Director of Parks & Recreation

Salary : $74,960.00 - $119,995.00 Annually

Location : Ohio 44118, OH

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 9070

Department: Parks & Recreation

Opening Date: 07/15/2024

Description

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Administrative oversight of the Parks & Recreation Department within a high performing, professional organization committed to excellence through continuous improvement and innovation. Responsible for the coordination of quality of life programming that enhances the lives of residents including recreation, athletics, arts and culture programming, as well as community outreach and engagement, in collaboration with the Director of Communications and Community Engagement. Also responsible for the maintenance and improvement of all public parks, City property and facilities.

Examples of Duties

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Provide leadership, direction and oversight for all areas of the Parks & Recreation Department including: the Cleveland Heights Community Center; Office on Aging & Senior Center; Cain Park; recreation, aquatic, ice, arts, and athletic programs.

Manage the development and implementation of short- and long-term departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each area; review and analyze the effectiveness of operations and programs and make recommendations to improve service delivery.

Create, implement and manage arts, recreational, athletic, and related programs to meet the needs and interests of the community.

Coordinate communications and marketing activities to encourage support, participation, attendance, and interest in parks and recreation programs.

Work with the Recreation Advisory Board, residents, community organizations, and other groups to enhance overall program offerings throughout the City.

Direct the operation of parks, recreation, athletic, and community facilities; oversee the use of facilities; negotiate agreements with facility users and facility providers; coordinate new park, open space or facility development to address community needs.

Coordinate park/facility maintenance with the Public Works Department, as needed, to cooperate on various projects as they arise.

Develop, implement and manage the operating and capital budgets for the Department; forecast, plan and develop budgets for capital and equipment needs; monitor program fees and justify revenue enhancement recommendations; seek outside funds through grants and sponsorships; prepare and review service contracts.

Oversee all Department personnel; coordinate the work of subordinate staff; select, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel; work with personnel to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures, as needed.

Represent the Parks & Recreation Department to other departments, elected officials, outside organizations and residents.

Develop strong partnerships between the City and external organizations to enhance the quality of Parks & Recreation programming.

Plan and direct City-sponsored special events.

Represents the Department and the City, as requested by the Mayor, on boards and committees and attend various meetings and functions to present, explain and promote departmental programs and initiatives.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.

Prepare documents, memos, reports and detailed analysis, when requested by the Mayor, relating to departmental actions and activities.

Perform other related duties as assigned or required.

OVERALL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Ability to manage and direct a wide variety of arts, recreational, athletic, and community programs in various facilities and spaces.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, specifically with reference to personnel matters and budget administration.

Ability to analyze problems, identify potential solutions and corresponding consequences, and implement determined solutions in support of specific goals.

Ability to communicate effectively, in both verbal and written forms, with diverse audiences.

Ability to work successfully with diverse racial, religious, socio-economic, age, social, and ability groups.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, contractors, public groups and residents.

Ability to multi-task and prioritize issues.

Ability to work in a team environment to solve problems and achieve common goals.

PRINCIPAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Works directly with the Mayor and City Administrator.

Works directly with other City department heads.

Works directly with subordinate personnel and other City staff.

Works directly with residents, clubs, groups, volunteers, partner organizations, and the public.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills to successfully fulfill the duties of the position. This would typically include: a degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in parks and recreation administration, public administration or a related field; and five (5) years of experience administering recreational, athletic and community programs in a municipal or other public or nonprofit organization.

Minimum of five (5) years of managerial and supervisory experience required.

Master's degree in Public or Business Administration or a related field is desirable.

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and/or Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification is preferred.

Experience managing recreation facilities is preferred.

Must acquire CPR/First Aid certification within 6 months of hire.

Supplemental Information

CERTIFICATION/ LICENSURE:

Must have at the time of hire and be able to maintain a valid Ohio driver license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work environment and 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

The City of Cleveland Heights is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.

The City of Cleveland Heights offers permanent full time employees an excellent benefits package!

• Comprehensive Medical & Dental Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plans
• Employee Assistance Program