GENERAL NATURE OF WORK: This position is responsible for the operation of the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Division, including the City’s cemeteries and Senior Center. This individual provides leadership and direction to the Division, and performs highly responsible administrative and supervisory work in planning, directing, and coordinating activities, personnel, and resources. This position develops Division strategy and policy and ensures that the City’s mission, core values, and goals are incorporated into activities and services. Duties are performed under the supervision of the Assistant City Manager.

EQUIPMENT & JOB LOCATION: This position requires thorough knowledge of office and recreation equipment, including: computer, telephone, general office equipment, and transportation vehicles; and general knowledge of maintenance tools and vehicles. The primary work site is the Municipal Maintenance Facility and the City's recreation facilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in all positions in this class.

• Plans, schedules, directs, and performs programs and activities of the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Division in accordance with professional standards, departmental policies, and City policies.
• Develops plans and policies for the Division, including staff manuals, annual reports, yearly goals and objectives, bid specifications, and action plans.
• Prepares and updates the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, including long and short-range planning for the division.
• Establishes program priorities for leisure classes, athletic programs, and special events.
• Establishes maintenance priorities and standards.
• Inspects park facilities and equipment for safety and maintenance.
• Serves as project manager on park improvement and master plan projects; works with architects and contractors on design and construction plans.
• Provides Division updates regarding activities and programs, including educational presentations, to Council, the Division’s advisory board, and other community groups as necessary.
• Reviews all reports and records prepared by Division personnel, directs the preparation and maintenance of all Division records and files, and performs other administrative duties as required.

• Prepares budget estimates and ensures the expenditure of Division funds according to budget and policy, calculates cost estimates and projected revenues, plans for capital projects, and presents budget to City Manager and City Council.
• Recommends pricing structures for services, sales, special events, and other programs; provides staff with direction as to pricing structures, future programming, and pricing goals and standards.
• Oversees the purchasing process for the Division, including the preparation of purchase orders and the processing of invoices.
• Seeks out financial gifts, grants, and other revenue sources for Division projects and programs.
• Develops Division staff, including hiring, directing, training, motivation and team building, evaluation and performance counseling, and discipline.
• Formulates and enforces Division rules and regulations, work methods, and procedures.
• Collaborates with other City Departments and Divisions to ensure efficient operations.
• Represents the Division to external agencies, groups, organizations, professional associations, community committees, and the media.
• Works and collaborates with various formal and informal groups to develop programs and services, attends meetings, prepares agendas and meeting minutes, presents research and data, and provides recommendations and potential solutions to problems.
• Meets with community groups to plan and/or assist with the construction of neighborhood playgrounds.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Responds to comments and complaints from citizens.
• Coordinates support for parks maintenance and special events with Superintendent of Public Service and other City departments.
• Coordinates with other City divisions, departments, and advisory boards concerning the planning and designing of park space.
• Attends community special events as necessary.
• Performs any and all other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, fellow employees, other City employees, and the general public.
• Ability to plan, schedule, direct, and coordinate the work and operations of the Division.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the objectives and principles of public recreation, including a thorough understanding of the activities which comprise a community recreation program.
• Ability to balance numerous tasks at any given time.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the facilities and equipment needed in planning a broad recreation program.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties.
• Ability to deal firmly, tactfully, and courteously with the general public.
• Ability to handle confidential information, including personnel information and litigation material.

DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation administration or a related field, supplemented by some progressively responsible experience in the recreation field.
• A combination of training and experience, which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for the required education and experience requirements.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must maintain a valid Ohio Driver's License.

• Ability to work other than normal working hours and various shifts as necessary.
• Designation as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is preferred.
• Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to fifteen (15) pounds; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movements and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.