Director of Parks & Recreation

General Statement of Job

Interested applicants should visit www.SRNsearch.com to apply online. The first review of resumes will take place on April 8, 2025; the position is open until filled. A detailed brochure can be found here.

Under general administrative direction, oversees all functions of the Parks and Recreation Department, including the management of parks, administration, recreational facilities, programs and special events, ensuring accessible and high-quality recreation opportunities for all residents of Dunedin and visitors while adhering to the city's budget and strategic goals. Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations. This role involves leading a team of staff, developing new programs, maintaining park infrastructure, developing and implementing capital projects, and collaborating with community stakeholders to enhance the quality of life within the city. Develops Strategic and Master Plans for the department. Performs related professional and administrative work as directed. Reports to the City Manager.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

The duties recorded below are representative of the duties of the class and are not intended to cover all the duties performed by incumbents(s) of any particular position.



Determines the major work elements or project tasks for department, divisions, and sections; monitors the progress of all activities to ensure that resources are efficiently used and that projects stay on schedule.

Leads and supervises a large team of staff across various divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department, including department Administrative staff, Parks Maintenance, Recreation, Golf, and Marina Operations.

Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; evaluating staff; recommending and approving disciplinary action, employee transfers, promotions and discharge.

Identify community needs and develop new programs to address them.

Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.

Ensures the provision of adequate staff training and development; develops training materials.

Prepares and conducts staff meetings and individual meetings with direct reports.

Develops and implements department policies and procedures.

Develops and administers the department's annual budget; monitors and approves major expenditures, ensuring efficient allocation of funds across the department.

Coordinates the department's interaction and assistance with other City departments, governmental and private agencies, the City Commission, Board and Advisory Committee members, and the public.

Directs the planning and implementation of a comprehensive City recreation program. Conducts surveys and public meetings and evaluates current programs and facilities to determine the recreation needs of individual communities within the City and related City growthpatterns.

Designs parks and recreational facilities to meet established goals and objectives.

Negotiates and administers agreements and contracts.

Inspects recreational areas and facilities for safety and compliance with all policies and regulations.

Coordinates programs and activities with other City departments, advisory boards and committees, agencies, community organizations and the public.

Provides public information regarding department activities through media interviews and public appearances.

Secures and administers grants for special project funding and capital projects.

Oversees facility improvement projects, including renovations, expansions and new construction.

Attend Design Review Committee meetings and calculate Parkland Impact Fees for development as needed.

Coordinate Neighborhood Enhancement Grants, review applications and appropriate funds according to department's policy.

Promote public awareness of Parks and Recreation programs and events through marketing and outreach efforts.

Prepare reports and presentations for City Commission meetings, providing updates on department activities and budget status.

Additional Job Functions

Performs administrative duties such as contracting for services and purchasing/bidding and personnel functions to include interviewing, hiring, payroll, etc.

Performs routine administrative/office work as required, including but not limited to answering the telephone, typing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, conducting and attending meetings, compiling data for reports, etc.

Performs Other Related Duties As Required.

Minimum Training & Experience

Requires a Master's degree in public administration, parks and recreation administration, business or related field with seven years of experience in parks and recreation administration; a minimum of five years of prior supervisory experience.

Extensive experience in parks and recreation management, including program development, facility operations, park maintenance, capital projects and budget oversight.

Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage a diverse team.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with community stakeholders.

Knowledge of current trends in parks and recreation practices, including accessibility and inclusivity.

An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the City of Dunedin as they pertain to the performance of essential duties of the Director of Parks & Recreation. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has comprehensive knowledge of the principles, theories, practices and methodologies of parks and recreation planning and administration. Has knowledge and skills required in determining the leisure needs of the City and ensuring that those needs are met. Understands specific City and county ordinances as they apply to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to work under moderately stressful conditions related to balancing multiple projects within the constraints of time available, personnel capabilities, financial resources, and political considerations. Is able to react professionally at all times, dealing with sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. Knows how to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities. . Is able to make sound, educated decisions. . Knows how to make public presentations. Clearly understands any occupational hazards and adheres to all safety precautions inherent in performing the essential functions of the work.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to synthesize, hypothesize and/or theorize concerning data and/or information involving modification of existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unique or unusual conditions. Requires the ability to do so within the context of existing organizational theories and management principles. Is able to perform employee evaluations and to make recommendations based on results. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Is able to compile, organize and utilize various financial information necessary in the preparation of the departmental budget, and knows how to prepare and monitor the budget.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to function in a director capacity for a major organizational unit requiring significant internal and external interaction; requires the ability to apply principles of negotiation, and performs such in formal situations within the context of legal guidelines. Is able to coordinate department activities with other City, County, State and Federal departments in order to accomplish goals and complete projects. Is able to train, assist, motivate and provide leadership to a diverse group of employees. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has the ability to negotiate among different constituency groups with diverse interests to achieve a shared understanding and commonality of purpose.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Utilization: Has knowledge of and skill in the use of modern office equipment, including computers. Requires the ability to use, operate and/or handle equipment such as a computer, copier, calculator, telephone.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to use a variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information. Has knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Has the ability to speak and understand the English language.

Mathematical Aptitude: Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Requires the ability to perform moderately complex algebraic and geometric operations; ability to use principles of basic probability and statistical inference.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or conceptual thinking to determine a wide range of both intellectual and practical relationships. Ability to exercise judgment and make decisions to serve as guides and general directives for an entire organization. Has the ability to assimilate both technical and theoretical concepts from many diverse disciplines and apply the knowledge in creative and intuitive ways to solve unique problems. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs. Is able to plan detailed and complex programs and activities and implement same. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; some tasks require sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi­ skilled repetitive movements, such as data entry, drafting, filing and/or the use of office equipment or supplies.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require visual and auditory perception and discrimination as well as oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The City of Dunedin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Full-time employees who work a minimum of 35 hours per week are eligible for insurance benefits. Coverage will be effective the first day of the month following 30 calendar days of employment.

Health Insurance: The City offers medical insurance plans through Cigna to benefit-eligible employees. Medical insurance is provided for employees and their eligible dependents with in-network and out-of-network benefits.

Health insurance (Medical & Dental) is provided through Cigna.

Dental Insurance: Group Dental Plan coverage is available

Life Insurance and Long Term Disability: The City of Dunedin provides a Term Life insurance benefit equal to one and a half times annual salary to a maximum of $100,000, and Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage to all full-time employees.

Prescription Coverage: Prescription benefits are included with the City’s medical insurance.

Vision Care: City of Dunedin offers a vision plan through Cigna

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA): Funded by the City according to the employee’s participation in the City’s wellness program.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) : Voluntary employee benefit

Annual & Sick Leave: All classified service status employees shall be entitled to earn and accrue annual leave with pay. New Employees earn annual leave at a rate of 6.15% of scheduled annual hours worked. Sick leave will be accrued at the rate of five percent (5%) of scheduled annual hours worked.

Defined Contribution Plan (City Plan) 401(a): Employees hired after January 1, 2010 will receive a contribution of 8% of the participant’s compensa-tion.

Job Basis Leave (JBL) : To provide compensation in the form of leave to regular employees who are (FLSA)-Exempt. Eligible employees shall be granted forty (40) hours of job basis leave at the beginning of each calendar year, to be used by end of each year.

If hired during the year, JBL is pro-rated on a calendar year basis as follows: hired on or before June 1st = 100% leave allotment; hired after June 1st through December 1st = 50%; after December 1st = no allotment until the following calendar year.

Holidays

Ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year.

One (1) Floating Holiday per year. Floating Holidays are annually designated by the City Manager.

To view more on benefits, please visit the City's benefits page.