Parks and Recreation Director

JOB DESCRIPTION:  The Parks and Recreation Director develops and administers recreational programs; develops short and long-range plans; organizes and administers department resources; oversees the maintenance and operation of the ball fields, tennis courts, beaches and other town recreational facilities.

The role requires a high level of initiative and creativity, and strong interpersonal and communication skills to communicate effectively with the Board of Selectmen, other Department Heads, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, subordinates, and general public.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Activities are conducted with considerable operational independence and judgment under the general supervision of the Board of Selectmen.  The Director shall meet monthly with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to provide updates, discuss issues, and seek guidance on unusual problems and major policy decisions.  Work is evaluated in terms of effectiveness.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  Supervise a staff of seasonal employees and volunteers engaged in recreational activities.  Responsible for employee recruiting, training, evaluation, supervision, and discipline subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.  Assign tasks and responsibilities to staff and volunteers. 

EXAMPLES OF GENERAL DUTIES:  The following are some of the duties of the Parks and Recreation Director.  It is not intended to be exclusive of other related duties, which may be required from time to time.

1. Plan, develop, coordinate, and implement a broad and diversified program of recreational activities and services to meet the needs and interests of the community.  Direct, schedule, monitor, and evaluate programs in terms of participant and parent satisfaction, and budgetary, facilities and staff needs, and effectiveness.  Prepare short- and long-range activity program calendars; timely communication of activity schedules with community and schools.
2. Prepare and administer the Department’s budget; approve bills for payment.  Collect and accurately account for recreational revenue.  Investigate and apply for additional funds for recreational programs.
3. Develop and maintain inventory of Town’s recreational equipment and supplies; sign equipment in/out; oversee and ensure routine maintenance of all parks and recreational equipment; dispose of obsolete and inadequate equipment; purchase new equipment and supplies as necessary. 
4. Perform facility preparedness/readiness beyond the scope of contracted maintenance as required for all recreational activities; perform routine inspections of all facilities and properties for neatness, safety, and reliable operation; conduct repairs and upgrades as needed.   
5. Schedule and coordinate the use of Town facilities, fields and recreation facilities for various Parks and Recreation Department activities.  Maintain relations with schools for joint use of recreational facilities.  Register participants for programs, leagues, and facility space.  Coordinate town-wide recreation events such as Memorial Day, Old Home Week, Halloween, Winter Carnival, and other events.
6. Meet monthly with the Board of Selectmen and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to provide department update/status overview, to include budget, programs, plans, problems/issues, and schedule.  As time and schedules permit, attend meetings to keep up with current trends; foster and establish cooperation with community groups to gather new ideas and needs.
7. Cooperate and coordinate the Department’s services with other Town departments.
8. Recruit, train, evaluate, supervise, and discipline the Parks and Recreation Department seasonal employees and volunteers.
9. Be available to and interact with the public by phone and in person; answer questions and provide information about programs and services; listen to requests, promptly and courteously respond to criticism and complaints, and utilize the information to improve programs and services.
10. Promote recreation programs and services by advertising in various public media outlets.    Work with outside agencies and organizations to improve relations and increase support of the Parks and Recreation Department. 
11. Be an active member of the N.H. Recreation and Park Association and develop and maintain area-wide affiliations.
12. Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration or related field and three or more years experience in recreation program administration;

or

1. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required abilities, knowledge, and skills.
2. The Director must demonstrate competency in computer use, to include text, spreadsheet and presentation/desktop publishing applications; provide regular updates to be posted to the Town’s website; demonstrate proficiency in email; and a comfort level with social media (e.g. Facebook).
3. Possess a valid NH driver’s license
4. Certification in CPR and Basic First Aid
5. Willing and able to work flexible hours up to forty (40) hours per week

PHYSICAL EXERTION/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job.

Participation in physical recreational activities in high-energy environments may be required; therefore, the employee is required to be in, and maintain, sound physical condition.  Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, to include heat, cold, wet, icy, slippery, muddy, noisy, etc.  Walking or standing for extended periods may be required.  Ability to lift, carry, push and pull in order to move objects may be required.