kpCompanies is leading the search for an experienced Director of Community Connection. This community engagement position, for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) will be responsible for creating and supporting activities and welcoming spaces for teens and young adults in the parks for both programmed and unprogrammed activities.

THE ORGANIZATION: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB)

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is one of the premier park systems in the United States. Its picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers and diversified programming have made the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work!

The MPRB is one of five Minnesota park agencies and one of 144 agencies in the United States that is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), is a 2016 NRPA Gold Medal Finalist, and has been recognized four years in a row by the Trust for Public Land in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 as the #1 Urban Park System in the USA.

The Mission: The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board shall permanently preserve, protect, maintain, improve, and enhance its natural resources, parkland, and recreational opportunities for current and future generations.  The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board exists to provide places and recreation opportunities for all people to gather, celebrate, contemplate, and engage in activities that promote health, well-being, community, and the environment. 

POSITION: Director of Community Connection

The Director of Community Connection provides culturally competent direct service and response to high energy, complex community events, occurrences, and prolonged issues within the parks such as demonstrations, outreach to patrons who are unhoused, youth violence prevention and youth conflict management. The Community Action Team partners with Park Ambassadors to monitor parks, events/activities, assist park patrons and provide information to park police, customer service and the data team.

The ideal leader for Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is strategic, collaborative, and will

create, cultivate & sustain key community relationships.

we are looking for A…

• Team leader. Develops internal action plans, trainings and strategies
• Diversity Leader. Assists with the implementation of organization-wide direction and plans for inclusion and equity.
• Community Leader. Increase safety at parks through multiple strategies, specifically: activation, including by partners; data-informed decision-making; culturally sensitive safety practices; staff visibility at parks; and response and intervention plans for mental health crises in parks.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit cover letter, resume, and salary expectations. Applications accepted until filled. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by July 31, 2022.

1. Apply via email Joelle Allen at joelle@kpcompanies.com.
2. Apply by mail at: MPRB Director of Community Connection Search c/o kpCompanies, ATTN: Joelle Allen 5775 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.  

All submissions received in strictest confidence.  Both kpCompanies and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are equal opportunity employers. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Director of Community Connection will focus on safety strategies that provide outreach, support, intervention, and de-escalation to community and staff in parks and collaborate with stakeholders, to help solve park safety problems, complementing a unique approach to community policing of parks.

Other accountabilities include:

1. Strengthen relationships with experts and partner organizations including local government agencies and community organizations who can deliver services for those experiencing homelessness.
2. Establish partnerships to provide training and knowledge around public health and human rights issues in the parks such as substance use, mental health crises and human trafficking so MPRB staff can recognize and navigate complex issues and know where to access resources.
3. Outreach and response assignments
4. Support community events.
5. Work with community groups to connect people to shelters, chemical health support, mental health support, domestic violence resources
6. Develop and implement innovative partnerships and services.
7. Build bridges between the MPRB and the diverse communities it serves.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Parks and Recreation, Recreation Administration, Public Administration or closely related field. Equivalent experience accepted.
• 3-5 years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation programming and service delivery, including youth, adults and families.
• 3 years of community engagement centric work experience – preferably in a parks and recreation related field.
• 2 - 4 years of supervisory experience