City of Garden City
Director of Parks and Recreation
City of Garden City, Garden City, Michigan, United States, 48135
Are you a dedicated individual committed to enhancing community well-being by leading innovative parks and recreation programs and welcoming public spaces?
Submit your application!
Salary range is up to $95,000.00.
While the first review of applications will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, the position will be open until filled. A short list may be developed, with chosen candidates asked to answer additional questions.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Manager and is reviewed through conferences, meetings, and reports for results obtained.
Qualifications An equivalent combination of education and on-the-job experience will be considered. Education in public or business administration is preferred, including coursework in:
Management
Accounting
Finance
Leadership
Information systems
Certifications related to the operation of municipal parks, an ice arena, a community center, and/or food service are a plus.
Qualifying experience may include:
Municipal experience at a supervisory level or higher
Grant administration
Policy formation
Business management
Information systems
Budgeting
Program management
Project management
Special event production and coordination
Facility and/or asset management
Municipal purchasing
Marketing
Active leadership and administration of local civic groups
Experience in local government is preferred, including program management, special event coordination, supervisory duties, and budgetary responsibilities.
Ability to work non-traditional hours and schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to be present during events and programs.
Responsibilities
Plans, develops, organizes, schedules, directs, publicizes and participates as necessary in sports, physical education, instructional, special event, cultural, and general recreational and leisure time activity programs for all age and interest groups.
Attends City Council meetings/workshops to present budgets, activity reports and plans for future activities.
Directs the expansion of existing park facilities; recommends the acquisition of property, oversees the design and development of newly acquired land to best serve the needs and interests of the community; oversees the operation and development of the City's Civic Arena and a variety of other City properties, including the maintenance and care of grounds and facilities.
Supervises a large staff of part-time and seasonal employees engaged in the operation of City recreation programs.
Recommends the hiring of new employees following defined guidelines and procedures; assures new employees receive proper training; monitors staff performance; and counsels and disciplines as necessary.
Directs departmental purchasing activities, reviewing requisitions and specifications, authorizing purchases and monitoring expenditures.
Conducts studies of park and recreational needs to assess the effectiveness of various programs and staff; keeps informed of developments in the recreational field through participation and membership in regional, state and national parks and recreational organizations.
Develops, plans and manages various City festivities and special events.
Participates in the planning, development, and expansion of City recreational facilities.
Receives and investigates complaints from facility users and public concerning the work of the crews and the conditions that need to be repaired.
Plans, organizes, trains, counsels, and reviews the performance of subordinates.
Initiates and recommends disciplinary actions.
Prepares or reviews a variety of records and reports to make recommendations for improvements or additions to buildings and grounds facilities and equipment.
Researches and develops specifications for the purchase of equipment and supplies.
Represents the department at meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, school officials, community groups, and other government officials.
Prepares a variety of supportive reports dealing with matters such as program activities, financial status, conformity to master plan expectations, and general maintenance of facilities.
Serves as liaison to and attends meetings of the Recreation Commission; submits information and discusses programs to facilitate the deliberations of this group.
Encourages use of facilities and participation in programs by speaking to community groups and explaining programs; receives citizen input, prepares a variety of correspondence and arranges publicity and news releases to promote athletic, cultural, and social programs; keeps residents informed and maintains positive public relations.
Responsible for the formulation and execution of the annual Departmental budget; seeks sources of funding and prepares necessary applications and documentation.
Confers with subordinates to assign, discuss work programs and problems. Provides administrative, professional and technical guidance to subordinates as needed.
Provides customer service and dispute resolution, as appropriate.
Researches and prepares reports at the discretion of the City Manager on a variety of topics related to community and economic development.
Attends meetings, seminars and conferences of professional associates and other organizations in order to keep abreast of trends and developments in the parks and recreation field and to represent the City of Garden City's interests before these groups.
May perform other work as required.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Submit your application!
Salary range is up to $95,000.00.
While the first review of applications will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, the position will be open until filled. A short list may be developed, with chosen candidates asked to answer additional questions.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Manager and is reviewed through conferences, meetings, and reports for results obtained.
Qualifications An equivalent combination of education and on-the-job experience will be considered. Education in public or business administration is preferred, including coursework in:
Management
Accounting
Finance
Leadership
Information systems
Certifications related to the operation of municipal parks, an ice arena, a community center, and/or food service are a plus.
Qualifying experience may include:
Municipal experience at a supervisory level or higher
Grant administration
Policy formation
Business management
Information systems
Budgeting
Program management
Project management
Special event production and coordination
Facility and/or asset management
Municipal purchasing
Marketing
Active leadership and administration of local civic groups
Experience in local government is preferred, including program management, special event coordination, supervisory duties, and budgetary responsibilities.
Ability to work non-traditional hours and schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to be present during events and programs.
Responsibilities
Plans, develops, organizes, schedules, directs, publicizes and participates as necessary in sports, physical education, instructional, special event, cultural, and general recreational and leisure time activity programs for all age and interest groups.
Attends City Council meetings/workshops to present budgets, activity reports and plans for future activities.
Directs the expansion of existing park facilities; recommends the acquisition of property, oversees the design and development of newly acquired land to best serve the needs and interests of the community; oversees the operation and development of the City's Civic Arena and a variety of other City properties, including the maintenance and care of grounds and facilities.
Supervises a large staff of part-time and seasonal employees engaged in the operation of City recreation programs.
Recommends the hiring of new employees following defined guidelines and procedures; assures new employees receive proper training; monitors staff performance; and counsels and disciplines as necessary.
Directs departmental purchasing activities, reviewing requisitions and specifications, authorizing purchases and monitoring expenditures.
Conducts studies of park and recreational needs to assess the effectiveness of various programs and staff; keeps informed of developments in the recreational field through participation and membership in regional, state and national parks and recreational organizations.
Develops, plans and manages various City festivities and special events.
Participates in the planning, development, and expansion of City recreational facilities.
Receives and investigates complaints from facility users and public concerning the work of the crews and the conditions that need to be repaired.
Plans, organizes, trains, counsels, and reviews the performance of subordinates.
Initiates and recommends disciplinary actions.
Prepares or reviews a variety of records and reports to make recommendations for improvements or additions to buildings and grounds facilities and equipment.
Researches and develops specifications for the purchase of equipment and supplies.
Represents the department at meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, school officials, community groups, and other government officials.
Prepares a variety of supportive reports dealing with matters such as program activities, financial status, conformity to master plan expectations, and general maintenance of facilities.
Serves as liaison to and attends meetings of the Recreation Commission; submits information and discusses programs to facilitate the deliberations of this group.
Encourages use of facilities and participation in programs by speaking to community groups and explaining programs; receives citizen input, prepares a variety of correspondence and arranges publicity and news releases to promote athletic, cultural, and social programs; keeps residents informed and maintains positive public relations.
Responsible for the formulation and execution of the annual Departmental budget; seeks sources of funding and prepares necessary applications and documentation.
Confers with subordinates to assign, discuss work programs and problems. Provides administrative, professional and technical guidance to subordinates as needed.
Provides customer service and dispute resolution, as appropriate.
Researches and prepares reports at the discretion of the City Manager on a variety of topics related to community and economic development.
Attends meetings, seminars and conferences of professional associates and other organizations in order to keep abreast of trends and developments in the parks and recreation field and to represent the City of Garden City's interests before these groups.
May perform other work as required.
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