What are the responsibilities and job description for the Oxford Park Commission – Executive Director position at The City of Oxford?
Special Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Leisure Management, Public Administration, or related field.
- Preference of Parks and Recreation associated professional accreditation and certificates.
- Preferred minimum 5 years’ management experience in parks, recreation, or related settings.
- Preference of a history of working with a state recreation association. (Such as MRPA, TRPA, ARPA)
- Successful budgeting, funding and program development history.
- A valid driver’s license.
Tools and Equipment Used
Office equipment, computers, recreation software, vehicles, maintenance tools, and event equipment.
Physical Demands
- Must occasionally lift/move up to 50 lbs.
- Vision requirements: close & distance vision, color, peripheral, depth perception. Work is 85% indoors, 15% outdoors in varied weather; may involve significant physical activity.
Work Environment
Work primarily in an office environment with frequent staff/facility visits. Some nights, weekends, and extended hours required. Position is moderately high-stress with significant leadership responsibility.
Professional Requirements
- Demonstrated communication, leadership, analytical, and financial skills.
- Comfortable with public speaking and community representation.
- Experience and/or familiarity with social media, marketing, and digital outreach.
- Ability to handle simultaneous initiatives under pressure.
Personal Characteristic s - The ideal candidate should:
- Exhibit passion for parks, recreation, and community wellness.
- Demonstrate strong strategic vision and problem-solving.
- Be a proactive, inclusive leader and listener.
- Support staff development and collaboration. Be organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and customer-service focused.
Selection Guidelines
Candidates will be evaluated by application materials, interviews, background check, and job-related assessments.
Purpose of Position
Oversee the operations of the Park Commission, including staff leadership, program development, asset management, and strategic growth. Ensure sound financial stewardship, grant compliance, and alignment with Board, municipal, federal, and state standards. Foster community relations and enhance departmental visibility.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Director of the Oxford Park Commission
Supervision Received - Reports directly to the Park Commission Board.
Supervision Exercised - Direct management of full-time, part-time, seasonal staff, and independent contractors.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead the Park Commission and supervise staff in the planning and delivery of year-round programs.
- Develop and manage multiple annual budgets; oversee expenditures and maintain financial records.
- Oversees the planning, organizing, development, and promotion of recreation programs, athletic leagues, special events, independent contractor programs and community initiatives.
- Provide leadership to the Park Commission Board, city officials, staff, and the community on policies, procedures, and departmental updates.
- Provide leadership in developing goals and objectives of the Oxford Park Commission.
- Coordinate across commission divisions to ensure effective staff cooperation.
- Set performance standards and oversee hiring, training, and evaluation of all personnel.
- Identify community recreation needs via outreach and data analysis; adapt programs accordingly. Cultivate public relations with local organizations, stakeholders, and residents.
- University of Mississippi
- Oxford School District
- Lafayette County School District
- Regents School
- North Mississippi Regional Center
- Yoknapatawpha Arts Council
- All City of Oxford Departments Others as needed
- Oversee the design and implementation of marketing, publicity, website, and social media strategies.
- Maintain strategic and facilities master plans, and update Standard Operating Procedures.
- Oversee and coordinate maintenance and operations of all recreational facilities and parks with city depts.
- Manage grant writing, administration, and reporting requirements.
- Attend commission meetings, alderman meetings, as well as professional conferences and trainings.
- Prepare and present reports to governing bodies and stakeholders.
- Represent the commission at state & national conferences, which may include MRPA, NAYS, NRPA, ATRA etc…
- Must keep the Park Commission Board updated on happenings in the department.
- Thorough understanding of community recreation principles, park maintenance, and program development.
- Financial acumen with experience in municipal budgeting, grants, and fund tracking.
- Knowledge of federal/state regulations, including safety (OSHA), ADA, and procurement. Familiarity with municipal government operations.
Skills and Abilities
- Program planning, organization, execution, and promotion.
- Team leadership, staff development, and performance assessment.
- Community outreach, relationship teambuilding, and public engagement.
- Grant research, writing, and compliance.
- Strategic planning, financial analysis, and reporting.
- Multi-tasking and problem-solving.
- Marketing and communications, including print and digital media.
- Communication of the goals of the commission.
- Proficiency with office and recreation management software.
- Ability to communicate effectively to multiple groups on the procedures of the Commission.