Parks and Recreation Director

DEPARTMENT: PARKS& RECREATIONPAY GRADE: 13

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Mayor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Exercise administrative discretion over the Recreation Supervisor and other support staff, part-time, contracted and/or seasonal personnel, either directly or through subordinate supervisors.

POSITION CLASSIFICATIONS: The position of Director of Parks & Recreation in the City of Stow is unclassified by the Stow Municipal Civil Service Commission, is Executive Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not included in a collective bargaining agreement.

PURPOSE: Performs a variety of complex professional and administrative work in planning, developing, scheduling, directing and implementing a year-round, city-wide parks and recreation program.

• Plan, coordinate, and direct a diversified year-round, city-wide parks and recreation program, including management of facilities, fields, parks, and open spaces.
• Manage and supervise assigned operations to achieve goals within available resources; plan and organize workloads and staff assignments; train, motivate and evaluate assigned staff; review progress and direct changes as needed.
• Provide leadership in the development of short- and long-range departmental plans; gather, analyze, and interpret data for studies, reports, and recommendations; and coordinate departmental planning efforts with other departments and agencies, as needed.
• Provide professional advice to supervisors; make presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.
• Communicate official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.
• Assure that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; perform cost control activities; monitor revenues and expenditures in assigned areas to assure sound fiscal control; prepare annual budget requests; assure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.
• Oversee departmental operations and workflow, including developing and implementing procedures to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.
• Plan, develop, and evaluate parks and recreation programs, services, and facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community, including maintaining and implementing a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Represent the department through public outreach, presentations, and partnerships; serve as a liaison with elected officials, boards, commissions, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports, studies, and recommendations to support decision-making, strategic planning, and operational improvements.
• Coordinate programs and initiatives with other City departments, schools, community organizations, and external partners to maximize resources and community impact.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required to support departmental and organizational needs.
  
  

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge Of

• City and Department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures
• Principles and practices of parks and recreation management, including program development, facility operations, and community engagement
• Budgeting, financial management, and basic accounting principles
• Government structure, operations, and public administration practices
• Grant programs, funding sources, and resource development
• Public relations, marketing, and community outreach strategies
• Applicable safety practices and risk management principles
• Personnel administration, employee development, and supervisory practices
• Office and records management systems and standard business practices
  
  

Skill In

• Leadership, supervision, and team development
• Organizational planning, program management, and operational coordination
• Use of modern office technology and software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office and recreation management systems such as RecDesk)
• Effective written and verbal communication, including public presentations
• Interpersonal communication and conflict resolution
• Operation of a motor vehicle
  
  

Ability To

• Lead, plan, and manage comprehensive parks and recreation programs and services
• Analyze information, evaluate alternatives, and make sound decisions
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulations
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in a public-sector environment
• Communicate effectively with employees, elected officials, community partners, and the general public
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships across diverse groups
• Respond to and resolve complaints and sensitive inquiries with professionalism
• Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and presentations
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing organizational needs
• Travel to and access various work sites as required
• Routinely work evening, weekend and holiday work is required
• Perform light physical tasks, including lifting or moving materials up to 25 pounds
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, Physical Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, including supervisory or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of parks and recreation management, including program development, facility operations, and community engagement.
• Strong understanding of community recreation needs, trends, and available resources.
• Knowledge of organizational management, including staff supervision, workflow coordination, and operational planning.
• Proven ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive parks and recreation programs and services.
• Ability to analyze data, reports, and operational information to support decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, community partners, and the general public.
  
  

Preferred

Experience in local government or a comparable public-sector setting preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, and communication. Occasional use of hands to operate office equipment and reach with arms is required. Vision abilities required include close, distance, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities

required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed.

Work is performed in both office and outdoor settings. The position may involve occasional exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and environmental elements associated with parks and recreation facilities and operations.