Park Assistant Director
About The Position
The Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation serves as the department’s senior program administrator, providing leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight for recreation programs, special events, facility rentals, and community partnerships. The role ensures a balanced portfolio of high-quality recreation opportunities for youth, teens, adults, families, and seniors. The Assistant Director manages large-scale community events from initial concept through evaluation and supervises the Program & Event Coordinator and seasonal staff. The position also oversees facility rentals, department contracts, and interdepartmental coordination, working closely with the Operations Division to ensure facilities are prepared and maintained for public use. The role supports the Director in planning and evaluating recreation services, setting goals and work plans, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
- At least 3 years in a leadership role with supervisory experience.
- At least 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in parks and recreation or community engagement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to perform physical activities including lifting, standing, walking, bending, and setting up program or event spaces.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification required; the Town will provide the certification.
- Valid Indiana Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one within three months if holding an out-of-state license.
Nice To Haves
- Leadership and staff supervision experience preferred.
- Experience in budget management preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Director with planning, implementing, and evaluating the department’s recreation services.
- Supervise and mentor the Program & Event Coordinator.
- Develop departmental goals, annual work plans, and performance objectives.
- Monitor program performance and recommend improvements.
- Assist in preparing annual budgets and participate in strategic planning initiatives.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for department leadership.
- Lead development of a comprehensive recreation system serving youth, teens, families, adults, and seniors.
- Identify new program opportunities and revenue sources, and develop long-term programming strategies.
- Serve as project manager for major community events, overseeing planning through evaluation.
- Oversee facility rental operations and coordinate facility scheduling.
- Coordinate with maintenance staff to ensure facilities are properly prepared and parks are ready for public use and events.
- Administer department contracts for entertainment, instructors, vendors, facility users, and equipment rentals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with schools, civic organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and community groups.
- Identify sponsorship opportunities.
- Recruit and hire staff and assist with supervision of part-time and seasonal staff.
- Coordinate volunteer recruitment.
- Coordinate with maintenance staff regarding event setup, facility preparation, park readiness, and capital improvements affecting programming.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of Park and Recreation Department initiatives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
