Parks And Recreation Director

The City of Salisbury, North Carolina is seeking an experienced executive to serve as our next Parks and Recreation Director.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The City of Salisbury is a dynamic place to work, with over 180 different job classifications and 450 full-time positions available. We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to providing "Excellent Service Always" to our residents, visitors, and workers through a full range of municipal services including law enforcement, fire protection, zoning and code enforcement, and water and sewer systems.

We have a strong work culture that is built on the ability to handle critical and stressful events successfully, and we are committed to meeting the high expectations of our residents for engagement and service.

Our council-manager form of government is led by the Mayor and four at-large council members, who are responsible for setting policy, approving financing, and appointing officials and members of various boards and commissions. Mayor and Council appoint the City Manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations. We have a strong financial foundation, with a total adopted budget of $108,695,411, a Standard & Poor's rating of AA-, and a Moody's rating of A3.

If you are looking for a rewarding career in a city with a strong sense of community, consider joining the team at the City of Salisbury. Our diverse and dedicated workforce is committed to making a positive difference in our community.

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Salisbury Parks and Recreation has an outstanding and energetic team of 13 full-time employees with a total operating budget of $1,718,999. We maintain 508 acres of beautiful park land, encompassing 29 park properties, a swimming pool and splash pad, a sports complex and a large community park and athletic complex. In addition, the department provides many amenities for public enjoyment, including four recreation facilities and community center (including a new downtown event center), four tennis courts, six pickleball courts, seven paved sections (5.2 miles) of the Salisbury Greenway, almost 20 miles of hiking and biking trails and maintains urban trees and gardens throughout the City.

Our mission is to provide quality leisure services through safe, attractive, maintained parks, landscapes and diversified programs that meet the current and future needs of the community along with our continued commitment of providing excellent customer service.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate should be an established leader with knowledge of modern management principles, practices, and techniques of Parks and Recreation operations and facility maintenance, and administration of the departments operating and capital budgets. The city desires an energetic leader with proven ability and passion to engage staff and the community to shape the culture of an organization while integrating best practices. The new director is expected to be active in the community, present at events and programs, and available for staff and customers.

The ideal candidate should be a creative leader bringing innovation to the Parks & Recreation Department with the ability to solve problems, think strategically, identify alternative courses of action, provide recommendations, and leverage technology and public/private partnerships. Also, the new director should possess excellent project management skills to deliver capital projects on time and within budget.

The new director should have experience seeking grant opportunities and working collaboratively to enhance the values of customer service, inclusiveness and teamwork. The director will work internally and externally with our partners to improve and expand our Parks & Recreation activities, programs, and facilities. Employee relations and communication is a priority and the ideal candidate should be approachable, open-minded and willing to be hands-on with employees to create a positive atmosphere for employees within the department. Capacity and interest to be an effective mentor and leader for staff to empower and inspire excellence is also desired. Safety for employees and customers are a top priority for the director.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Articulates and implements a clear vision for the department.
• Develops, organizes, implements, and reviews department goals and objectives including those City Council goals assigned to department by the City Manager.
• Develops short and long-range plans for recreation programs and facilities according to anticipated City growth, future interests, and expanded Parks and Recreation needs.
• Recommends the acquisition, development and maintenance of park and playground areas and facilities to best serve the wide interests of the community.
• Receives input from community groups, neighborhood groups, boards, and individuals regarding Parks and Recreation needs and utilizes such input for overall planning and program evaluation.
• Manages the daily operations of the Parks & Recreation Department and serves as a member of the City’s management team. Responds to inquiries and requests from City Manager, elected officials and other City departments.
• Participates in management staff team meetings, department staff meetings, administrative meetings, and project status updates with the City Manager.
• Coordinates activities with various city departments, citizens, other governmental units, outside agencies and organizations.
• Directs, oversees, and participates in developing and scheduling the department's work plan; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates completed work, methods, and procedures, and hold staff accountable.
• Promotes safety in department and facilities.
• Supervises and participates in developing and administering the department budget; directs and forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures.
• Directs, plans and manages all recreation centers, associated activities, programs, and community events.
• Initiates needed personnel transactions including recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, evaluation, promotion, and disciplining of employees in conjunction with the Human Resources Department.
• Plans, directs, and reviews all parks, grounds, and facilities maintenance in collaboration with the Public Works Department.
• Develops and submits grant applications and pursues public/private partnerships.
• Assists staff with coordination, planning and implementation of safe and diverse special events.
• Leads and manages special projects and capital projects including expanded greenways and building a new community center.
• Communicates and collaborates with Parks and Recreation staff and staff from other departments to build teamwork and cohesiveness.
• Represents the Parks and Recreation Department on boards and committees.
• Participates in professional groups and organizations and builds strong working relationships with city and county non-profit partners.
• Ensures proper records are maintained; collects data and prepares varied reports and presents to Council.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to be creative and innovative to expand programs with approved staffing and budget.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of management and administration, including capital project management.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of athletic and Recreational programming and effective implementation strategies.
• Knowledge of legal liability and safety issues related to public programs and facilities.
• Considerable knowledge of modern and effective leadership and supervisory practices including employee communication, motivation, hiring, and performance evaluation.
• Considerable knowledge of budget, purchasing, and personnel policies and procedures.
• Skill in organizing, planning, and supervising recreational, fitness, and athletic programs.
• Apply for and manage grants.
• Communicate and express ideas effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with employees, program participants, local officials, various community organizations, and the general public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in decision making; communicating and resolving problems including situations involving the public.
• Ability to establish vision, strategic plans, and work priorities; and delegates appropriate functions and holds staff accountable.
• Grow and expand partnerships and resource development.
• Nurture and build internal and external relationships.
• Ability to plan and organize diverse special events.
• Desire to work weekends and after hours and be visible at department events and activities.
• Desire to engage employees and the community to identify ways to grow and improve the department.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, public administration, planning, physical education, or a related field and considerable experience of a progressively responsible nature in management and leadership including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience and knowledge in successful project management, grant writing, budget development/implementation and communication is expected.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid NC Driver’s License.
• Possession of Parks and Recreation Professional certification is preferred.
• Maintain residency in Salisbury or Rowan County is preferred.

HIRING RANGE AND BENEFITS
$79,608.29 – $113,839.85 – Depending on Experience

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package as part of the total rewards program to support employees through important events in their life, to enhance their life outside work, and to help them plan and prepare for the future. The City also participates in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (NCLGERS). See information about the City’s benefits (www.salisburync.gov/benefits).

HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should complete a profile and submit their application, resume, and cover letter online by visiting our website at www.salisburync.gov/careers.

Closing Date: February 5, 2024

For questions, please contact Souwan Kiengkham at (704) 638-2116 or email skien@salisburync.gov.

The City of Salisbury prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. The City of Salisbury is a Drug Free Workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $79,608.29 - $113,839.85 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Salisbury, NC: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person