Recreation District Manager (Zilker/Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Working with general direction, this position will oversee the strategic direction and operational management of multiple facilities, services, and district-wide programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality recreational services to the community. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a Recreation District Manager for Zilker Metropolitan Park. This senior leadership role coordinates operations across 351 acres of parkland and multiple flagship facilities including Zilker Botanical Garden, Mayfield Cottage and Park and Joan Means-Khabele Bathhouse. The manager will oversee the complete visitor experience—including transit, entry systems, contractor and facility management—to ensure a safe and cohesive operation for millions of annual visitors.

Requirements

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Recreation, Physical Education, Parks Administration, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field, plus five (5) years of supervisory or management capacity in developing and implementing recreational programs and activities, three (3) years of which were directly supervising or directly managing the daily operations of a recreational facility
Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
Knowledge of recreational activities, equipment, and safety protocols.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to recreation and public administration and Title II of the American with Disabilities Act.
Knowledge of City policies, procedures, and administrative practices.
Skill in supervision, team management, and employee development.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in prioritizing tasks, managing multiple projects, and adapting to changing circumstances.
Skill in developing and managing budgets, tracking expenses, and allocating resources.
Skill in building relationships with community members, staff, and stakeholders.
Skill in using computers and relevant software applications.
Ability to design and implement inclusive recreation programs including the modification and adaptation of activities.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Must possess the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Texas Class "C" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.
Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

Degree in parks or public administration
CPRP or CPRE certification.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credentials.
Demonstrated success managing customer-centric visitor services, operations, and public programming within high-traffic public spaces, cultural landmarks, botanical gardens, or flagship municipal park systems.
Proven capability to navigate and balance competing public viewpoints, build consensus among vocal community advocacy groups, and maintain effective governance with non-profit partner boards.
Active, hands-on experience directing multi-agency operational logistics for large-scale public events and a strong operational command of the Incident Command System (ICS) structure.
Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
Intermediate level or above in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Teams and Outlook.
Current CPR certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

Utilizes current and future community feedback, data trends to and needs assessments to develop short- and long-range plans to maintain a customer and community-focused culture, to ensure responsiveness, timeliness and inclusiveness.
Provide leadership in business, finance, marketing, and public policy aspects of service delivery.
Work directly with the Parks & Recreation Incident Command Structure during weather-related, natural disasters and other emergencies to provide the community with safe shelter and/or respite.
Collaborate with Community Relations on public relations activities, media outreach, and community engagement.
Build and maintain relationships with city officials, volunteers, stakeholders and community organizations.
Represents the City and department at boards, commissions, and public meetings.
Conduct financial studies, fee analyses, cost-benefit analyses for multiple facility program budgets to ensure appropriate resource allocation.
Direct and oversee the development and implementation of large-scale programs, events and services that serve the assigned district of facilities.
Coordinate staff training, conduct performance evaluations, and implement disciplinary procedures.
Recommends major purchases and capital expenditures and maintains financial security by following established internal accounting controls.
Investigate complaints from citizens as well as managers and other employees, recommend corrective action, and provide information to the public.
Manages the preparation and administration of contracts, Requests for Information, Requests for Proposal, grants, and agreements for projects, overseeing capital and construction initiatives.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities: selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.