The Parks and Recreation Director position is to oversee and direct the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.  The position is responsible for supervising staff; establishing goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; planning; managing recreational activities and events; managing grounds maintenance including mowing City properties, maintaining trees and administering the beautification program; preparing budgets; and evaluating, documenting, and reporting on events and activities to senior management and elected or appointed officials.  This position develops and implements programs within organizational policies; and reports major activities to executive-level administrators through conferences and reports. Decision-making is a major part of the job, affecting the general public; works in a dynamic environment, is responsible for developing policy and practices.

Job Responsibilities

• Supervises staff including establishing staffing standards, organizing, selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and terminating or recommending termination. 
• Responsible for creating and maintaining a productive, harmonious, and respectful work environment. Genuine concern for employees’ success, hiring, training, empowerment, and staff development.  Strong understanding of leadership principles and practices.
• Responsible for parkland planning and management; including proper maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, grounds, and ball fields.  
• Carries out comprehensive research for available grants.  Completes the grant application, clearly and effectively.
• Visits Park sites for project status review or equipment evaluation; directs construction, management, and maintenance of the department’s physical resources including parks, buildings, and other recreational facilities; and establishes priorities, policies, and procedures to ensure an acceptable level of maintenance and repair. 
• Oversees department’s capital improvement projects; assists with design for facilities; recommends selection of consulting firms; and negotiates and administers contracts with consultants, engineers, architects, or other service providers. 
• Establishes and maintains partnerships and effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, community groups, schools, state and federal agencies, and professional organizations; and collaborates with parties to maximize resources to meet the community's needs.
• Monitors and researches trends, new methodology and technology, laws, rules, and City policy to develop and enhance public service processes and activities, and plan for future expansion to meet growth needs.
• Directs departmental activities, including recreational center and programs, park events, inspections and evaluations, safety, and marketing of park programs including the website, recreation brochure, and social media.  Also directs grounds related activities including maintaining all City properties through mowing, tree maintenance and beautification aspects; maintaining street trees; and planting flowers.
• Advises and consults with elected and appointed officials, commissions, federal or state regulatory agencies, department heads, staff agencies, civic or private groups, individuals, and others on problems, strategies, policies, and procedures related to park and recreational services.
• Represent the City on regional and local boards or committees and at meetings concerning parks and recreation issues; make presentations to elected or appointed officials, department heads and staff, and other public or private agencies or groups on significant park and recreation issues or programs.
• Oversees administrative matters such as developing and defending departmental budgets, administering expenditures, conducting special studies, preparing departmental CIP, managing correspondence and records, preparing routine and special reports, administering training, providing for staff technical or professional growth, and other administrative duties.

Required Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, public administration or related field.
• Requires a minimum of eight years of related experience in recreation, park management, or a related field.
• Requires five years of senior management experience and a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in recreation, physical education, public administration or related field is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and evidence of a good driving record.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) desired.

To view the entire job description, please visit, https://www.cityofdover.com/job-titles-and-rates and click on Non-bargaining Employees.

A criminal background investigation will be required. Candidates may be given a job-related test during the interview.

Compensation

• Health, Dental, Vision and Group Life Insurance
• 401 a & 457 deferred compensation plans
• Paid vacation and sick leave

To Apply Submit the Following

• City of Dover employment application (www.cityofdover.com/jobs)
• Resume
• Cover letter