The City of Galesburg seeks interested candidates for the Director of Parks & Recreation position. This is an exempt, full-time position, expected to begin +/- $98,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The city also provides an excellent package of fringe benefits.
General Description of the Position
This position is responsible for planning and directing the City’s recreational programs and park operations. The incumbent provides leadership, overall guidance and vision for the department, including the planning and maintenance of City parks and recreation facilities, cemeteries, buildings and grounds, the municipal campground, and a variety of special events and programs.
Essential Functions
Reviews, develops, and directs the overall budget and administration of the City's Parks and Recreation facilities and programs.
Supervise personnel, manages performance, provides discipline as needed, and approves departmental purchases.
Prepares and administers the department budget.
Plans, directs, inspects, and reviews parks, playgrounds, golf courses, cemeteries, and related facility operations and maintenance activities.
Develops capital improvement plans. Works with subordinates to plan, organize, and implement recreational programs and maintenance activities.
Develops and implements long-range planning for the department.
Coordinates with farm leaseholder and tenant farmer all farm operations of 700 acres of city owned farmland, serving as farm manager.
Serves as ex officio member and advisor on the Golf Advisory Commission and the Tree Commission.
Advises and consults with the City Council regarding the development, operation, and improvement of the City's parks and recreation programs and facilities.
Coordinates with other department heads about the operations of park systems and city properties.
Keeps the public informed through a variety of media, including the City website.
Demonstrates a continuous effort to improve operations and work processes and deliver quality services to the community.
Minimum Requirements
• A Bachelor's Degree in Management, Public Administration, Parks & Recreation, Administration/Management, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree is preferred.
• A Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is highly desired.
• Five years of progressively responsible administrative or supervisory experience in Parks and Recreation; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITY
• A valid Illinois driver's license is required within one month of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Considerable experience in the management of department staff, strategic alignment of Parks and Recreation resources, team building and demonstrated leadership strength.
• Be a proven leader in the Parks and Recreation field, with experience researching, planning, and implementing programs.
• Strong skills in the areas of leadership, communication, interpersonal relationship building, facilitation, professionalism, project management, conflict management, strategic thinking, accountability, ethics, and innovation.
• Experience with parks and recreation program design and management, capital project planning and contract management, and governmental budgetary practices, including purchasing.
• Understand the principles and practices of public administration, program management, and strategic planning.
• Understand Business English, communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Utilize the principles and practices of positive supervision.
• Resource management, including forestry.
• Ability to analyze complex administrative problems and develop appropriate solutions.
• Ability to plan, initiate, and manage projects from beginning to end, with minimal direction.
• Effectively carry out difficult and complex assignments requiring considerable independent judgment and initiative with a minimum of supervision.
• Support the City’s culture of workplace safety.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, staff, other agencies, the media, and the general public.