Director of Parks & Recreation

Position performs highly professional administrative, organizational, and supervisory work to recommend and develop strategies and plans for the provision of town-wide recreation, educational, and cultural programs, activities, and events.  The Director ensures efficiency and effectiveness across all areas under their direction and span of control and performs all other work as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises recreational programs, services, events, and activities in the Town that respond to the community needs that are consistent with the financial objectives of the general government structure that include, but are not limited to general recreation and leisure, school age, daycare, summer camp, etc.
• Recruits, hires, trains, instructs/supervises (directly or indirectly), participates in progressive discipline and evaluations of employees in all aspects of departmental policies and procedures to include full-time, part-time, substitute, seasonal and temporary employees, and program vendors (non-employees).
• Staffs and supports appointed Board of Park and Recreation Commission and maintain all records, agendas, meeting minutes, schedules and assures legal posting requirements under Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines.
• Manages and controls the budget and financial operations of the department, including funds provided by the Town and collected through user fees, donations, grants, and sponsorships.
• Creates program budgets and recommends departments annual operating budget, manages payroll, approves all purchase orders, establishes program fees, oversees all the collection, deposits, and expenditures of funds all consistent with Town, state and federal policies and procedures.
• Recommends and develops capital and Community Preservation improvement projects for the parks, recreation facilities, pools, playgrounds, and fields. Implements contingency plans for financial management.
• Identifies, develops, and recommends strategies and opportunities for special projects, new ventures, short-term and long-term strategic goals, and objectives that are consistent with community interest, general government policies and Park and Recreation Commission recommendations; implements these plans for large renovations and/or organizes civic groups to fundraise for smaller improvements in support of various athletic fields and parks.
• Makes decisions regarding the use of recreational facilities, schedules use of facilities for citizens, civic organizations, and large outside business groups, ensures that all facilities are properly set up for usage, ensures the maintenance or grounds division of DPW have properly prepared all indoor and outdoor facilities for activities, programs, events, and usage.
• Determines playability of athletic fields in the event of inclement weather; oversight and input of IPM/OPM plans for athletic fields; implements risk management strategies.
• Collaborates and communicates with the Town Administrator, Recreation Commission, Beautification Committee, Tree committee, various sponsored Sports Associations, Town Department Heads, School Administrators, and various other personnel, volunteers, and individuals to coordinate efforts in programming and service delivery.
• Promotes equity in offerings and community relations and education by increasing visibility of the department and services via multiple marketing techniques and publicity including Facebook, website, flyers, and brochures.
• Prepares and makes presentations to community leaders, user groups, civic organizations, etc.
• Participates in staff selection, training, and evaluation in accordance with Town policies and procedures; recommends appropriate personnel actions and provides training, direction and counseling as required.
• Seeks supplemental funding sources to enhance the department’s revenue mix.
• Identifies and monitors key success indicators for programs, activities, events, park, and facility use, expense management, staff effectiveness and customer service.
• Performs other related job duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, or related field preferred, and at least three (3) years of related experience, including supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience. Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association members preferred. FA/CPR, valid Driver’s License, CORI required at hire.   Must be able to pass a certified pool manager class and exam and DESE Before/After School certification.