Parks Program Manager

The City of Gresham is searching for a dynamic and experienced Parks Program Manager to lead our Parks Division. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker with a passion for public parks and recreation. You'll oversee all aspects of our park system, from planning and design to operations and maintenance. Come join us if you are a passionate advocate for public parks and green spaces, a skilled administrator, and a visionary leader who can inspire others to care for and balance needs for parks and preservation of nature spaces.

This job posting will remain open until the position is filled. First review of applications will take place the week of December 9, 2024.

What you will get to do:

• Supervise/Manage employees and lead the Parks team
• Inspire and motivate the team and provide necessary support to ensure team success
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of park professionals, providing guidance and support
• Establish clear goals and objectives for the team
• Make informed decisions about staffing, budgets, and operational priorities
• Delegate effectively by assigning tasks and responsibilities to appropriate team members
• Coach, council, discipline, evaluate, and hire employees by offering advice and support to help team members develop their skills
• Identify training opportunities and encourage professional growth
• Create a positive work environment by fostering collaborative and supportive team culture
• Effectively and timely address performance issues
• Parks program planning, development, and oversight
• Develop and implement comprehensive plans for the city's parks system, aligning with the City's strategic goals
• Oversee the Parks System Master Plan and all updates, preparing and presenting to the City Council as needed
• Work closely with community-based organizations to advance parks capital projects and recreation programs
• Coordinate with the City's Recreation Program to support utilization of City parks
• Participate in regional Parks & Recreation forums
• Coordinate with Metro, the Intertwine, and Oregon Parks & Rec Department
• Work with City Finance staff to implement the City's Revenue Roadmap to improve funding for Parks & Recreation
• Parks Capital Improvement Program Planning and Implementation
• Oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of parks, trails, and open spaces
• Lead public involvement processes necessary to prioritize parks capital improvement projects for funding
• Advance parks capital improvement projects through planning, design, and construction
• Oversee Parks land acquisition processes and negotiations as necessary
• Lead work needed to identify, apply for, obtain, and successfully deliver parks related grants
• Oversee improvements to parks system improvements for ADA access
• Community engagement
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including community members, other City programs, and outside agencies.
• Address critical feedback from the community and develop and vet strategies for operational refinements to improve community relations
• Develop and lead Program's efforts to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles are considered in policy and program development as well as in service delivery
• Plan and lead park groundbreaking and grand opening ceremonies
• Respond to inquiries from the public, press, and community organizations
• Work collaboratively with the City's Communications team to align and maximize community engagement opportunities
• Budget and Contract administration
• Develop, plan, and implement the Program budget; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, material and supplies;
• Prepare annual operating and capital budget proposals
• Review and approve Parks-related expenditures
• Provide oversight to Parks Superintendent to develop and implement asset management program to support operating budgets
• Ensure city protocols for contracts of goods and services, consultant support, and city contributions to non-profit community groups are followed by Program staff.
• Represent City interests and community needs in development of inter-agency agreements, lease agreements, conservation easements, and use agreements with other local, regional, and state agencies, as well as with private landowners and private utilities, e.g., cell towers

Qualities we are looking for:

• Effective communication skills (verbal and written) to include public speaking/presentations to various external organizations, groups, volunteers and at internal meetings
• Outstanding leadership skills including mentoring, conflict resolution, and team motivation
• Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues creatively and efficiently
• Public service and customer service orientation
• Negotiation capabilities
• Environmental stewardship - commitment to preserve ecosystem health in collaboration with other City programs and departments
• Ability to manage high levels of ambiguity and create clarity
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Learn and absorb complex information quickly
• Work well collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team and be supportive of colleagues
• Ability to adjust to frequently changing work flow demands

Minimum Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Six (6) or more years of related experience to include Parks Program Management, Operations, division budget development/oversight and supervision of staff

**Any combination of qualifying education, training and/or experience equivalent to 10 years or more will be considered.

Required application materials:

• Complete online application (Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.)
• Answers to supplemental questions

The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay .

For more details and to apply, visit: https://GreshamOregon.gov/jobs

If you have questions, please contact [email protected]

Additional Application Instructions

Required application materials: Complete online application (Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.) Answers to supplemental questions For more details and to apply, visit: https://GreshamOregon.gov/jobs If you have questions, please contact [email protected]