Program Specialist
Santa Clarita
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
This position will assist with the implementation, oversight, and support of the day-to-day operations and programs at the City’s Newhall Community Center. This includes the after-school program; winter, spring, and summer camps for youth and teens; program volunteers; special events; and youth fitness opportunities. The Newhall Community Center serves more than 10,000 participants annually, offering high-quality recreational and educational opportunities for youth and families. This position is required to work nights, various weekends, and some holidays based on operational needs. Duties and Responsibilities: - Assists with the supervision of approximately 25 part-time, temporary, seasonal (PTS) employees and volunteers; creates work schedules for PTS and volunteer schedules; identifies projects and assignments for PTS and volunteers; tracks and reports PTS and volunteer hours; trains PTS staff on program policies and processes; oversees PTS and volunteer performance and provides effective feedback related to their job or volunteer duties - Manages program registration process, including participant enrollment, waitlists, refunds, and cancellations, ensuring online registration systems are accurate and user-friendly - Collects and analyzes statistical information for the Newhall Community Center programs and events, maintaining accurate and up-to-date attendance records for all classes and activities - Tracks program budgets, including expenses and revenues; financial reporting, and ensures programs operate within approved budgets; submits invoices, purchase requests, and payments as needed - Updates and maintains the Newhall Community Center’s webpage with current program information, schedules, and announcements, and updates the Localist calendar - Supports marketing efforts through digital content, advertisements, and updates in coordination with the City’s Communication division - Assists in the creation, planning, and implementation of new classes, workshops, and community events - Conducts community outreach and gathers feedback to identify program needs and trends - Ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and safety standards - Assists in the planning, organizing, implementing, and overseeing of the afterschool program and winter, spring, and summer camps for youth and teens, classes, and special events - Assists in evaluating the effectiveness of programs offered at the Newhall Community Center; makes recommendations for enhancing current offerings, and develops new programs in conjunction with the Community Services Coordinator - Assists with the set-up and clean-up of special events and activities - Creates program forms; maintains and tracks program data; assists in preparation of memos, calendars, flyers, and reports; tracks and maintains Newhall Community Center supplies; manages files and records - Uses computer programs and recreation registration software for enrolling participants and tracking participation information - Assists customers by providing information in person and via email regarding the Newhall Community Center programs, policies, and procedures - Establishes positive working relationships with City employees, the public, volunteers, and outside organizations - Performs other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent - Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or related field is highly desirable - One year of experience coordinating, overseeing, and supporting community service programs - Bilingual in Spanish/ English is highly desirable - Supervisory and/or leadership experience is highly desirable - Possession of a valid Class C California driver license and a good driving record - Possession of, or ability to obtain, the following American Red Cross certifications within one month of hire: CPR/ AED/ First Aid for Adults and Pediatrics - Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
Knowledge and Abilities
- Strong customer service skills and the ability to assist community members with program information and registration support in a timely manner, and the ability to communicate in a tactful and positive manner with diverse groups of people - Knowledge of recreational programs and special events - Ability to support and facilitate day-to-day operations and programs at a community center - Strong leadership skills and the ability to direct, train, and provide feedback to PTS employees and volunteers - Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prepare memos and reports, and provide clear instructions to staff and the public - Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly and effectively resolve problems relating to customer service and/or community center programs - Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with City employees, the public, volunteers, and outside organizations - Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize daily workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, be flexible to changing priorities, and meet time-sensitive deadlines in a dynamic environment - Strong attention to detail and the ability to track and monitor program data, supplies, and inventory levels accurately and consistently - Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays - Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and class registration software to track program information, prepare general correspondence, and prepare reports - Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations quickly and accurately - Ability to work autonomously and within a collaborative team - Strong work ethic and a high level of integrity and professionalism - Ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds