THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Pismo Beach, celebrated for its breathtaking shoreline, thriving tourism economy, and exceptional quality of life, is seeking a dynamic, creative, and community-focused leader to serve as the next Recreation and Tourism Director. This is a key leadership position for an energetic professional who excels at building memorable experiences, strengthening community engagement, and leading high-impact programs in a fast-paced environment serving both residents and visitors.

ABOUT PISMO BEACH

Pismo Beach is a classic California coastal community known for its white sand beaches, extensive parks, vibrant events, and welcoming atmosphere. Located on California’s Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County along Pacific Coast Highway 1 and Highway 101, the City is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Pismo Beach has approximately 8,000 residents and a seasonal summer population of approximately 40,000 visitors. Its temperate marine climate, averaging approximately 70 degrees, complements a lively culinary scene featuring fresh seafood, local wineries, and beachside cafes. The community offers outstanding access to outdoor recreation, major highways, and a high-quality coastal lifestyle.

CITY GOVERNMENT

Pismo Beach is a full-service, general law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. City Manager Jorge E. Garcia leads a high-performing executive team and encourages professional development, innovation, and participation in professional associations.

The City maintains a strong financial position and structurally balanced budget. The FY 2027 General Fund budget is $37 million, with an $82 million all-funds budget and a healthy General Fund Reserve. Tourism is a major driver of the local economy.

Pismo Beach is also recognized for its positive employee culture, known as the “Standard of Excellence,” and its reputation for outstanding customer service and regional and state leadership.

THE RECREATION AND TOURISM DEPARTMENT

The Recreation and Tourism Department provides recreation programming for all ages, parks activation, special events, tourism promotion and destination marketing, visitor engagement, and industry partnerships.

The City recently completed a comprehensive Department Assessment that provides a strategic blueprint for operational improvements, organizational modernization, and departmental priorities. The new Director will lead implementation of these recommendations.

The Director oversees a FY27 budget of $4.69 million, department staff, contractors, partnerships, and community stakeholders. A Tourism Manager and Recreation Manager report directly to the Director.

THE POSITION

Working closely with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, the Director will lead programs and initiatives that shape Pismo Beach’s community and visitor experience. Responsibilities include:

Managing departmental operations, programs, projects, budgets, policies, events, recreation programs, visitor services, marketing, and promotional activities.
Developing recreation programs and community activities that promote quality of life, health, wellness, and engagement for residents of all ages and abilities.
Managing visitor-serving and tourism activities, including the Visitor Information Center, destination experiences, and City events.
Serving as Chair of the Special Events Committee and staff liaison to the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Commission.
Developing tourism marketing, advertising, public relations, and promotional strategies while building partnerships with local businesses.
Representing Pismo Beach at trade shows, conferences, professional organizations, tours, and industry events while monitoring emerging recreation, tourism, travel, events, and marketing trends.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader with exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. The Director must effectively lead internally while building strong relationships with residents, community groups, businesses, hoteliers, regional partners, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring expertise in community-serving leadership, recreation and tourism program development, and operational management. Emotional intelligence, integrity, transparency, strong judgment, and a solutions-oriented approach are essential.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years of responsible experience in tourism promotion and/or recreation programming are typical qualifications. The City Manager will consider a broad spectrum of talented candidates.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range is $176,737–$214,822, depending on qualifications. The City also offers a hiring incentive program, including negotiable relocation assistance of up to $15,000. Key benefits include CalPERS retirement, a $17,000 annual City contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan, a $2,500 monthly medical/dental/vision allowance, vacation and sick leave, 96 hours of annual administrative leave, 11 holidays plus two floating holidays, a cell phone stipend, and $50,000 of term life insurance.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé by Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at:

www.mosaicpublic.com/careers

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

tourism jobs

Recreation and Tourism Director

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