Parks and Recreation Deputy Director

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The City of Appleton is accepting applications for a full-time Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation. This is a management position responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Parks, Recreation, Facilities Management, and Reid Golf Course divisions. The position provides direction and support to division managers, leads departmental planning and initiatives, oversees operating and capital budgets, and evaluates programs and services to ensure they effectively meet community needs. The position also works closely with City departments, community organizations, contractors, and other partners on capital projects, policies, grants, contracts, and service improvements. The incumbent works under the general direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides executive leadership, direction, and support to Parks, Recreation, Facilities Management, and Golf Course leadership teams. Leads strategic initiatives, operational priorities, and organizational improvements that advance the Department's mission and ensure effective service delivery.
• Provides leadership and performance management for assigned staff, including coaching, employee development, performance evaluations, personnel actions, and the establishment and monitoring of organizational performance measures to evaluate services, improve operational effectiveness, and support budget development and decision-making.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, employee development, equity, inclusion, and exceptional public service throughout the Department.
• Develops and maintains strong partnerships with schools, local governmental agencies, community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to support Department initiatives, coordinate services, and meet the needs of the community. Represents the Department on professional committees and work groups as assigned.
• Works collaboratively with other City departments to support cross-departmental initiatives, coordinate services, and advance projects related to parks, recreation, facilities, community development, environmental stewardship, and capital planning.
• Represents the Department in public meetings, community events, media inquiries and interactions, and community outreach efforts. Collaborates with Department leadership and communications staff to support public relations, community engagement, and communication of Department initiatives.
• Leads short- and long-range planning efforts for parks, recreation services, golf operations, and other community amenities. Evaluates community needs, industry trends, and emerging best practices to guide updates to departmental master plans and collaborates on the City's Comprehensive Plan as it relates to parks and recreation.
• Assists in the development and administration of the Department's annual operating and capital improvement budgets, with primary responsibility for Parks, Recreation, and Golf operations and support for Facilities Management as assigned.
• Collaborates with Reid Golf Course Superintendent on operations and works with golf staff to support strategic planning, financial performance, customer experience, marketing initiatives, capital improvements, tournaments, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability.
• Leads the evaluation and continuous improvement of recreation programs, facilities, and services through participation trends, customer feedback, operational performance, and community needs.
• Collaborates with the Recreation Manager to develop strategies that enhance service delivery, increase participation, ensure financial sustainability, provide accessible recreation opportunities, and respond to the evolving needs of the community.
• Collaborates with the Grounds Manager to develop strategies that enhance park operations, preserve and improve park assets, expand recreational amenities, and provide safe, accessible, and well-maintained parks and open spaces for the community.
• Provides oversight and coordination for capital projects, facility improvements, and park development projects. Collaborates with staff, consultants, and contractors to support successful project planning and implementation. Reviews project plans and specifications as needed.
• Coordinates with internal departments, consultants, and contractors to support assigned projects, review project requirements, and ensure successful implementation.
• Develops, reviews, and implements Department policies and procedures to support effective, efficient, and consistent delivery of programs, services, and facilities to the community and internal customers.
• Identifies, coordinates, and supports grant opportunities by collaborating with staff, City departments, and external partners to advance Department priorities, programs, services, and capital projects.
• Reviews, negotiates, and supports the development of rental agreements, contracts, and service agreements to ensure alignment with Department goals, operational needs, and City policies.
• Evaluates internal departmental systems to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Responds to complex public inquiries, requests for assistance, and customer concerns related to Department operations, projects, and services. Works collaboratively with staff to resolve sensitive or complex issues.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.      

 
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS   

• Performs routine administrative duties and correspondence.
• Conducts field observations and inspections of Department facilities, programs, and projects.
• Represents the Department in the Director's absence or as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Requires a bachelor's degree in Recreation, Parks Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field. Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible parks and recreation administrative experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Considerable employee supervisory experience.
• Considerable knowledge of parks, recreation, golf operations, and community service delivery.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices related to parks and recreation administration, strategic planning, and organizational management.
• Knowledge of recreation facility operations, including but not limited to golf courses, aquatic facilities, and athletic facilities.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations, standards, and best practices related to parks, recreation, facilities, and public service operations.
• Ability to provide leadership, direction, and support to division managers and staff.
• Ability to analyze operations, evaluate services, and implement improvements based on community needs, performance data, and organizational priorities across all divisions.
• Ability to develop and implement short- and long-range strategic plans, goals, and initiatives.
• Ability to develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets.
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies, procedures, reports, grants, and operational recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, community organizations, governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within and outside the organization.
• Ability to use technology, computer programs, and data systems to support efficient and effective operations.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

COMPETENCIESCommunicationVisionaryPolitical SavvyStrategic SkillsDecision Maker
 To learn more about these competencies click here.