Deputy Director - Operations Director II

Baltimore City • North Fort Myers, FL

1d

About The Position

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP) is seeking a highly experienced, innovative, and results-driven executive to serve as Deputy Director. Reporting directly to the Director of Recreation and Parks, this at-will position serves as the Department’s second-in-command and provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight across agency-wide administrative and cross-functional operations. The Deputy Director is a key member of the Department’s Senior Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for advancing components of the Department’s Strategic Plan; coordinating, assigning, and tracking executive-level work priorities; and ensuring the timely and effective execution of departmental initiatives. This role exercises significant independent judgment and discretion in a complex public-sector environment and requires strong business acumen, political awareness, and the ability to lead through influence and collaboration. The Deputy Director represents the Department in high-level internal and external engagements, including presentations to boards, City Council, community stakeholders, and staff, and serves as a principal liaison between the Director, City leadership, and external partners. Success in this role requires demonstrated alignment with the City of Baltimore’s and BCRP’s mission, values, and strategic vision, as well as the ability to lead diverse teams, manage competing priorities, and navigate a fast-paced, highly visible operating environment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of public and business administration, including organizational management, policy development, and governmental operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, fiscal oversight, and administrative controls within a public-sector environment.
• Ability to provide executive leadership and strategic direction in a complex organization, including managing large, diverse teams through subordinate managerial staff.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness when addressing sensitive, high-impact, or confidential matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparing and presenting clear, concise recommendations, reports, and executive-level briefings.
• Ability to research, analyze, and prepare complex narrative, operational, and statistical reports.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City, State, and Federal officials; community organizations; business partners; and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, and direct the work of others; supervise and evaluate staff; and support professional growth and performance management.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, including the development and implementation of program and operational standards.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with tact, professionalism, and integrity.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service, customer service excellence, and continuous organizational improvement.
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Law, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
• Six (6) years of senior management, policy-driven operational experience, including three (3) years of experience managing homogeneous functions through subordinate supervisors, is required.
• Equivalencies – An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in accordance with City policy.
• This position is subject to Article I, Section 7-10 of the Baltimore City Code, which mandates that the incumbent both reside and be a registered voter of Baltimore City at the time of appointment or sign a declaration of intent to become a City resident and registered voter within 6 months of the effective date of their appointment. Failure to comply with the declaration of intent will result in immediate termination.
• You will also be required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• This position will also require the candidate to complete an Affidavit for Political Appointees and Public Officials.
• Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or a Fingerprint screening must be successfully completed.
• All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of agency-wide administrative and operational functions, including Finance Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Risk & Security, Special Events & Permits, Enterprise Facilities, and related support services.
• Direct and implement operational and work-process improvements to ensure efficiency, accountability, and timely completion of departmental priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Director by supporting executive decision-making, implementing strategic initiatives, and advancing components of the Department’s Strategic Plan.
• Provide fiscal oversight to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and compliance with approved budgets while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
• Lead and support the development of a high-performing, engaged workforce by supervising, coaching, and evaluating senior management staff; assigning and monitoring work; and supporting leadership development.
• Advance department-wide initiatives related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness in collaboration with departmental leadership.
• Draft, revise, and implement departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards in accordance with City and BCRP requirements.
• Coordinate and manage the operations of the Director’s Office to ensure effective communication and responsiveness to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, State Legislature, and the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal divisions, City agencies, elected officials, community organizations, and external partners.
• Represent the Department at meetings, hearings, conferences, and community events, and contribute to executive briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, City, and OSHA laws, regulations, and policies.
• Support agency operations during citywide emergencies and continuity-of-operations activities.
• Maintain professional knowledge through participation in relevant training, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans.
• This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops.
• You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

What This Job Offers

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