Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture

Work Schedule: Generally, 40 or more hours per week; typical schedule is Monday – Friday 8 am – 5pm, position may involve nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

The Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture is a senior leader who directly supports the Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture, serves as department head in their absence, and provides high-level executive support aligned with organizational goals, vision, and strategic priorities. This position helps guide departmental strategy by contributing to long‑range fiscal planning, multi‑year capital improvement programs, and the acquisition and development of parks, trails, and open space that advance the Town’s strategic plan and performance measures.

The Assistant Director oversees division personnel, facilities, and budgets, executing essential functions directly or through subordinate managers to ensure effective, efficient, and values‑driven operations.

Individuals in the position are required to perform work in a manner consistent with and exemplary of the town’s PRIDE philosophies, the department’s mission, vision, and values, and the town’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy.

Individuals in this role may directly supervise the Recreation Manager, Operations Manager, Culture & Engagement Manager, Business Manager, Facilities Manager, Parks Operations Manager, and Open Space & Trails Manager positions.

Under the broad guidance and policy direction of the Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture, individuals work to carry out assigned duties, functions, roles, and projects in both routine and complex circumstances.

The Individual in the Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture role is assigned specific assignments, job duties, scope, authority, responsibility, roles, and requirements as determined by the town, department, division, and pursuant to laws, regulations, and practices. Individuals in this position must be able to successfully perform, be responsible for, and/or assist in the fulfillment of many job functions and duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all‑inclusive:

• Develop, plan, and implement department goals and objectives; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize, and direct the recreation and park activities of the town, including the development of new programs, design, and management of parks, trails, open space, and the Windsor Community Recreation Center, as well as other department‑operated facilities.
• Establish the division structure and processes, including lines of authority, communication channels, and allocation of staff and delegation of duties as appropriate.
• Manage division personnel, including overseeing the selection process, training and development of staff, performance appraisals, promotions, demotions, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Serve as a technical advisor to the Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture and as a recreation consultant to the community.
• Coordinate the preparation of grant applications; manage and prepare periodic reports for grants as necessary.
• Responsible for assisting with the development and management of the department’s annual operating budget and capital improvement budget, ensuring that year‑to‑date expenditures stay within appropriated limits for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid‑year adjustments.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of recreation areas, facilities, and services; evaluate and recommend fees and charges. Study local conditions, develop immediate and long‑range plans to meet the recreation needs of all age groups.
• Maintain cooperative planning and working relationships with allied public and voluntary agencies. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Work in association with the Risk Manager on all citizen injuries; report events and incidents in a timely manner.
• Serves as the town staff liaison to…