National League of Cities
Recreation and Parks Director
National League of Cities, Ocala, Florida, United States, 34470
General Description
This is a senior management leadership position responsible for executing the community’s recreation and parks operations and programming. As the department director, the position is held accountable to execute the City’s comprehensive and strategic goals, objectives, operations, programs, policies, and procedures as it relates to planning and directing the programming, facility operations, maintenance and infrastructure development for parks and recreation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Management and Oversight Manages and oversees staff, contractors, and affiliate organizations in the provision of programming, operations and maintenance of a comprehensive inventory of public spaces, recreation facilities, and parks. This includes community centers, senior centers, specialized sports facilities, aquatic facilities (pools and splash pads), a science center, indoor and outdoor art installations, golf courses, a clay court tennis facility, a national historic landmark, and over 45 park properties. Also includes parks enforcement operations; facility rentals; outdoor/natural resource management and programming; maintenance of the downtown central business district and other community beautification programs; oversight of an estimated 45 City coordinated/partnered events and concerts throughout the year; and permitting and support services for over 120 additional permitted events on City property each year.
Goals, Objectives and Strategies Develops the department’s short and long‑term goals, objectives and strategies to meet current and long‑range level‑of‑service standards as outlined in the Recreation and Parks Master Plan adopted by City Council. Prepares, implements, monitors and reports on a comprehensive department strategic plan. Is readily available and flexible to support department divisions and other departments in achieving their performance goals.
Capital Projects Plans, designs and constructs recreation and parks infrastructure. Interfaces with other departments; consultant engineers, architects, planners and other outside professionals. Sets and monitors milestones. Prepares specifications and solicitations. Negotiates contracts. Ensures compliance with any regulatory requirements for expenditures. Conducts progress meetings. Provides feedback on design and construction.
Communications Ensures effective communication of information to direct reports, team members at all levels within the organization, community organizations and participants. Ensures the department develops and implements a solid marketing and promotions plan across multiple platforms to ensure the public is made aware of programs and services. Regularly interacts with other departments and outside organizations to ensure they receive accurate and timely information and that concerns or issues are noted and addressed. Networks with industry peers engaged in similar level work at the local, state and national level to promote information sharing, cooperation and incorporation of best practices. Has a high level of involvement with community groups including five Council appointed advisory boards and nine non‑profit 501(c)(3) organizations whose purpose is to support department operations and programs. Coordinates either directly or indirectly through subordinate staff with other like‑minded community organizations. Makes presentations to City Council, boards and commissions, professional organizations and community groups. Sets standards for customer service to ensure consistency in service across the organization.
Fiscal/Contract Management Prepares, reviews and administers the department’s annual and long‑term operational and capital budget plans to ensure optimum efficiency and the effective use of resources. Reviews and sets fees for programs; makes recommendations to Council on fees for other department services. Sets procedures for processing payroll, AP/AR and contracts review within the department as needed to ensure compliance with the organization’s fiscal and contract management policies. Sets goals for the department’s cost recovery and monitors same. Responsible for soliciting a large amount of outside sponsors/partners to support department programs and projects through grant writing and fundraising. Projects long‑term needs and maps grant writing/fundraising plans to address those needs. Oversees over a hundred contracts annually for performers, contract recreation providers, sponsors, maintenance services, commodities and professional services.
Education and Experience Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation, parks, administration, or closely related fields and a minimum of ten years of work experience in recreation and parks at a supervisory, administrative capacity, with five years of management experience. A general understanding of public construction project methods and management is required. An equivalent combination of training and experience that qualifies the applicant for the position may be considered.
Knowledge
Knowledge of the objectives, principles, and methods applicable to planning and administering recreation and parks programs. Ability to adapt that knowledge for implementation.
Knowledge of the types of facilities and equipment needed to deliver a comprehensive recreation and parks program.
Knowledge of the sociological and psychological needs of various age groups for recreational participation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations at all social and economic levels.
Ability to recognize and understand the various community social conditions so as to determine special recreational needs.
Ability to recognize trends and develop solutions thereto.
Certificates and Licenses Required to possess and maintain a valid Florida Operators Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record. Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (or Executive) is preferred.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities Management and Oversight Manages and oversees staff, contractors, and affiliate organizations in the provision of programming, operations and maintenance of a comprehensive inventory of public spaces, recreation facilities, and parks. This includes community centers, senior centers, specialized sports facilities, aquatic facilities (pools and splash pads), a science center, indoor and outdoor art installations, golf courses, a clay court tennis facility, a national historic landmark, and over 45 park properties. Also includes parks enforcement operations; facility rentals; outdoor/natural resource management and programming; maintenance of the downtown central business district and other community beautification programs; oversight of an estimated 45 City coordinated/partnered events and concerts throughout the year; and permitting and support services for over 120 additional permitted events on City property each year.
Goals, Objectives and Strategies Develops the department’s short and long‑term goals, objectives and strategies to meet current and long‑range level‑of‑service standards as outlined in the Recreation and Parks Master Plan adopted by City Council. Prepares, implements, monitors and reports on a comprehensive department strategic plan. Is readily available and flexible to support department divisions and other departments in achieving their performance goals.
Capital Projects Plans, designs and constructs recreation and parks infrastructure. Interfaces with other departments; consultant engineers, architects, planners and other outside professionals. Sets and monitors milestones. Prepares specifications and solicitations. Negotiates contracts. Ensures compliance with any regulatory requirements for expenditures. Conducts progress meetings. Provides feedback on design and construction.
Communications Ensures effective communication of information to direct reports, team members at all levels within the organization, community organizations and participants. Ensures the department develops and implements a solid marketing and promotions plan across multiple platforms to ensure the public is made aware of programs and services. Regularly interacts with other departments and outside organizations to ensure they receive accurate and timely information and that concerns or issues are noted and addressed. Networks with industry peers engaged in similar level work at the local, state and national level to promote information sharing, cooperation and incorporation of best practices. Has a high level of involvement with community groups including five Council appointed advisory boards and nine non‑profit 501(c)(3) organizations whose purpose is to support department operations and programs. Coordinates either directly or indirectly through subordinate staff with other like‑minded community organizations. Makes presentations to City Council, boards and commissions, professional organizations and community groups. Sets standards for customer service to ensure consistency in service across the organization.
Fiscal/Contract Management Prepares, reviews and administers the department’s annual and long‑term operational and capital budget plans to ensure optimum efficiency and the effective use of resources. Reviews and sets fees for programs; makes recommendations to Council on fees for other department services. Sets procedures for processing payroll, AP/AR and contracts review within the department as needed to ensure compliance with the organization’s fiscal and contract management policies. Sets goals for the department’s cost recovery and monitors same. Responsible for soliciting a large amount of outside sponsors/partners to support department programs and projects through grant writing and fundraising. Projects long‑term needs and maps grant writing/fundraising plans to address those needs. Oversees over a hundred contracts annually for performers, contract recreation providers, sponsors, maintenance services, commodities and professional services.
Education and Experience Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation, parks, administration, or closely related fields and a minimum of ten years of work experience in recreation and parks at a supervisory, administrative capacity, with five years of management experience. A general understanding of public construction project methods and management is required. An equivalent combination of training and experience that qualifies the applicant for the position may be considered.
Knowledge
Knowledge of the objectives, principles, and methods applicable to planning and administering recreation and parks programs. Ability to adapt that knowledge for implementation.
Knowledge of the types of facilities and equipment needed to deliver a comprehensive recreation and parks program.
Knowledge of the sociological and psychological needs of various age groups for recreational participation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations at all social and economic levels.
Ability to recognize and understand the various community social conditions so as to determine special recreational needs.
Ability to recognize trends and develop solutions thereto.
Certificates and Licenses Required to possess and maintain a valid Florida Operators Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record. Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (or Executive) is preferred.
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