Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation

DESCRIPTION:

Under the general direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation is responsible for a variety of functions and programs that may include organizing, managing, and directing the operations and activities of an assigned division of the County Parks and Recreation Department, and may serve as the department head in the absence of the Director. 

Responsibilities:

Oversees the planning, directing and evaluating of activities, programs and operations of the department, including the strategic planning, coordination and implementation of an overall division and department policies, goals, objectives, and procedures.

Monitors, evaluates, and implements measures to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service delivery methods and operations within various programs.

Represents the Parks and Recreation Department to other departments, divisions, elected officials, agencies, and other external stakeholders; explain and interpret Parks and Recreation Department programs, policies, and activities.

Develops the overall business plan for the division; establishes performance standards and objective, measures and evaluates performance outcomes and continually increases operational efficiencies for the division.

Collaborates with employees, public and private organizations, community groups, and other organizations; provide information and assistance regarding parks and recreation programs and services.

Participate on a variety of committees and task forces; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation.

Manages the selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff;

Responsible for negotiating, approving and monitoring contractual agreements with other agencies, organizations, and contractors.

Assists in managing and participates in the development and administration of the Parks and Recreation Department's operating and capital improvement budgets; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct the preparation of and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary.

Ensures the delivery of quality, customer-focused services by a commitment to continuous work improvement and exemplary public service.

Employment Standards

Considerable education, training and experience which would demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks and possession of the following knowledge and abilities.

The required knowledge and abilities would typically be acquired through education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, or a related field and four (4) years progressively responsible administrative/management experience in a significant parks and recreation department within a large comparable agency; two (2) years of which should include experience supervising staff and functions with responsibility for planning, developing, and operating multiple large public facilities that are distributed across a large geographic area within a complex public agency system.

Knowledge of:

Organizational, management and strategic planning practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs;

Contemporary trends and best practices related to parks and recreation operations, design and services;

Project management principles and concepts;

Administrative challenges involved in the operation of a large, geographically dispersed and diversified governmental department or similar organization;

Principles and practices of personnel management, supervision, training, employee development, and performance evaluation and the principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution;

Principles, practices and techniques of budget preparation and administration;

Principles of management analysis and organizational design necessary to formulate and implement administrative policies;

Procedures for the interpretation and application of regulations, laws, practices and principles related to the operation of a complex organization;

Ability to:

Plan, organize and direct a comprehensive program in a large department, and engage in ongoing process improvement review and implementation;

Maintain and exhibit discretion, honesty and integrity when handling sensitive situations and deal constructively with conflict and develop solutions; Participate in a collaborative and positive manner with internal and external stakeholders and generate options and make recommendations;

Provide vision and set operational goals to achieve this vision and set priorities and multitask;

To grasp concepts quickly and strategically and to be innovative and willing to take initiative;

Interpret and analyze complex data to inform and direct cost and operational improvements;

Effectively represent the department on a variety of matters with other organizations;

Interpret and apply provisions of federal, state and local legislation, rules and regulations pertinent to the administration of department policies and programs;

Act as liaison to advise and/or resolve differences with organizations, the general public, and department employees;

Establish and maintain effective working relationships; and

Prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports.