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

The City of Independence Ohio•Independence, OH

3d•$62,906 - $145,000

About The Position

The City of Independence is looking for a Director to lead its Community Services Department. The Community Services Director plays a key role in the daily operations and mission of the Community Services Department as well as the overall mission of the City's government. From providing administrative direction and oversight into the City's Human Services, Youth and Senior programming efforts, to managing special events throughout the year , this individual will be the main point of contact between the Community Services staff, residents, guests as well as the general public to facilitate a cohesive, productive, and efficient environment.

Requirements

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 Public 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

Responsible for the department's short and long-term planning, goals and objectives, both operationally and fiscally, in accordance with the Mayor's Office.
Develop, improve, and adjust departmental programs and services to meet the needs of the City's residents and public.
Develop and implement marketing and pricing strategies for the department's programming and City events.
Direct the staff and overall operations of the department.
Identify needs, develop justifications, and make recommendations for the purchase of departmental equipment and supplies.
Review financial statements, sales/activity reports, and other performance data/metrics to measure productivity, efficiency and programming success, identifying areas needing cost adjustment and program improvement(s).
Develop, improve, and adjust departmental polices and procedures.
Determine staffing requirements and ensure departmental supervisors/managers adhere to City and department guidelines.
Provide leadership and guidance to departmental staff.
Ensure that staff receive the necessary and adequate orientation and related training throughout their employment tenure.
Ensure that proper record-keeping is maintained for departmental activities and operational procedures. Compile, copy, sort, and file records and documents in line with Community Services policies and procedures.
Ensure that a consistent level of departmental performance is achieved.
Troubleshoot problems and work to solve problems/issues reported by residents.
Work collaboratively with other City departments to meet activity, programming and other City needs.
Coordinate with outside contractors to offer various programs and activities for City residents, including but not limited to Better Balance, Chair Yoga, Cooking Demos, Dine In Meals Presentation, Mind Challenge, Music Bingo, and Yoga Nidra
Oversight of the City's community kitchen to create the Dine In Meals menu and serve the meals as well as assist in the kitchen, as necessary.
Oversight of the weekly bingo games in accordance with Ohio Gambling Laws and serve as the "bingo caller" as necessary.
Based on themes or resident recommendations, oversight of the YouTube video playlist for the monthly Sing-A-Song Sing-A-Longs
Oversight of the in-house movie schedule by reviewing and selecting a variety of new and classic movies that interest and entertain residents.
Oversight in the planning of special programs, activities, and events around various themes, including New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, Older American's Month, etc.
Oversight of the coordination of all City Bus Trips, including selecting the destinations, scheduling transportation, completing bus trip forms and waiver checks, setting "reminder call" notifications in Outlook for the Community Services Front Desk and serving as the tour guide if a volunteer tour guide is unavailable.
Ensure that the Senior Citizens of Independence monthly meetings are held on the second Friday of each month.
Oversight of program development, advertisement, and registration.
Oversight of creation of room reservations and room layouts for adult and senior programs, activities, and events.
Oversight of registering residents and guests for various programs, activities, events, trips, and services and process payments in accordance with department procedures for enrolling participants
Ensure photographs of adult programs, activities, and events are performed.
Interact and communicate in written and verbal formats with residents, guests, colleagues, and team members to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, etc. in such a way that continues to foster the safe, fun, and educational environment of the Civic Center.
Answer telephone calls, e-mails, and in-person inquiries, providing general department and program-specific information and/or directing individuals to the appropriate person or department.
Assist with various aspects of Community Services and City special events.
Attend training seminars and meetings as required.
Review application materials; select interviewees and personally conduct interviews as needed. Otherwise, review and approve candidates recommended by supervisors.
Schedule employees for work and assign tasks.
Interpret and adhere to City policies while managing employees.
Monitor employee progress and compliance with departmental and city-wide policies and procedures.
Review employee record of time worked to verify accuracy.
Evaluate employee performance.
Counsel employees regarding performance issues; Investigate and recommend discipline in response to employee misconduct.
Approve leave requests and authorize overtime.
Ensure effective communication of information to all employees.
Perform other duties as assigned/needed.