The City of Norfolk’s Department of Parks & Recreation is currently seeking a strategic and visionary Director of Parks & Recreation to be responsible for the management, comprehensive operations and maintenance programs for all City parks, cemeteries, gardens, recreation facilities, school grounds, waterfront land, beaches, management of open spaces to include trails, city wide facilities, and other public properties. You’ll oversee the administration, development, and implementation of our nationally recognized and accredited recreation program. If you are passionate about making a difference through parks, programs, and community spaces, we’d love to hear from you!

Essential Functions:
Provides leadership and direction to the Assistant Director, Business Systems Manager and division leaders to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage the performance of professional, technical, maintenance and clerical support personnel to achieve the strategic goals of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Responsible for overall management and leadership of the four bureaus within the Parks and Recreation Department; Bureau of Planning and Administration, Bureau of Recreation and Community Wellness, Bureau of Parks, and Forestry Operations, and Bureau of Cemeteries. This includes budget preparation, development and monitoring.
Develops and implements a flexible program of community-building activities (recreation, parks, and neighborhood improvement services) for all customer segments, social groups, ages, and interest levels within the community.
Recommends acquisition and directs the development and maintenance of park and playground areas, structures and facilities, and waterways, trails, beaches, and city-wide facilities.
Manages a flexible program of recreational activities for all segments, social groups, ages, and interest levels within the community.
Cultivates collaboration and partnerships among city and external agencies, and residents; identifies and develops plans to address neighborhood, parks, recreation, and open space needs; and marketing of neighborhoods.
Directs the preparation and administration of the departmental business plan, performance measurement system, work program and budget, to ensure cost effectiveness.
Plans and coordinates neighborhood recreational strategies with other departments, schools, civic organizations, non-profit organizations, and other partners.
Directs communications and promotional activities to encourage citizen support, participation, attendance, and interest in parks, recreation, and open space programs.
Collaborates with various public, private, non-profit, and civic groups and individuals to promote departmental community-building activities and to ascertain desired or needed services.
Reviews and analyzes systems and processes, equipment usage, and performance to find ways of increasing effectiveness, improving results, and achieving improved cost efficiency in service delivery.
Coordinates the selection of personnel to serve in the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Performs as facilitator, advisor, and technical expert in terms of natural resources and management for the City Manager, City Council, municipal departments, and the public; makes formal presentations and public policy recommendations.
Reviews and analyzes the effectiveness of projects and programs and revises in accordance with current customer needs and desires.
Coordinates the development and implementation of programs and strategic plans for the betterment of the community.

Requirements:

The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree in recreation and parks management, business or public administration, or related field.
Five or more years' senior level management experience required.
8-10 years of progressively responsible professional experience preferred.
Master's degree preferred.
CPRE, CPRP or other related certification.

The Director operates under the executive direction of the City Manager and requires significant independence and initiative in accomplishing program objectiveness and effective operations.