Parks and Recreation Director

Position Summary

Lead, plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the development and operation of the Parks and Recreation Department. Develop and manage annual and long‑range budget. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Full‑time, FLSA‑Exempt, non‑represented position.

12‑month probationary period.

Essential Duties

• Plan, organize, implement, and direct comprehensive park and recreation programs.
• Facilitate goal and objective development with division management personnel, including long‑range planning.
• Effectively supervise assigned staff, including selection, coaching/mentoring, training, employee/labor relations, evaluating performance, succession planning, discipline, and termination.
• Create and maintain an effective work environment by communicating goals and expectations, counseling employees as appropriate, and supporting employee engagement efforts.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the budget for the Parks and Recreation Department, including annual and long‑range operating and capital improvement budgets; establish and monitor appropriate department financial measures; interpret and use financial data to make informed business decisions; act as Fund Manager for the Parks and Recreation General Fund and Parks SDC Funds.
• Direct the acquisition, planning, construction, improvement, and maintenance of all parks, natural areas, and facilities; ascertain present and future needs and prepare short and long‑range plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and develop and implement new programs to meet the community’s changing needs.
• Serve as a member of the City’s Senior Management Group to address overall policy issues under guidelines established by the City Council and the City Manager and participate in city planning and budgetary efforts.
• Provide support to various Boards and Commissions, City Council, City officials and staff, and community groups; engage the public in discussion regarding planning and service levels.
• Negotiate agreements for inter‑agency programs, use applications, and contracts for services; develop department policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Develop revenue‑generating strategies, marketing, and solicit funds; establish fees to meet cost recovery methodology.
• Promote department programs and facilities to the public and various civic and school groups and respond to inquiries from the public.
• Effectively promote and utilize volunteer services in the accomplishment of departmental goals.
• Operate and drive a motor vehicle safely and legally.
• Act ethically and honestly; apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions, building confidence in the City through own actions.
• Effectively promote and implement departmental safety program; comply with all safety rules and perform work in a safe manner; ensure management provides a safe working environment in compliance with federal, state, and City health and safety guidelines and regulations.
• Adhere to all City and Department policies.
• Represent the City of Corvallis by responding to the public, community members, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner; regard everyone as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
• Maintain effective work relationships.
• Arrive to work, meetings and other work‑related functions on time and maintain regular job attendance.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field.
• Seven years’ experience in Parks and Recreation, including five years of increasingly responsible management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of all phases of public recreation management for all ages and abilities.
• Thorough knowledge of all phases of parks and natural areas management, including operations, maintenance, planning, and development.
• Knowledge of marketing and fundraising principles and ability to lead marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Excellent supervisory skills with both paid staff and volunteers; ability to hold employees and supervisors accountable for personal goals and contributions toward organizational objectives and values; ability to motivate staff and to delegate, supervise, and review work.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public and to speak and write for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to maintain and promote effective working relationships with, and between, coworkers, the public, elected officials and other agencies.
• Familiarity with group processes and ability to facilitate groups to accomplish tasks and resolve issues related to the department.
• Ability to write clear, concise staff reports and to speak effectively before a variety of audiences.
• Ability to facilitate efforts to apply technology to improve efficiency and customer service.
• Ability to use a computer to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special Requirements

• Possession or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Oregon Drivers’ License.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background and/or criminal history check.
• Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion; ability to promote equity, diversity and inclusion principles with employees in day‑to‑day operations; ability to successfully use equity, diversity and inclusion principles within the department and organization‑wide.
• Demonstrable commitment to and understanding of sustainability and ability to promote commitment, understanding, and use of sustainability principles by employees for day‑to‑day operations required; ability to hold employees accountable for sustainability objectives.
• The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
• This position may regularly be required to work evenings and weekends.
• Travel among City worksites, off‑site meetings and presentations and regional meetings.