Assistant Director - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

Sarasota County Government

1d • $120,000 - $135,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As the Assistant Director, you will provide assistance to the Director in managing overall operations within the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department. This is a senior leadership role that performs a variety of complex professional, management, and administrative tasks with a focus on the operational divisions in the department. The position is responsible for the activities, functions, and oversight of multiple divisions. The position ensures the quality of facilities and services provided by the operational divisions, including customer responsiveness and programs and service excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources or closely related field and 8(+) years of progressively responsible related experience.
• OR: Master’s degree with 6(+) years of related experience.
• 4+ years of supervisory/management experience.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced professional certification from NRPA or similar organizations.
• Familiarity with the overall functions of each division.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Director with implementing the department vision and mission and assists in leading the department for maximum employee productivity and morale through hiring, disciplining, evaluating employee performance, investigating and resolving issues associated with assigned divisions.
• Serves as the Acting Director in the Director’s absence by attending meetings, making decisions, and providing department leadership.
• Assists the Strategic Planning and Policy Coordinator and the Director in maintaining and tracking departmental strategic planning items, goals and continuous improvement.
• Assists the Grants, Accreditation and Special Projects Coordinator and the Director in tracking and maintaining grants, assigned projects, and the reaccreditation process through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).
• Writes reports; prepares and supervises the preparation of agenda items and other comprehensive public and administrative reports for matters within assigned divisions.
• Effectively communicates, both orally and in writing, to the County Commission, County Administration, other County departments, the news media and the public.
• Assists with planning and administering annual budget for assigned divisions. Monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility for assigned areas. Researches the feasibility and costs of alternative methods of providing services to the public and recommends improvements.
• Performs evaluation, planning and research activities for park programs that will meet the needs of the community.
• Represents the Director and County at public/community meetings; advocates the County’s mission, vision and values for the benefit of the community. Assists with presentations to the Sarasota County Commission and the public as designated by Director. Serves as a source of information regarding assigned divisions to County Administration and the public.
• Manages proactive assessments of fraud awareness, prevention, detection and risk mitigation activities in area of responsibility; oversees financial, compliance, operational and performance audits; reviews audit findings and ensures appropriate controls are established and implemented.
• Responsible for keeping the Director informed of operational decisions and issues, providing guidance, supervision, coaching and leadership to division managers.
• Continually evaluates, rethinks, and/or develops processes, procedures, budgets, staffing, performance measures and the efficiency, quality and cost of services. Implements change based on these evaluations.
• Demonstrates and promotes effective and trustworthy working relationships by developing and empowering employees, promoting and supporting collaboration, excellence, efficiency, innovation, openness and teamwork among staff.
• Leads managers and staff in the maintaining and enhancing of innovative programming and park management to support operational efficiencies and customer experience.
• Supervises the outreach coordinator who then coordinates with the Communications Department on all marketing and communications functions.
• Assists the Director by providing leadership on an organization‐wide and community basis to ensure that public services are provided in alignment with PRNR and County strategic objectives.
• Assists the Director in maintaining strategic partnerships and contacts with community representatives, external agencies and other organizations.
• Performs customer service functions in a proactive manner and responds to concerns and suggestions in a courteous, professional and customer friendly manner.
• Develops public awareness and participation in PRNR programs, operations and activities.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits
• Award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations
• 11 paid holidays
• 3 personal days
• 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior