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 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 programing, 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 provision of 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 501c(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-range 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 of 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 course work in recreation, parks, administration, or closely related fields and a minimum of ten year’s work experience in recreation and parks at a supervisory, administrative capacity, with five years management experience.
-A general understanding of public construction project methods and management required.
-An equivalent combination of training and experience that qualifies the applicant for the position may be considered.
-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) Preferred.

COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes
effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenus; Conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents
ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication
that conform to prescribed style and format.
Math Ability:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Accounting software; Inventory software; Payroll systems; Development software; Internet software; Human Resource systems; Project Management software; Database software and Contact Management systems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Manages subordinate supervisors who supervise a total of 70+ regular employees and 60+ seasonal employees in Parks, Recreation, Special Events and Administration. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Ability to project a positive, energetic attitude. Creates and supports a culture that is conductive to high productivity, efficiency and excellence in service to the citizenry. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as required including weekends as necessary to accomplish department objectives.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, occasional exposure to a loud environment can be expected (concerts, events, projects).
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral
vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).