Community Services Director (Job ID: 04-2026-04)

The City of Independence Ohio•Independence, OH

About The Position

The City of Independence is looking for a Director to lead its Community Services Department. The Director manages the City's Community Services programming, resources, and staff to provide a wide variety of activities, special events, resources, and services for all residents, including seniors, children, families, and those with disabilities. The Director continuously consults with the administration, residents, community leaders, and community organizations to identify and address community needs, as well as provide opportunities for community involvement, learning and socialization. The Director is responsible for planning, budgeting, managing staff and operations, communicating, and collaborating with both internal and external leaders. The position shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Requirements

Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, budget development, resource allocation, marketing, and supervision.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
Excellent communicator and collaborator who will develop operating strategies, set goals, and provide clear expectations to the staff.
Recruit, train, and develop staff in adherence to City policies and conduct performance reviews.
Manage staff assignments, schedule and approve time-off requests and overtime if needed.
Promote effective communication that supports transparency; invite participation within the department and other departments and outside organizations to achieve goals.
Serve as the Community Services Ambassador and collaborate with organizations and potential partners to leverage resources and create programs and events that benefit the community at large.
Develop public information programs and conduct outreach to increase community awareness of the Community Services Department's programs and services.
Knowledge of media production, digital communication, and social media.
Meticulous attention to detail, and reliably accurate and efficient.
Discreet handling confidential and private information; tactful and equitable dealing with people.
Principles and best practices for community recreation programs and organizations.
Maintain and increase knowledge and skill through training seminars, conferences, meetings, and in-service education sessions.
Responsive to resident inquires.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Customer service focus
Solves problems independently with direction commensurate with the task
Strong attention to detail
Works effectively with a team environment.
Basic mathematics and accounting knowledge.
Knowledge in the complete Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge in the operation of Audio/Visual systems.
A minimum of 7-years' experience administering a high visibility operation of a Human Service based programming with front-facing customer service is required.
A Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Parks & Recreation, Public Administration or a closely related field is required.
Valid State of Ohio Driver's License in good standing is required.
If applying as an Internal Candidate, the individual must be a current City of Independence employee in good standing for at least twelve months at time of application.
Ability to both stand and sit for extended periods of time
Ability to clearly and effectively communicate in-person, on the phone and in e-mail correspondence
Ability to multi-task in an office environment
Ability to lift up to twenty-five pounds occasionally.
Ability to bend, stoop, walk, climb stairs.
Ability to travel between multiple buildings in and around the City of Independence campus.
Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the public sector is preferred.
A Master's or advanced degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage all department operations, which includes but is not limited to services, programs, activities, events, and citizen services.
Establish the department's short- and long-term goals and objectives in collaboration with the Mayor, City officials, staff, and/or citizens, as necessary.
Develop and administer the annual budget, evaluate and recommend resources, equipment, and supply expenditures.
Create a solid organizational foundation, nurture an open and collaborative work environment, and promote a forward-thinking culture that embraces change for the better.
Develop marketing strategies, analyze sales and activity reports and other performance data to measure productivity and program success.
Prioritize projects and activities and identify ways to expand and evolve programs that strengthen our community, leverage resources, and reduce costs.
Manage the creation and production of communications to involve the community.
Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of staff, service delivery, and customer satisfaction.
Evaluate staff assignments and manage schedules to ensure adherence to the City's personnel policies.
Plan and write grant applications; ensure appropriate recordkeeping and reporting; and manages grant-funded projects.
Direct the staff and other resources to ensure a full range of social service counseling, referrals, guidance, crisis intervention and education for residents and staff.
Represent the Community Services Department to other departments, outside agencies, and organizations, and coordinate partnership activities.
Attend and actively participate in meetings as required (e.g. , City Council, department managers' meeting, etc.)
Complete other duties assigned and at the discretion of the Mayor including responding to emergencies and special requests.
Available to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned/needed.