SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Community Services, the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation assists in planning, organizing, and overseeing departmental operations, with a primary emphasis on citywide special events, recreation programming, park operations, and staff leadership.

This role provides strategic oversight of all City-sponsored events, community engagement initiatives, and program delivery, ensuring high-quality, innovative, and inclusive experiences for residents. The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in developing staff, enhancing organizational culture, and aligning services with community priorities and City Council goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential and other key responsibilities of the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides leadership, direction, and vision to staff in the operation of the Parks and Recreation Department including park systems, recreation services, and city-owned recreational facilities.

• Oversees the operation, maintenance, safety, and long-term planning of City parks, recreation facilities, and department-managed buildings to ensure they are safe, functional, and well maintained for public use.

• Establishes a long-term vision and calendar for special events that enhances community identity, increases participation, and supports economic and community development goals.

• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance and productivity of assigned personnel; monitors and ensures staff compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements; approves time and attendance; addresses complaints and disciplinary issues; establishes work schedules and assignments; and ensures appropriate training and resources for staff.

• Develops, plans, and implements departmental goals and objectives; recommends and administers policies and procedures related to parks and recreation services.

• Prepares and administers the departmental budget including operational budgets, park improvement funding; forecasts funding needs; monitors revenues and expenditures; performs cost control activities; and prepares annual budget requests and reports.

• Responsible for general fund and 4B sales tax budget expenditures and revenue projections pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility.

• Directs and participates in the development of departmental work plans for parks, special events, programs, and maintenance operations; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; and ensures appropriate allocation of staff and resources.

• Provides leadership in park planning, park development, facility improvements, and capital projects; develops project scopes; prepares requests for proposals; selects professional design firms; coordinates public engagement; and assists in the bidding and construction management process for approved projects.

• Oversees facility use, scheduling, and rental operations for recreation centers, park amenities, and other department-managed facilities to ensure efficient use, revenue generation, and excellent customer service.

• Ensures a high level of customer service is provided at all City parks, recreation programs, special events and department-managed facilities.

• Serves as department liaison with City boards, commissions, associations, City Council, and citizen groups by planning and attending meetings and responding as needed. Develops and presents reports, presentations, and other information as requested.

• Coordinates departmental activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides staff assistance to the City Manager, Executive Director of Community Services and City Council; and prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary communications.

• Meets with citizens, community organizations, and business interests to address issues, resolve concerns, and discuss City policies and procedures.

• Reviews and signs higher-level communications including contracts, agreements, and official correspondence related to departmental operations.

• Attends City Council meetings and takes necessary action regarding Council agenda items involving parks, recreation services, and special events.

• Provides or coordinates staff support to boards and commissions and serves on intergovernmental, community, and professional committees.

• Attends and participates in professional organizations and training opportunities to stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in parks, recreation, and facilities management.

• Reviews and analyzes reports, legislation, court cases, and related matters; directs or conducts studies, research, and investigations on administrative, operational, and technical areas impacting departmental services.

• Promotes Parks, Recreation and Facilities services, programs, and amenities through media, public events, and publications.

• Assists the Executive Director of Community Services with strategic planning, departmental initiatives, and organizational development.

• Travels to off-site meetings, conferences, and training.

• Performs related duties as required.

• Regular and consistent attendance for assigned work hours is essential.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree with major course work in parks and recreation, public administration, business administration, or related field is required. Master’s degree in related field is desired.
Experience in park facilities planning and redesign, general facility maintenance, as well as developing, planning, implementing, and facilitating recreational programming is required.
Seven plus years of progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of three years in management is required. Senior level management experience is preferred.
Preference will be given for experience in municipal parks and recreation.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred; OR
A combination of education and experience that equates to the above outlined requirements may be considered or Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the principles and practices of parks and recreation administration and relevant laws, safety standards, codes, policies and procedures.

Proven management and leadership experience and skills
Knowledge of municipal government operations in Texas
Strong analytical skills.
Strong business and financial acumen.
Strong skills in budgeting.
Ability to be forward thinking with a focus on long range planning
Ability to read and interpret laws and other regulations relevant to public sector, parks and recreation administration, and funding.
Proficient computer skills and use of standard office software which includes databases and presentation programs, along with standard Microsoft products.
Ability to quickly learn new software applications.
Ability to communicate complex and technical ideas to citizens, City Council and Executive Management in written and verbal form in a concise, understandable manner.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff members, the City Council, board and commission members, and the public.
Exceptional organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
Ability to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to adapt, be flexible, and work well under pressure and stressful situations.
Solution-oriented attitude with proven problem-solving skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office setting and may be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry, and vision to monitor.
May be subject to extended periods of standing and sitting during presentations or attending public and special events.
May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions when overseeing parks or while attending public events.
May work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR REVISE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS THE NEED ARISES. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A WRITTEN OR IMPLIED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.

City of Richland Hills

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Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation