Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Parks, Recreations & Cultural Services provides leadership direction, and operational management for all parks, recreation facilities, and community programs. This role is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing policies and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents by ensuring access to safe, well‑maintained parks and a diverse array of recreational activities. The director oversees staff, budgeting, long‑range planning, partnerships, and capital improvement projects.

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
• to include Forestry, Wustum Museum, Zoo, (3) Golf Courses, Cemeteries and Festival Hall and Memorial Hall.
• Represent the department before the City Council, committees, boards or commissions, community organizations, and partner agencies
• Attends meetings of department heads, boards, committees, council
• Prepare and manage the department’s annual operating budget and long‑term capital improvement plan.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, goals, and policies to guide department operations
• Evaluates departmental programs, initiatives, and services to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee maintenance and operations of parks and forestry, playgrounds, trails, athletic fields, community centers, and other recreational assets.
• Ensure all facilities meet standards for public safety, cleanliness, accessibility, and environmental stewardship.
• Manage contracts, services agreements, and professional consulting relationships associated with facility operations, maintenance, and capital projects.
• Responds to public inquiries, feedback, and concerns
• Attends various local, state, and national conferences, workshops and meetings as it relates to job responsibilities and which are in the best interest of the City
• Hire, train, mentor, and evaluate departmental staff and managers.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor.

A four‑year college degree in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Administration, Natural Resources, Forestry or related field from an accredited college or university, plus six years of administrative/managerial experience in similar position(s); a Master’s Degree or continuing education preferred i.e., C.E.U.’s (Continuing Education Credits).

• Knowledge or experience of modern park development, modern recreation principles, modern departmental operation procedures.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the maintenance of parks, recreational and cultural services facilities and related equipment.
• Ability to plan, organize and administer municipal parks, recreation and cultural programs and other assigned activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, subordinates, other City departments, elected officials and the general public.
• Ability to train and supervise others in large scale parks, recreation and cultural development.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports as necessary.
• Good communications skills necessary to do the job.
• Knowledge of proposal writing.

None

Standing, sitting, walking, stooping.

Exposure to noise at environmental work site. Must maintain City residency during the term of the job employment.

Calculator, computer, telephone

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