Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation

Overview

YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE!

Join one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona and the youngest in Yuma County!

Under general direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation, this position assists in planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the operations of the Parks and Recreation Department. Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to: park and facility maintenance and repair, and the management of recreation programs such as aquatics, cultural center, youth center and youth services, senior center and senior services, and other related initiatives.

The role supports departmental leadership and helps coordinate activities with other City Departments and external agencies. It contributes strategic input for long-term planning and service enhancements, ensuring alignment with City Council priorities and community needs. Additionally, the position plays a key role in advancing innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability efforts across the Parks & Recreation system.

• Assist with developing, planning, and implementing Department goals and objectives.
• Assist with directing, overseeing, and participating in the development of the Department's annual work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Department budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.
• Assist with selecting, training, motivating, and evaluating personnel; provide a high level of leadership; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high standards as necessary for efficient and professional operations of the Department.
• Promote and implement equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies in programming, hiring, and service delivery.
• Assist with planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all operations relating to aquatics, cultural center, youth center, youth services, senior center, senior services, and related programs.
• Assist with coordinating activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Participate in the development of the City’s capital improvement program for parks, landscaped areas, and renovation of facilities.
• Assist with preparing plans to meet community needs based on studies of local conditions and projections of the future composition of the community; recommend additional, altered, or expanded public parks and recreation facilities; coordinate and direct fund-raising activities; and sponsor special events.
• Serve as a liaison to neighborhood associations and community coalitions to assess needs and develop culturally relevant programs.
• Assist with the evaluation and recommendation of using professional consultants and contracts.
• Assist with implementation and management of recreation and parks software systems (e.g., facility booking, work order management, and program registration platforms).
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or digital tools to improve department operations, customer service, and public access.
• Assist with researching and preparing technical and administrative reports and studies, and preparing written correspondence as necessary.
• Represent the Department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Will possess knowledge of:
  Principles, practices, and methods for development and maintenance of parks and open space, facility operation and maintenance, and recreation programming.
• Principles and techniques for building inclusive, equitable community programs.
• Recreational, cultural, human, and social needs of all ages, ethnic, and economic groups.
• Current trends in recreation services, youth development, senior engagement, and public health promotion.
• Best practices in sustainable park design, native landscaping, and…