Parks & Recreation Director

Come join the City of Appleton! Here at the City, you’ll have the opportunity to grow and enjoy your best life through challenging work, great teams, training opportunities, and making a lasting impact on the community. We welcome and respect all employees as they are. Come join our team—you belong here!

As the leader of the department, the Director of Parks and Recreation is responsible for the overall leadership and vision of the Parks and Recreation team. Work involves leading the organization and providing high-level professional expertise and advice on all areas of responsibility. This position is responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies that will shape the growth of the community. Work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor.

This position serves as a key member of the City Leadership Team and is expected to serve in both leadership and management capacities: 

Leadership: the position is responsible for participating in and supporting the ongoing strategic planning process for the City. It will also lead the implementation of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. In addition, the Director will be responsible for evaluating the departmental structure and resources to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. 

Management: in addition to playing a leadership role, this position must also serve a tactical, hands-on administrative role for the City. This position overseas budgets, operations, and performance metrics for Facilities Management, Parks & Recreation, and Reid Golf Course. The Director also collaborates on project planning, contract management, and maintenance standards while supporting the City’s  capital improvement plan. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS     
  Organizational Team Leadership

• Provides expert guidance and strategic advice to the Mayor, City leadership, and Common Council across all areas of departmental responsibility. 
• Plans and oversees a dynamic, inclusive range of park and recreation programs serving diverse community interests, ages, and groups. 
• Develops, maintains, and implements comprehensive planning documents, including the Facilities, Parks, Recreation, and Grounds Operations Master Plans. 

• Works with the Community Development Department on updates of the City of Appleton's Comprehensive Plan as it relates to Parks and Recreation.

• Acts as the City’s representative for facility expansion, renovation, and capital improvement initiatives. 
• Leads the creation and execution of a 10-year Parks and Recreation Plan, incorporating community feedback, industry trends, and annual updates. 
• Conducts research and prepares reports on programs, leagues, operations, trends, and identified community needs. 
• Oversees the City’s sustainability efforts, coordinating efforts with the Green Tier Program, maintaining a citywide sustainability plan, and promoting environmentally responsible practices, including energy monitoring and reduction strategies. 
• Builds and maintains strong public relationships, effectively communicates community needs to the Common Council, and oversees systems for responding to citizen inquiries and concerns. Conducts surveys to enhance recreation services and facility utilization. 

   Department Leadership, Development & Supervision

• Provides overall leadership, mentorship, and direction to staff across three divisions: Facilities Management, Parks and Recreation, and the Golf Course/Clubhouse. 
• Establishes and oversees departmental goals and objectives aligned with the City’s mission and strategic priorities, and develops strategies to achieve them. 

• Leads, supports, and supervises staff, fostering professional growth and team development. 
• Regularly assesses the department’s structure and workforce plan to maximize efficiency and effectiveness while promoting individual professional and personal development.

Department Management

• Develops and oversees operating budgets for Facilities Management, Parks & Recreation, and Reid Golf Course, as well as capital improvement budgets for each division. 
• Manages the operations, marketing, and financial performance of the eighteen-hole Reid Golf Course. 
• Establishes and monitors key performance metrics to evaluate departmental effectiveness. 
• Collaborates with architects, consultants, construction managers, contractors, and City staff to plan schedules and manage project budgets and timelines. 
• Prepares and reviews project blueprints, specifications, and contract documents. 
• Conducts benchmarking and establishes maintenance standards across functions such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, housekeeping, furniture management, and pool operations. 
• Represents the City in contract negotiations, change order reviews, pay application approvals, and project closeout processes. 
• Oversees the selection and hiring of consultants for maintenance and facility-related projects. 
• Contributes to the development of the annual departmental operating budget and the City’s capital improvement plan.
• Maintains regular, punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as  required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS     

• Serves on the Mayor’s Leadership Team and advisory committees.
• Performs field observations of projects and departmental programs.
• Responds to media requests.
• Attends various committee/council meetings and provides regular reports, recommendations and presentations.
• Administers asbestos program, among other safety programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Public or Business Administration, Construction Management, or Parks and Recreation Administration. Professional certification in a related field is desired, and a Master’s degree is highly preferred. The incumbent will have at least six years of experience, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of community recreation and parks work and its administration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and methods of park and playground planning and development.                                                 
• Comprehensive knowledge of facilities preventive maintenance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of facilities construction, expansion, and remodeling.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state and ADA regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of budgeting and fiscal control.
• Knowledge of golf course management.
• Knowledge of public administration and business management principles.
• Ability to be self initiated and working well independently.                          
• Ability to supervise, train, and direct staff.  
• Ability to read blueprints and analyze data.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Ability to plan, organizes, and controls a wide variety of projects, some of which are of a very technical nature.                  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written, with people at various levels both within and outside the organization, especially with, architects, consultants, construction managers, general contractors, and appropriate city personnel.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and deal courteously and tactfully with other government agencies and the public.
• Ability to coordinate and manage a variety of programs and work within the timeframes established.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

COMPETENCIES
Communication
Visionary
Political Savvy
Strategic Skills
Decision Maker

To learn more about these competencies click here. 

Salary : $50 - $74