Director Of Parks & Recreation

County of Culpeper•County of Culpeper, VA

About The Position

The Director of Parks & Recreation supervises and directs the administrative work of developing and operating recreational programs and County parks. The role advances the Culpeper County Parks and Recreation Department’s mission to enhance quality of life for residents and visitors through recreation opportunities, experiences, and partnerships. It oversees leisure, recreational, and sports programs intended to support physical, social, and mental well-being, along with the physical assets, revenues, services, facilities, activities, and special events of the Department. The Director leads departmental personnel and operations, develops and administers budgets and plans, evaluates community recreational needs, oversees park and recreation projects, and develops the parks master plan. The position also cultivates partnerships, sponsorships, grants, fundraising, marketing, and public relations; leads the County’s Sports Tourism Initiative; and works with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, County departments, government agencies, elected officials, community groups, and the public. The position’s essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting, with frequent outdoor work for park inspections, fundraising, and other activities. Physical exertion is classified as moderate; the employee must be able to lift 12–20 pounds, operate office and computer equipment, communicate orally, and perceive and discriminate colors or shades of color. The work may involve extended time at a keyboard or workstation. Culpeper County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Community Services Administration, or a related field.
Seven years of experience managing recreational programs, facilities, and parks.
Satisfactory results of a criminal history background check and child abuse clearance.
Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations governing recreational programs, public parks, and public facility use and operations.
Ability to hire, supervise, and evaluate subordinates.
Ability to manage the Department, evaluate programs, and develop goals.
Ability to communicate with and lead subordinates toward implementing the County’s mission, vision, and goals.
Ability to analyze whether the Department is meeting community needs.
Ability to explain departmental program rules, regulations, and policies in terms understandable to the public.
Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, discretion, firmness, and fairness when interacting with citizens, agencies, community groups, and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to ensure departmental safety standards are followed.
Ability to communicate ideas and proposals effectively verbally and speak publicly.
Ability to provide a high level of customer service, guidance, assistance, and interpretation.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and various office equipment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to lift 12–20 pounds, operate office and computer equipment, communicate orally, and perceive and discriminate colors or shades of color.

Responsibilities

Supervise, coordinate, and direct the activities of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Direct personnel development and training, including employee induction and orientation; ensure compliance with organizational, departmental, and safety policies.
Communicate with staff, address complaints and suggestions, hire and discipline employees, observe performance, coach staff, and conduct evaluations.
Research, implement, and evaluate County parks and recreation policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Identify departmental needs, obtain and allocate resources, prepare and administer budgets, and adjust priorities as needed.
Prepare budget estimates and analyses for parks and recreation improvement plans.
Research community recreational interests and needs, recommend land acquisition, and oversee program development.
Oversee reports and statements used to produce the County’s long-range capital improvement and parks and recreation development plans.
Manage recreation projects, develop bid specifications, review plans and contract documents, and coordinate work.
Develop the parks master plan.
Prepare for and address the Board of Supervisors and other committees on projects, and present the Department’s annual report.
Recruit and train volunteers.
Research grant opportunities and apply for grants; design and implement fundraising initiatives.
Develop and implement marketing and public relations plans.
Build relationships and partnerships with internal and external agencies, organizations, and social groups.
Develop and implement a corporate partnership plan and manage sponsorship agreement execution and fulfillment.
Collaborate with PRAC, department staff, County departments, government agencies, elected officials, and the public.
Lead the County’s Sports Tourism Initiative, including tournament and event recruitment, planning, and operation.
Coordinate citizen feedback on park planning documents, capital improvement projects, and recreation program development.
Serve as an ex-officio member of local, regional, and County committees as required.
Speak to public, professional, and service groups about parks and recreation offerings.
Inspect equipment, facilities, and grounds; inventory parks and recreation assets.
Prepare and direct periodic and special reports; respond to public inquiries and complaints.
Maintain current National Playground Safety Inspector certification and attend seminars and conferences to stay current with professional developments.
Track donations, volunteerism, and community service work related to the Department.
Perform clerical duties, answer telephone calls, and provide information and assistance to callers.
Direct and assist with the selection, assembly, installation, repair, and safety inspections of park and play equipment.
Prepare articles for the County web page and media releases.
Coordinate with other municipalities and organizations to support projects.
Operate a motor vehicle and various office equipment.