Ability to effectively communicate with City Council, Boards and Commissions, citizens of the City of Midland, employees and special groups requiring departmental information as needed. Minimum Education, Experience and Certification Bachelor Degree in a related field required, Master Degree preferred. Requires five years of senior management experience at a departmental level or higher. Valid Texas driver’s license required.
Provides leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight to the Parks and Recreation Department and employees responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of the City park system grounds and structures, and the provision of leisure activities and services to citizens of all ages.
Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, other policymakers, and citizens. Serving as a member of the City’s senior management team collaborates with the Executive and other City departments on strategy and policy to ensure that the City’s mission and core values are incorporated into operational activities and services.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepares and administers the annual departmental budget. Monitors expenditures during the year and makes recommendations for budget modifications or additional funds.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to the Mayor and Council. Work is performed under general guidance and direction and according to City policies, procedures, and various State and federal regulations. Supervises staff directly, or through assigned managers.
Essential Job Duties
- General Management: Plans, organizes, directs, controls, and evaluates the work of the Parks and Recreation Department. Oversees the management of the day-to-day administration of the Department, including budget, capital projects, ongoing maintenance, recreation, stewardship and development of assets, personnel and labor relations, and customer service activities.
- Strategic Planning: Works with advisory boards, elected officials, and other agencies to develop master plans and long-range plans for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of City parks and recreational facilities. Facilitates and promotes ongoing research into new approaches and trends and recommends implementation of programs to assist elected officials and their community plan for the future.
- Policy Development: Develops, recommends, and oversees the administration of Parks and Recreation Department policies and guidelines. Maintains currency of policies and practices within the organizational needs of the City as well as with applicable federal and State laws and City Charter.
- Personnel Management: Develops and maintains a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork. Directly or through managers, appoints, supervises, provides for training and performance evaluation and development, and ensures accountability of Department employees. Establishes and maintains a working environment conducive to positive morale, quality services, and innovation. Provides for the training in, promotion of, and accountability for safe work practices and working conditions for employees. Ensures compliance with labor agreements with City-wide and Department policies and state and federal laws and regulations.
- Program Development and Project Management: Oversees all Parks and Recreation programs and projects for the city. Coordinates programs and activities of the Department with other City departments, local and regional agencies, and citizen groups to ensure that programs and activities are in place to meet the needs of all segments of the community. Participates directly in the planning and development of significant projects such as those involving multiple jurisdictions and long-term implementation and ensures these are consistent with the City’s goals and objectives. Facilitates and promotes ongoing research into new approaches, technologies, and trends, and recommends implementation of programs and equipment to help the Department achieve its objectives more efficiently.
- Fiscal and Business Management: Ensures the financial well-being of the Department by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Department. Prepares annual budget and justifies budget requests and amendments. Projects and procures revenues and funding for the work of the Department including management of grants and accessing federal and State funding sources. Ensures the efficient and economical use of departmental funds, manpower, materials, facilities, and time. Ensures effective execution of enterprise fund cost center within the department. 7. Citizen Involvement and Communications: Directs planning and presentation of public involvement programs for neighborhoods, businesses, and other community groups. Provides staff support of the Parks Advisory Board, Greenway Advisory Committee, and other parks-related citizen groups, coordinating work plans and staff assignments to facilitate efficient and meaningful public involvement and policy direction. Provides City-wide citizen communication programs to disseminate information on Parks and Recreation projects and processes and conservation of assets.
- Senior Management Team: Provides information and advice to the Mayor and Council on strategic planning and accomplishment of City goals and objectives. Participates in organization-wide strategic planning. Coordinates the Department’s activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.
- Environmental Stewardship: Under policy direction from the Mayor and Council, responsible for the protection of the City’s park lands and facilities. Promotes and develops effective facilities and systems to maximize the public’s enjoyment and use of parklands in harmony with environmental protection and stewardship. Works under applicable federal and State regulation and protection measures for the protection of natural resources such as streams and forestland. Represents the City before regulatory agencies which interface with the work of the Department.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):
- Principles and practice of general business management and of municipal parks and recreation administration processes and management.
- Parks and Recreation Department work and operations, stewardship, and maintenance of park lands, facilities, and community infrastructure.
- City legislative processes, fiscal and budget management processes, and applicable administrative policies and procedures.
- Work independently under general policy and strategic guidance.
- Maintain consistent and punctual attendance.
- Willingness and ability to demonstrate the Public Service Competencies of Service Orientation, Results Orientation, and Teamwork and Cooperation.