Deputy Director of Recreation & Community Services

About the role

The Deputy Director of Recreation & Community Services oversees the Department’s daily operations and supports the Director in strategic planning and program delivery. Key responsibilities include overseeing recreation programs, community services, events, and facility operations; managing staff; coordinating initiatives; preparing and administering budgets; and serving as a liaison to advisory boards and community groups.

Responsibilities

• Under the general direction of the Director, oversee the delivery of recreation programs, community services, events, and facility operations.
• Oversee front desk operations, including registration, deposits, balancing, and customer service.
• Administer the Department event calendar and manage the Community Calendar.
• Assist in managing facility maintenance and department vehicles.
• Aid in the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, service quality, and customer experience; implement improvements and risk management practices.
• Coordinate major departmental initiatives, projects, and capital improvements; stay current with industry trends and best practices.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; recommend hiring, discipline, and performance standards; and oversee training and professional development programs.
• Prepare and administer departmental budgets, including revenue projections, cost recovery analysis, grants, and expenditure control.
• Provide oversight of park and facility operations and ensure alignment with City standards and community needs.
• Review and approve final departmental marketing and communications.
• Serve as a liaison to assigned advisory boards, community groups, and other stakeholders; provide technical guidance and support.
• Research, prepare, and present reports, recommendations, and presentations to the City Council, commissions, and committees.
• Analyze complex operational and community issues; develop and implement effective solutions.
• Lead the team in an annual Department program and event evaluation.
• Exercises sound judgment, prioritizes tasks, and maintains political awareness.
• Engages with the public and collaborates with Citizen advisory boards, Community Foundation, vendors and partners, City and community officials.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation, public administration or related field with eight (8) years of increasingly responsible full-time experience, including four (4) years at full-time Manager level experience in the development and management of municipal recreation and community and social service programs, event management, and parks and recreation facilities.
• A Master's degree in Public Administration or Recreation Administration is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods used in parks and recreation management.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, rules, codes, and ordinances.
• Methods and techniques of effective project management, and technical report preparation and presentation.
• Principles and practices of contract negotiation, preparation, and administration.
• Principles and practices of program organization, evaluation, development, and administration.
• Recent developments, contemporary trends and practices of parks, recreation, arts, and events.
• Operational characteristics, services and activities of recreational and community service programs.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Modern office practices and technology, including personal computer hardware and software; computer-based project management and scheduling.
• Safe work practices.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the administration and operations of the Recreation & Community Services Department, venue rentals, arts, events, programs, and activities.
• Develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Analyze budget and technical reports; draft, interpret, and evaluate staff reports and related documents; understand and interpret laws, regulations, codes, and procedures related to assigned areas; observe performance, motivate, train, and evaluate staff; explain and interpret policy.
• Analyze complex problems, identify and evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations related to Department activities.
• Coordinate Department activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Lead, manage, and motivate diverse teams while fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Develop, control, and administer the Department budget and expenditures, working with the management team.
• Interpret, evaluate, and apply City and Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Interpret, apply, and ensure project compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Research and report on current Parks and Recreation legislation.
• Develop plans, schedules, specifications, and cost estimates for assigned projects.
• Negotiate and administer service contracts and prepare bid packages.
• Analyze Department support needs and ensure prompt and efficient delivery of service, materials, and supplies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Use computer technology and applications in the performance of daily activities.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Benefits

• Medical Plan Allowance – City contributions per month towards (Medical, Dental, & Vision) insurance. Per Resolution No. 2024-13.
• Employee Only: $1,319 per month.
• Employee + 1: $1,850 per month
• Family: $1,950 per month
• If you have proof of comparable insurance coverage, you can waive your medical insurance with the City and receive $700 per month in cash.
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability – Paid by the City. After (60) days on payroll, the City will pay for $50,000 Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance for the employee. After (60) days on payroll, the City will pay for long-term disability coverage based on 2/3 of the monthly payroll of $3,000; the maximum amount paid would be $2,000 per month.
• Although the City does not participate in Social Security, employees must participate in Medicare.
• Employee-paid voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans are available.
• 401(A) Deferred Compensation – The City shall contribute towards the employees' deferred compensation plan for Executive and Middle Management, divided evenly across all pay periods for the calendar year. Contribution maximums are $11,000 annually for Executive Management and $7,000 annually for Middle Management.
• Mileage Reimbursement and Car Allowance - Executive Management and Middle Management employees may choose only one of these two options. If the employee elects a car allowance, the City shall provide an allowance of $300.00 per month. If not, they may use City vehicles for business purposes and shall also be entitled to mileage reimbursement when the employee utilizes their own vehicle for City business.