Director of Special Services

Description

Responsible for the operation of the Special Services Department, including parks, recreation, facilities, aquatics, athletics, fitness, MIS, and cultural programming, golf course operations, and related community services. The department’s director leads staffing, budgeting, capital planning, and day‑to‑day operations while ensuring high‑quality services, safe and well‑maintained facilities and grounds, and responsive programming that meets community needs. The incumbent utilizes strong performance, financial, and operations management practices to optimize service delivery, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement.

• Provide executive leadership and direction for all departmental operations, programs, facilities, services, and staff.
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, performance measures, and service standards aligned with the City’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, customer service, innovation, inclusivity, and ethical conduct consistent with City values and the ICMA Code of Ethics.
• Serve as advisor to the City Manager and provide direct support on special projects and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure departmental policies and procedures are followed consistently by all employees.

• Conduct and coordinate studies to assess community recreational needs and interests across all age groups.
• Develop, implement, and oversee short‑ and long‑range Parks and Recreation Master Plans and capital improvement plans.
• Design, develop, and evaluate recreation programs, cultural services, athletic leagues, educational programs, and community events.
• Establish fee structures for programs and services and ensure proper collection, security, and accounting of funds.
• Coordinate City participation in special community events and partnerships with external organizations.

• Prepare, administer, and monitor an annual operating budget, ensuring expenditure remains within approved appropriations.
• Provide oversight into capital projects, including major facilities, infrastructure improvements, and Citywide recreation assets.
• Review and approve work plans, work orders, purchase orders, contracts, invoices, overtime usage, and expense reports in compliance with City policies.
• Apply for, administer, and manage grants and assist with bidding and procurement processes.
• Develop and maintain a performance dashboard of budget benchmarks and goals.
• Provide a financial summary of budget performance to City Manager and City Council on a quarterly basis.

• Direct the recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, training, and professional development of approximately 50 full‑time employees and several hundred part‑time employees and volunteers.
• Monitor employee performance, provide coaching and feedback, and ensure completion of accurate, timely, and consistent performance evaluations.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing team focused on service excellence and operational efficiency.
• Take disciplinary action, when necessary, in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and collaborate with union representatives and Human Resources on employee relations, grievances, and disciplinary actions.

• Oversee maintenance, safety, cleanliness, and operational effectiveness of all parks, recreation facilities, athletic fields, and grounds.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and safety standards.
• Serve as Risk Manager for the Department and develop procedures for participant and facility safety.
• Oversee inventory, maintenance, repair, and replacement of departmental equipment and supplies.
• Support implementation and adoption of new technologies and enterprise systems.

• Serve as liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commission, City boards and committees, emergency planning teams, and community organizations.
• Attend and present at City Council, Commission, and public meetings as required.
• Lead and manage public…