Ann Arbor, MI (population 123,851) - The City of Ann Arbor is located in southeast Michigan, approximately 30 miles west of the Detroit metropolitan area and 50 miles north of Toledo, Ohio.  Ann Arbor is an active and vibrant community of charming neighborhoods, excellent schools, an extensive parks system, and is the home to the University of Michigan. Frequently recognized as a leading place to learn, work, thrive and visit, nearly 124,000 people live within city limits, which spans 28.97 square miles. Recent accolades include: Most Fitness-friendly Places, Best College Towns & Cities in America, Best Cities to Live in America, Cities with the Best Public Schools in America, Top Places for Career Opportunities, and the Bicycle Friendly Community (Gold Level) award from the League of ?American Bicyclists. According to the National Community Survey^TM 2020 results, respondents’ ratings of all aspects of City of Ann Arbor parks and recreation were outstanding and higher than the national averages. About 9 in 10 residents gave high marks to the overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities, city parks, recreational opportunities, recreation programs and centers, and fitness opportunities. Additionally, assessments of the availability of paths and walking trails were much higher than the national benchmarks and ranked 12^th out of all comparison communities in the country.

The City of Ann Arbor is looking for an experienced collaborative leader with a proven record to think strategically, communicate effectively, demonstrate strong business acumen, and collectively manage change and build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to continuously demonstrate the interpersonal skills, integrity, confidentiality, and judgment to create trust, deliver results, and influence a positive inclusive as well as transparent culture. The Parks and Recreation Services Manager will understand the needs of a diverse community, have a true passion for parks and recreation, demonstrate a proven record of sensitivity for the preservation and protection of the natural environment, and be committed to developing and empowering employees. The manager must have experience leading an organization of similar size and complexity and be able to collaboratively combine vision, creativity, and innovation in the oversight and continuous improvement of the Parks and Recreation Services Department and their mission "Together, we enrich life by cultivating exceptional experiences".

Reporting to the Community Services Administrator, The Parks and Recreation Manager is responsible for providing both strategic direction and day-to-day operational oversight for a dynamic and diverse parks system and recreational facilities that have a significant impact on the quality of life and economic vitality in Ann Arbor. This leadership position will oversee 35 full-time staff and up to 400 seasonal and part-time staff.  The department includes over 2,200 acres of park land with 161 parks (including 80 neighborhood parks and playgrounds), and recreation facilities including 4 pools, 2 golf courses, 2 hockey rinks, event rental facilities and shelters, a Senior Center, 2 Community Centers, a Farmers Market that welcomes over a million visitors annually, an award-winning skate park designed by Tony Hawk and the largest boat livery operation in the State of Michigan. Responsibilities include routine and complex work with park planning, green space management, park forestry, capital projects, park and facility maintenance, recreational programming, budgeting and financial planning, staff supervision and development, a robust volunteer program, and a Natural Area Preservation team. 

The successful candidate must possess well developed oral and written communication and negotiation skills with a history of success in maintaining collaborative relationships with elected officials, community organizations, advisory boards, and city staff.

The hiring range for this position is $105,000 to $121,000 DOQ.  The City of Ann Arbor also provides a competitive benefit package.

Apply online to www.GovHRjobs.com with your resume, cover letter, and contact information with five professional references by February 7, 2022. Questions regarding the recruitment may be directed to Chuck Balling or Steve Scholten, Vice Presidents and Executive Recruiters, GovHR USA at 847-330-3240.

The City of Ann Arbor is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Education and Experience: 

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Recreation Management, Leisure Facilities Management, Commercial Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field
• Experience supervising others: at least seven years
• Recreation facility management experience: at least five years
• Administrative experience in parks and recreation management: at least four years
• Union environment work experience: at least two years
• The City of Ann Arbor, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Facilities Management, Recreation Management, Leisure Facilities Management, Commercial Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)