The City of Pomona, located just 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, is a thriving and diverse urban community with a deep sense of history and purpose. Once a center of Southern California’s agricultural economy, Pomona today blends its rich cultural heritage with a forward-looking vision for inclusive prosperity and innovation. With a population exceeding 150,000 residents, Pomona is home to renowned educational and cultural institutions including Cal Poly Pomona, Western University of Health Sciences, and a vibrant arts district centered on the historic Fox Theater and the Pomona Arts Colony.

Operating under a council-manager form of government, Pomona has committed itself to cultivating a culture of creativity and innovation throughout city operations. Through partnerships such as its collaboration with Ascendant, a global innovation consultancy, Pomona is reimagining public service delivery and community engagement. The City’s recently approved “Pomona Kids First” initiative reflects this spirit of transformation by establishing a dedicated funding stream to support children, youth, and transitional-aged young adults facing barriers to opportunity.

The Opportunity

This is a historic opportunity to serve as the founding Children and Youth Services Director and build one of California’s most innovative municipal youth departments from inception.

Recently created, this new department will manage a dedicated $9 million fund focused on improving outcomes for children and young people across education, health, housing, and civic engagement. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director will shape the department’s mission and strategic vision, develop its organizational structure, and launch evidence-based programs designed to deliver equitable and sustainable community impact.

The founding Director will create a 15-member youth governance board, develop transparent systems for funding community-based organizations, and ensure accountability to Pomona’s residents. This role represents a moment of civic innovation and a chance to define what it means for a city to center its young people in its priorities and policymaking.

The Director will be both designer and advocate, building an enduring institution grounded in the community’s voice and vision.

The salary range for this position is $170,419 – $228,378. The City of Pomona offers its
employees a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical, dental, vision, and life
insurance; disability insurance; retirement; and various voluntary plans.