Director of Parks & Recreation

Job Title:  Director of Parks & Recreation

Department: Parks & Recreation

Salary:  Grade 25

Summary:

This is a management position responsible for the Parks & Recreational programs and facilities of the City.  Work involves coordination of inclusive community enrichment programs in recreation through the development and use of appropriate facilities, equipment, and trained personnel.  Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Mayor.

Primary Responsibility:

• Plan, direct, inspect, and review parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf course, athletic fields, buildings and related facilities, operations, and maintenance of the City-wide park system.
• Provides strategic direction for all Parks & Rec operations and programs, which also includes T.C. Russell Field, and the Nutrition Center.
• Manages assigned staff, including establishing workloads, prioritizing work assignments, evaluating employee performance, enforcing policies and procedures, and making hiring or termination recommendations.
• Develops preventative maintenance, capital improvement programs, and short and long-term plans.
• Create, implement and evaluate programs, projects, events, and activities to ensure effective use of resources and continuous improvement of services.
• Directs departmental budget preparation, including monitoring expenses, preparing budgetary forecasts, administering approved budget, and ensuring revenue is properly accounted for.
• Oversees public relations for Parks & Recreation departments, programs and events.
• Oversees departmental communication, including preparing various reports and information for staff, citizens, supervisors and elected officials.
• Responds to and resolves citizens’ complaints concerning park conditions and/or recreational programs and services
• Attends various meetings, makes presentations and represent the City at internal and City-wide functions.
• Perform other job-related duties as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and techniques of property management.
• Extensive knowledge of the objectives and ideals of public recreation, including an understanding of activities which make up a community recreational program.
• Extensive knowledge of the facilities and equipment needed in a comprehensive recreational program, and of proper arrangement of recreational areas.
• Considerable knowledge of a wide variety of recreation activities.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, equipment and materials used in parks and grounds maintenance.
• Successful candidate will have strong communication skills (oral and written.)
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, direct, and inspect the work of professional, technical and administrative personnel.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective public relations and to prepare and present informational and educational material to the public.
• Ability to effectively manage personnel; maintain discipline, promote harmony and cooperate with other officials.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with specialization in recreation, business, physical education, public relations, management, public administration, or related areas, or
• Possess five-seven years of progressive responsible management experience preferably in the operation of parks and recreational programs and facilities.
• Be or have the ability to become certified by the appropriate recreational agencies: CPRP,  CPRE or NRPA.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a driving record suitable for insurability. 
• Willing to work non-standard hours and overtime. 
• Willing to travel overnight to attend continuing education courses and workshops.  
• Must be physically able to perform the essential functions of this position.    

Posting Dates: 10/3/22 – 10/10/22

City employees interested in this position should contact Kathy Railey at 256-329-6782.  Seniority alone will not be the determining factor.

External candidates may apply online at alexandercityal.gov.

   Alexander City is an Equal Opportunity Employer