Assistant Recreation & Parks Director

City of Burlington NC•Burlington, NC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Recreation & Parks Director performs highly responsible administrative and supervisory work in support of the Director of Recreation & Parks and the Department. Work involves coordinating across divisions, including both the Recreation Division and the Parks & Facilities Division, ensuring effective alignment with departmental goals and City objectives. The Assistant Director provides leadership to superintendents, manages cross-divisional initiatives, assists with strategic planning and budgeting, and represents the department with community stakeholders. The employee fulfills leadership duties of the department and assumes the Director’s duties in their absence and as delegated. This classification is considered exempt in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Requirements

Extensive understanding of principles and practices related to parks and grounds maintenance, program development, and administration.
General knowledge in maintenance and landscape management, utilizing effective methods, practices and tools.
Strong knowledge of Federal, State, and Local rules, regulations, ordinances, and standards relevant to the field.
Expertise in supervisory and management principles to oversee and direct staff effectively.
Skilled in planning, assigning and evaluating team performance to meet departmental goals.
Knowledge in disciplinary practices and fostering a productive workplace culture.
Competent in operating basic office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, and communication systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
Expertise in grant application and management on the Federal, State and Local level.
Associate’s Degree in Recreation Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field and 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in recreation and parks; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid North Carolina Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field and 5-7 years of progressively responsible work experience in recreation and parks; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
NC Therapeutic Recreation License
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional
Bilingual in English and Spanish

Responsibilities

Assist the Director in developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, and policies.
Provide leadership to Recreation and Park Superintendents, ensuring coordinated and efficient operations throughout the department.
Assist in preparing regular reports for the Recreation & Parks Director, highlighting successes, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
Assist with long-term strategic planning, special projects, and community partnerships.
Identify new trends in recreation and parks, proposing innovative programs or services to enhance community engagement and well-being.
Help prepare, monitor, and manage annual budgets and capital improvement plans.
Support capital project management and Master Plan implementation.
Coordinate public art, honorary, and memorial policy implementation.
Coordinate sponsorship and fundraising activities.
Oversee leadership development for staff to ensure high standards of performance.
Provide guidance and mentorship to supervisory personnel to foster leadership growth and effective team management.
Support strong succession planning throughout the department.
Represent the department in meetings with citizens, advisory boards, community groups, and external agencies.
Respond to internal and public concerns and inquiries with professionalism, patience, and problem-solving.
Promote departmental programs, services, and events at the local, regional, and state level.