Parks & Recreation Director

Cordova Recreation & Park District•Rancho Cordova, CA

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cordova Recreation & Park District (District) is seeking a Parks & Recreation Director to join our dynamic management team! We are an award-winning agency that thrives on positive relationships and partnerships in our community. The ideal candidate is an experienced, collaborative, and people-focused public sector leader with a strong background in parks and recreation administration, operational management, personnel leadership, and community engagement. The successful candidate will demonstrate a leadership style that values relationship-building, employee engagement, mentorship, transparency, and teamwork while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This individual will possess strong organizational and communication skills, sound judgment, political acumen, emotional intelligence, and the ability to effectively lead and support diverse teams in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will also possess: Strong knowledge of parks and recreation operations, facility management, maintenance practices, recreation programming, and capital project administration. Experience in public sector budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. A strong understanding of public sector human resources practices, employee performance management, and workplace investigations. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and risk management practices affecting parks and recreation operations. Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and customer service skills. The ability to build strong professional relationships with staff, community members, contractors, consultants, and public agencies. Experience preparing and presenting reports, recommendations, and presentations to executive leadership and governing boards. The ability to effectively manage sensitive and complex situations with professionalism and discretion. Under the direction of the General Manager, assists in the overall leadership, management, and administration of District operations; plans, directs, manages, and oversees the programs, services, operations, and activities of the Parks & Recreation Divisions, including recreation and golf program administration, park and facility operations, capital improvement projects, landscape and open space maintenance, and the maintenance and oversight of parks, recreation areas, golf course facilities, and related buildings and infrastructure. Oversees departmental planning, budgeting, personnel management, operational effectiveness, and strategic initiatives; coordinates assigned activities with other departments, governmental agencies, contractors, consultants, and community organizations; collaborates on public outreach and community engagement efforts; and provides highly responsible, complex, and confidential administrative support and policy recommendations to the General Manager.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, recreation or leisure services, or closely related field.
Five (5) years of broad and extensive public agency experience in recreation, leisure, and/or parks development and maintenance activities.
Three years of management and administrative responsibility.
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.
Take and pass a drug screening.
Fingerprinting and background checks.
Reference check.
DMV check.
Licensure/certification check.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen through the District's designated physician.

Nice To Haves

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

Assume full responsibility for all Parks & Recreation Department services, operations, programs, and activities, including recreation and golf program administration, capital improvement projects, maintenance and operations of parks and open space areas, golf course operations, landscape maintenance, recreation facilities, and related buildings and infrastructure.
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Parks & Recreation Department by developing, implementing, and monitoring departmental goals, objectives, priorities, and performance measures aligned with District strategic initiatives and community needs.
Develop, recommend, and administer policies, administrative procedures, operational standards, and best practices applicable to parks, recreation, golf, facilities, and public sector administration.
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of service delivery methods, operational procedures, staffing structures, and customer service standards; identify opportunities for continuous improvement and organizational effectiveness.
Assess departmental workload, operational systems, internal controls, reporting relationships, and administrative processes; implement improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, communication, and service delivery.
Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, recreation and support staff; assign projects and programmatic responsibilities; establish performance expectations and monitor outcomes.
Select, supervise, train, mentor, motivate, coach and evaluate assigned personnel; provide leadership development opportunities and coordinate employee training programs to support organizational effectiveness and succession planning.
Administer personnel management functions in accordance with public sector human resources best practices, applicable labor laws, District policies, and risk management principles, including recruitment, classification, compensation, performance management, corrective action, discipline, workplace investigations, and employee relations.
Foster a positive, inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace culture that emphasizes employee engagement, accountability, communication, safety, professional development, and high-quality public service.
Collaborate with Human Resources staff and legal counsel on personnel matters, workplace accommodations, leave administration, policy interpretation, employee performance concerns, and compliance with federal and state employment regulations.
Ensure departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards related to parks and recreation operations, workplace safety, public contracting, risk management, and public agency governance.
Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the departmental operating and capital improvement budgets; approve forecasts for staffing, equipment, materials, contracted services, and supplies; monitor expenditures and implement budget adjustments as necessary.
Evaluate current and future community needs for parks, recreation programs, facilities, open space, amenities, and services; develop long-range planning strategies and operational recommendations to support District growth and sustainability.
Assist with the acquisition, planning, design, development, construction, renovation, maintenance, and operation of parks, recreational facilities, landscapes, trails, and related public infrastructure within the District.
Prepare, oversee, and administer the Parks & Recreation Department’s operating and capital budgets; direct budget development activities, monitor revenues and expenditures, evaluate financial performance, and ensure responsible fiscal management in alignment with District goals and priorities.
Participate in the planning, negotiation, coordination, and implementation of Capital Improvement Projects, including consultant oversight, project scheduling, budget management, grant administration, and interagency coordination.
Oversee consultant and contractor services related to grant writing, park development, recreation programming, assessment district administration, community facilities, professional studies, and specialized operational services.
Collaborate with communications staff and leadership to support public outreach, marketing, community engagement, and informational efforts related to District programs, facilities, services, events, and initiatives.
Provide staff support and strategic recommendations to the General Manager and Board of Directors; prepare and present staff reports, presentations, agenda materials, correspondence, and policy recommendations.
Represent the Department and District in meetings with governmental agencies, community organizations, professional associations, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and the public; coordinate activities with internal departments and external partners.
Explain, justify, and defend departmental programs, policies, projects, priorities, and activities to the public, Board of Directors, community stakeholders, and regulatory agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive, complex, and controversial issues.
Respond to and resolve difficult, sensitive, and complex citizen concerns, complaints, and service issues in a professional, timely, and solution-oriented manner.
Participate in professional organizations, boards, committees, and regional partnerships related to parks, recreation, public administration, human resources, and municipal operations; maintain awareness of emerging trends, technologies, and industry best practices.
May serve in the capacity of the General Manager in their absence as assigned.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.