JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to direct the programs, services, staff, and resources of the Parks and Recreation Department. The primary responsibility in this position is to support the Parks and Recreation policy and to direct and implement the Master Plan which provides for comprehensive, quality programs and services which meet the recreation needs and interests of the community. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager. Oversight responsibility for the department's successful aquatics, athletic, leisure, community events, and recreational programming and services to the community at large.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Relative to local government parks and recreation programs, activities, and facilities: Develops the City’s strategic short- and long-range plan for parks and recreation and work program; supports the City Manager, Mayor, and City Council which sets the direction and strategic policies of the department; establishes annual departmental objectives and short/long-range goals develops and implements department operational policies and procedures.
• Relative to local government parks and recreation programs, activities, and facilities: Serves as a member of varying task forces as well as management and planning teams; serves as a liaison between City officials and department staff; advises the City of public and department needs for policy interpretation and development; and prepares presentations to communicate information and provide updates on major projects and initiatives.
• Relative to local government parks and recreation programs, activities, and facilities: Directs the implementation of department programs and services through subordinate managers, supervisors, and staff; ensures that operations support the Master Plan and comply with established policies, procedures, and related regulations; assesses department effectiveness and performance; and identifies and implements changes to maximize the use of resources, achieve goals and objectives and meet the community’s recreational needs/interests.
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, and directs work. Counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Manages departmental financial resources; develops the City’s annual Parks and Recreation budget for the City Manager; administers department’s annual operating and capital improvement budget; assists in the management of all funds including bond funds and assessment funds; user and program fee revenue management; concessions and event revenue management; and reviews expenditures and financial reports.
• Develops comprehensive plans and supervises the program; establishes and maintains partnerships and effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, local businesses, community groups, and professional organizations; provides the public with information through speeches and written articles; collaborates with parties to maximize resources; and settles disputes between the department and other parties.
• Collaborates with the Facility Services Department and contract project management staff concerning the construction, management, and maintenance of the department’s physical resources including parks, buildings, and other recreational facilities; establishes priorities, policies, and procedures with Facility Services to ensure an acceptable level of maintenance and repair (Note: janitorial services within the recreation centers is organizationally within the Parks & Recreation Department); remains abreast of the department’s capital improvement projects. Must have prior experience managing vendor contracts.
• Serves as the department’s risk manager; ensures programs and services provide for the safety and well-being of employees, program participants, and the general public visiting recreation facilities and parks; and meets with the City attorney to discuss exposures and department-related legal issues.
• Directs the establishment and management of department records, files, and databases; and maintains the official records of the department.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, public administration, or a closely related field required, Master’s degree preferred;
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience managing recreation programs, staff, and resources;
• Or equivalent education, and/or experience;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia’s driver license; and
• Must be certified as a Parks and Recreation professional by the National Recreation and Parks Association.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the philosophy, theory, principles, practices, techniques, and equipment of community recreation programs and public administration.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and strategic direction of the department.
• Knowledge of codes, state laws, and ordinances applicable to recreation and parks programs.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices for allocating and managing assigned resources including staff, budgets, facilities, and equipment.
• Ability to develop and administer overall City-wide recreation program.
• Ability to function in a director capacity for a major organizational unit requiring significant internal and external interaction.
• Ability to synthesize, hypothesize, and/or theorize concerning data involving modification of existing policies, strategies, and /or methods to meet unique or unusual conditions.
• Ability to apply principles of logical functions; to deal with several concrete and abstract variables; and to analyze major problems that require complex planning for interrelated activities that can span one or several work units.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control, and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee sits in an office or computer room.

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.

• The employee regularly works in a normal office environment.
• The employee performs some duties outdoors while conducting official business which will require local travel.
• Willing to work overtime, weekends on call, and holidays, and may be required to assist in special events.

ENTERPRISE CULTURE:

In support of our vision, our organizational culture works to maintain a safe and beautiful community and promote sustainable projects and activities. This is done by attracting and retaining a talented and diverse group of individuals who encompass our shared values through exceptional teamwork and collaboration, innovative thinking, a commitment to professional development, and community stewardship. What makes us unique is our harmonious work environment, forward-thinking, innovative, and non-restrictive approach toward successful service deliverables and outcomes. In turn, we offer a competitive and exceptional benefits package, flexible work hours, remote work opportunities, modern office work design, green space, a brand new public safety building, and a soon-to-come well space state-of-the-art City Hall.

MORAL CHARACTER:

The employee must possess and continue to maintain throughout the course of the role a commitment to the essential moral values that build character and instill positive and healthy interactions with others (Respect, honesty, compassion, education, not harming others, hard work, kindness, sharing, and gratitude). In addition to, the (5) five principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and fidelity.

The City has the right to revise this position description at any time and does not represent in any way a contract of employment.