be accepted.
Education :
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the social sciences, gerontology, recreation, public administration, or a related field.
Experience :
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, development, and implementation of programs and services for seniors including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. Previous community center / facility oversight and management experience is highly desirable.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements :
Successful incumbents in this job are expected to operate an automotive vehicle in the performance of the assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be a cost-effective method for traveling to the various locations required. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations or transport equipment in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
Desirable Qualifications :
Bilingual conversational proficiency in Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish or Vietnamese.Experience with community center / facility oversight and management.Knowledgeable about senior citizen programming, trends, and practices.This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City of Oakland employees who meet the minimum qualifications. The open list will be for all other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish