Parks and Recreation Director
Pay Range: $92,849.80- $139,273.67
FLSA Status: Exempt
General Statement Of Duties
As the Parks and Recreation Director, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the parks, greenways and recreation department within the City of Mount Holly. This leadership role requires strategic planning, budget management, staff supervision, and community engagement to ensure the provision of high-quality recreational programs and well-maintained park facilities. This position typically operates in an office environment, but frequent visits to park facilities and outdoor areas are required. Some evening and weekend work may be necessary to attend community events or address operational needs. Work is performed under the direction of the Assistant City Manager.
Distinguishing Features Of The Class
An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing and directing work of employees engaged in parks and recreation activities. Work managed includes senior programs, special events, organized recreation and athletic programs, active and passive amenities including greenways, mountain biking trails, and various parks maintenance duties. Work includes providing technical assistance to management, elected officials, various boards or commissions, and city staff. Work requires strong management knowledge and skills in budgeting and personnel and supervisory principles. Work may expose an employee in this position to inside and outside environments.
Essential Duties & Tasks
- Oversees the Parks and Recreation Department, Community Center, and Park Grounds Maintenance Division, including park operations; sets long-term goals and objectives; manages contracts and develops city recreation policies and facilities; assesses park conditions and plans for future needs; implements strategic plans for park services and programs; oversees maintenance and enhancement of park grounds and facilities; monitors parks trends and best practices;
- Develops and administers the annual budget for Parks and Recreation Department, Community Center, and Park Grounds Maintenance Division; Manage the department budget, including allocation of funds for maintenance, programs, and capital improvements;
- Manages department personnel to hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff and volunteers; Prioritizes staff duties to achieve department goals; Seeks training and career development opportunities for staff;
- Communicates with the public, Recreation Commission, City Administration, and City departments, on Parks and Recreation issues; Seeks partnerships and input on parks issues; Assists community groups in development of recreation facilities as requested; Prepares agenda and reports for Recreation Commission meetings; Solicits input, collaborates, and communicates with City Council and Management on departmental plans, policies, operations, programs, funding, policies, and issues; Seeks opportunities for collaboration with community groups, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals to increase parks and recreation resources; Promote community engagement and participation in recreational activities and events.; Collaborate with local government officials, community organizations, and stakeholders to assess needs and develop programs that meet the interests of residents;
- Prepares federal, state, and local grant requests; Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards in park operations; Evaluate program effectiveness and efficiency, making recommendations for improvements; Prepare reports, presentations, and proposals for department activities and initiatives; Stay informed about trends and best practices in parks and recreation management;
- The duties listed are not all the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered essential for an employee to perform.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of budget management, strategic planning, and program development.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and stakeholders.
- Proficiency in computer applications related to parks and recreation management as well as Microsoft Office.
- Good communication skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships with the Recreation Commission is required.
- Previous experience partnering with non-profit agencies and community groups is desired.
Physical Requirements
Work requires the use of an office computer, cell phone, and other office equipment. The employee may be required to sit for long periods of time with occasional bending, squatting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. Work in this class may exert up to 50-100 pounds of force to move objects at times. The Employee must have the visual acuity to perform frequent reading, to prepare and analyze data and figures, close-up work, and ability to distinguish color and depth vision. The employee must use their hands for writing or typing and must hear and talk with others, either in person or on the phone, to communicate information and ideas. Work requires long periods of concentration for reading and developing plans, making frequent decisions and instructions to staff, communicating with coworkers, and interacting with the public.
Desirable Education & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation or a related field with ten (10) years of progressive experience in a Parks and Recreation setting or closely related field required. A Master's Degree and/or a Certified Recreation & Park Profession Certification is preferred. Experience in grant writing and fundraising for parks and recreation projects.
Special Requirement
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
City of Mount Holly Benefits
All benefits are subject to change and are contingent on the annual approval of City Council.
Full coverage health insurance equaling $751.15 monthly in value
50% dependent medical care coverage
401K - City contributes 5% regardless if employee contributes
General Retirement – City contributes 13.64%
$25,000 Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability
Vacation and sick time accrual based off of years served in NC retirement system
12 hours personal and/or parental leave given to hourly employees
13 days of holiday pay (including a floating holiday)
One annual Grand Hall rental
Longevity bonus based off years served in the State retirement system
Free usage of city workout equipment
Complimentary alternative medicine reimbursements up to $1,000 per plan year when enrolled in City's health insurance
Employee Assistance Program
50% off YMCA Membership
Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,000 per semester
