Division Manager; Planning

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission is seeking a Division Manager of Planning to lead the planning, design, and implementation of the agency’s Capital Improvement Program. This position is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of projects, including the design and construction of new parks/playgrounds, major recreational facilities, renovations, and park enhancement initiatives that support the Commission’s mission and long‑term vision.

Reporting directly to the Director of Recreation, the Division Manager serves as the agency’s most senior planning professional and is a key member of the senior leadership team. The incumbent collaborates closely with the Director, Assistant Directors, Division Managers, consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of capital projects and strategic initiatives.

The Division Manager directs, coordinates, and evaluates the work of professional and technical staff within the Planning Division, including architects, engineering technicians, and other assigned personnel. Responsibilities include assigning and reviewing work, establishing priorities, facilitating collaboration among Recreation divisions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards, and maintaining high levels of quality and accountability in project execution.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with strong project management expertise, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. This position assists the Director in managing departmental operations, developing strategic plans, and advancing initiatives that enhance recreational facilities, parks/playgrounds, and public spaces for the community.

• Appropriate city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Civil Service Rules and Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
• Management principles regarding program evaluation, staffing requirements, tables of organization, and administrative analyses.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and procedures of research, data collection, and report preparation.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of human resource management.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Structure of City government, City administration, and City services for the public.
• Standard English grammar, usage and spelling; standard business correspondence formats.

• Operate appropriate computer equipment; use properly all related hardware and software.
• Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty.
• Establish performance targets and work priorities.

• Implement and maintain positive employee relations.
• Promote and maintain highest integrity throughout all personnel.
• Analyze and manage effective EEO/AA programs.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate staff.
• Process information with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Develop timelines for day‑to‑day activities that contain milestones and deadlines for critical activities and projects.
• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports; present oral reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials and the general public.
• Use a personal computer in performance of job duties.
• Perform statistical analyses.
• Plan complex work processes and procedures for self and others to follow.
• Conduct meetings and hearings as appropriate.
• Conduct interviews; conduct training programs; conduct negotiations as assigned.
• Utilize a human resources information system.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite.

A bachelor's degree in business administration, Public Administration, or area of operational expertise is required. A master's degree in the aforementioned or operational areas is strongly preferred. Five years of experience in business management at the supervisory level with a primary focus in strategic human resource management, project management, or change management is required.…