Parks and Recreation Director FLSA Status: Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs complex professional work planning, developing, supervising and coordinating parks, recreation, aquatic and athletic programs and services for citizens of all ages, providing public relations and information programs, coordinating programs and services with other departments and agencies, preparing and maintaining files and records, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the City Manager. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required and are not necessarily actual functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Performs duties in accordance with the City's keys to excellent customer service; acts as a team or group leader in the implementation of adopted City outcomes and goals.

Develops, organizes, implements and reviews department goals and objectives including those city council goals assigned to department by the City Manager.

Coordinates activities with various city departments, citizens, other governmental units, outside agencies and organizations; directs, oversees and participates in developing and scheduling the department's work plan; assigns and coordinates work activities, projects and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates completed work, methods and procedures.

Supervises and participates in developing and administering the department budget; directs and forecasts of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements requests for modifications to the approved budget in conjunction with the Finance Department.

Plans, directs and reviews all recreation centers, associated activities, athletic programs and special community events.

Initiates needed personnel transactions including recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, evaluation, promotion, disciplining and termination of employees in conjunction with the Human Resources Department; and approve time cards and expense reports.

Coordinates department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides staff assistance to the City Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Plans, directs and reviews all parks, grounds and facilities maintenance and design of park developments, including public input coordination.

Serves as a technical advisor to the Parks and Recreation Board, Greenway Committee and Technical Review Committees on parks and recreation matters; develops comprehensive recommendations, memos and reports; provides staff support as required; develops and submits grant applications.

Responds to various citizen inquiries and complaints, some of which may be difficult and sensitive to resolve.

Represents the Parks and Recreation Department on boards and committees; participates in professional groups and organizations.

Determines need for new and additional parks and recreation equipment, facilities, staffing and materials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of community recreational activities and their administration; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and methods of parks and grounds planning; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration with special reference to departmental personnel and budget administration; ability to develop and execute a well rounded program of recreational activities; ability to cooperate with and interpret recreational philosophies to city authorities and private groups and agencies and the general public; ability to communicate ideas, both orally and in writing; ability to direct the work of a large and diverse staff; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials, contractors, public groups and general public.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with coursework in parks and recreation administration, public administration, or related field and extensive experience in professional parks and recreation work, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting and speaking or hearing and occasionally requires standing and walking; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

Possession of Parks and Recreation Professional certification.

Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.