Director of Parks and Recreation

City of Des Moines Washington•Des Moines, WA

3d•$156,362 - $197,662•Hybrid

About The Position

The Parks & Recreation Director serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and provides strategic and operational leadership for the City's parks and recreation system. The Director is responsible for the overall direction, performance and administration of the department, including parks and open spaces, recreation programs, senior services, facilities, rentals, community events and other assigned services and initiatives. The Director leads long-range planning and establishes department priorities that align with City Council direction, the City's Strategic Plan, community needs and available resources. The position is responsible for department operations, financial management, capital and asset planning, service delivery, community engagement, partnerships and the development of a high-performing team. The Director leads in a dynamic, resource-conscious environment that requires the ability to move effectively between long-range strategy and day-to-day problem solving. The Director is expected to be visible, accessible and actively engaged with employees, programs, facilities and community activities while maintaining responsibility for the overall direction and performance of the department.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration or a closely related field; AND Five years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, public administration or a closely related field, including significant responsibility for programs, personnel, budgets, facilities and/or organizational operations, with at least three years in a supervisory or management capacity; OR A combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License with a good driving record.
Successful completion of a criminal history and pre-employment background check.
Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings, programs and community events as necessary.
Ability to respond to significant operational issues or emergencies outside regular business hours when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credential is preferred.
Municipal or other public sector parks and recreation leadership experience is highly desirable.
Experience with parks and recreation master planning, capital planning, community engagement, financial sustainability and organizational development is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic and operational leadership for the City's parks and recreation system and establishes department goals, priorities, work plans and performance expectations consistent with City priorities and community needs.
Leads the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of the City's Parks & Recreation Master Plan and other long-range plans, translating adopted priorities into realistic work plans, investments and measurable outcomes.
Oversees the delivery and continuous improvement of recreation programs, senior services, parks, facilities, rentals, community events and other assigned services with a focus on community benefit, accessibility, quality and responsible use of City resources.
Provides leadership for the stewardship, maintenance and improvement of City parks, open spaces, facilities and recreational assets and establishes priorities for their long-term care and use.
Develops and manages the department's operating and capital budgets; monitors revenues and expenditures, evaluates financial performance and recommends priorities and resource allocations consistent with available funding.
Develops financially sustainable approaches to programs and services, including evaluation of fees, cost recovery, facility utilization, service delivery models, partnerships, grants and other funding opportunities.
Uses financial, operational, participation and community information to evaluate programs and services, identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations regarding continuation, modification, expansion or development of services.
Provides leadership for capital planning and park and facility improvement projects; establishes priorities, participates in project development and coordinates with Public Works (Engineering), consultants, contractors and other partners responsible for project delivery.
Selects, develops, supervises and evaluates assigned employees; establishes clear expectations, promotes accountability and supports professional development and effective teamwork.
Builds effective relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations and regional partners to expand opportunities, strengthen services and leverage community resources.
Develops and supports meaningful community engagement processes to understand community needs, identify barriers to participation and ensure programs, services and investments respond to the community.
Establishes and maintains productive relationships with City advisory bodies and provides appropriate staff support, professional recommendations and guidance consistent with their established roles.
Prepares and presents recommendations, reports and updates to the City Manager, City Council and advisory bodies regarding department operations, policies, programs, projects, budgets and emerging issues.
Responds to complex or sensitive community concerns, operational issues and service challenges and develops practical solutions that balance community needs, City policies and available resources.
Represents the City at community meetings, regional organizations, professional associations and other public forums.
Participates as a member of the City's executive leadership team and contributes to Citywide strategic planning, organizational initiatives, policy development and problem solving.
Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned.