Summary Description:

The City of West Des Moines has an amazing opportunity for a parks and recreation professional to lead the Recreation Division of the Parks and Recreation Department. This is a chance to be part of a highly respected and well supported organization while serving a city where 94% of all residents are satisfied with their quality of life. Overall, 93% of residents are satisfied with parks, recreation, facilities, and programs, and 84% have visited a park in the past year. This position will report to the Parks and Recreation Director. 

This position manages the planning and delivery of recreation programs and operation of recreation facilities in a manner that addresses community needs while making effective use of community resources and maximizing revenue. This person will continue to build relationships with representatives of agencies, user groups, schools, civic groups, and businesses, while forming partnerships to extend recreation programs and facilities. Develops and administers user policies, reporting systems, budget, and evaluation tools. Approves recreation program plans and facility operation plans for Valley Junction Activity Center, Aquatic Centers, Beach, Nature Lodge, Softball Complex, Baseball Complex, Archery Facility, Dog Park, Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, Boathouse, and other cultural and recreational facilities as well as manages and implements the City’s Public Art Program. 

NOTE: This position does not directly oversee the management of the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex.

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities:     

• Consults with City staff, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Public Arts Advisory Commission, Bicycle Advisory Commission, City Council, agency representatives, non-profit organizations, and citizens in addressing community needs, resolving recreation issues, and determining department direction in extending recreation programs and facilities for community benefit.
• Directs the operation and use of recreation facilities through development of policies and systems, budget formulation and management, contract management, and consultation with staff.
• Directs recreation program delivery and initiates new programs through staff.
• Manages the department’s program registration and facility reservation software.
• Manages and implements the City’s Public Art Program.
• Establishes annual public relations plan and directs publicity activities, including social media and development of a program guide, with staff support.
• Directs the selection, orientation, training, performance management, wage administration, and discipline of employees in the assigned unit in accordance with City policy.
• Completes and approves necessary paperwork and electronic processes, including that required for purchasing and personnel actions.
• Prepares and monitors departmental operating budget and establishes service levels and budget recommendations for the Recreation divisions.
• Ensures fair and consistent treatment of all employees in assigned unit and that all employees comply with all City policies and procedures.
• Ensures that all work performed in the unit meets the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, and efficiency.
• Directs activities of the unit to ensure that appropriate communication and coordination of efforts occurs with other units of the City.
• Ensures that the City’s mission, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.  This includes, but is not limited to, support of the following initiatives: the quality initiative; Mayor/City Council strategies and various other city-sponsored work groups. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Periodic Job Duties/Responsibilities:     

• Manages concession contracts and contractual services.
• Prepares recommendations for the division to the Director.
• Performs and participates in strategic planning for Recreation divisions and the department.
• Responds to calls of an emergency nature after hours.
• Reviews and approves recreation programs, facility operation plans and procedures as prepared by and with staff.
• Conducts and assists with management of community-wide special events.
• Manages revenue development through grant writing, sponsorships, and agency agreements.
• Manages volunteer activities for the Department. 

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Education, Business, Public Administration, or other related discipline
• 5 years of related work experience
• Supervisory/management experience preferred

About West Des Moines Parks and Recreation

The mission of the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department is to provide our community everyday enjoyment through people, parks, and programs. The Department focuses on enhancing quality of life and supporting the health and well-being of West Des Moines residents, employees, and visitors. The Recreation area provides a diverse variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. Programs include adult sports, youth introductory sports, nature programs, senior citizen programs, aquatics, travel, family programs, preschool and youth programs, and special events. The facilities managed by the Recreation area are used as recreational program delivery sites and are also available for public rental. The Department’s facilities are extensively used for special events and other various City sponsored activities. Both Valley View and Holiday Aquatic Centers, as well as, Raccoon River Park Softball Complex and Holiday Park Baseball Complex are seasonal facilities. The Valley Junction Activity Center, Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, Raccoon River Park Dog Park, and Archery Facility are open year round. The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex is a one-of-a-kind multiuse f...acility featuring nearly 300,000 square feet of space for sporting events, conventions, concerts, community events, business meetings, corporate gatherings, adaptive recreation, and physical therapy.. The Parks area provides services related to the land, facilities, and operations of the West Des Moines park system. All activities of the Parks area are directed and coordinated by the Superintendent of Parks. The area currently manages and operates 1,500 acres of parkland consisting of 27 parks, 3 special uses facilities, 1 nature resouces area 14 greenways, and 66 miles of trails. In addition to developed parkland, the Parks area is also responsible for a 232 acre lake and over 600 acres of natural areas. Services including planning, design, and development of parks and recreational facilities; identification and acquisition of new parkland; operation of parks and park programs. Operate and manage Jordan Cemetery, Huston Cemetery, and Oak Hill Cemetery including lot sales, record maintenance, and grave opening/closing at Jordan Cemetery.

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