JOB SUMMARY

This is an administrative and professional position within the Parks and Recreation Department.  This position provides strategic leadership and vision for the Recreation Division, aligning programs and services with the department’s long-term goals. This role focuses on high-level planning, innovation, and collaboration to enhance community engagement, optimize operations, and ensure service excellence. The position oversees division-wide initiatives, evaluates performance metrics, and fosters partnerships to drive continuous improvement and equity in recreation and aquatics services.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

• Establish and maintain a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented culture among staff, community partners, schools and stakeholders to enhance program offerings and community engagement. 
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in responding to changing community needs and priorities.
• Lead high-level strategic planning and visioning for the Recreation Division, ensuring alignment with the department’s long-term goals.
• Develop and oversee division-wide strategic initiatives, performance benchmarks, and continuous improvement plans.
• Developing and tracking performance metrics to assess the division's progress toward its goals.
• Responsible for identifying and implementing strategies to generate revenue for the Recreation Division, such as sponsorships, fee structures, or rental programs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of aquatic facility design, operations, and safety standards.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team through a collaborative and supportive leadership style
• Oversee the interview process, hiring, training of part-time, seasonal recreation and aquatic staff; coordinate staff trainings; work with employees to grow in their profession, correct deficiencies and implement discipline procedures.
• Stay up to date on current trends and best practices in aquatic and recreational programming and facility management.
• Identifies, prepares, and justifies annual budget and capital improvement project requests for recreation programs and facilities..
• Program Evaluation: Include responsibilities related to evaluating the effectiveness of recreation programs and using data to inform program development and improvement.
• Responsibility for ensuring the safety of participants and staff by developing and enforcing safety protocols and risk management procedures for all recreation programs and facilities
• Supervises personnel to provide for quality activities in all aspects of aquatics, Lowe A&E, Special Events, recreation and cultural activities and facilities.
• Assists in preparing, administering and implementing the annual art council, recreation and pool budgets as well as exercising control over expenditures of fund.
• Serves at the department’s communication liaison, updating the city website, newsletters, social media, and other avenues of communication.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills as essential for the role.
• Supports the Director and Deputy Director in his/her duties as he/she considers appropriate and necessary.
• Perform related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the artistic or physical techniques, procedures, equipment and materials common to recreation and aquatic programs.
• Experience with recreation management software
• Experience in developing and implementing innovative aquatic programs for diverse populations (senior programs, youth sports, inclusion programs).
• Demonstrate experience in securing and managing grant funding for recreation programs
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of community recreation.
• Ability to recognize, investigate and analyze programs and projects and make effective recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, instructors, departments, supervisors and the general public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, non-level grades and heavily vegetated areas for the purposes of site review.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to communicate effectively with fellow employees and the general public by telephone, two-way radio, written form or face-to-face.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace or citizens encountered during work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Fine Arts or a closely related field.
• Supervisory experience in parks and recreation administration.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Preferred
• Must possess valid Iowa driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in an office environment and outdoors during various events
• Works a standard work week
• May be required to work some overtime upon demand of workload

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

Potential background checks may include:

• Sex Offender Registry
• Drug Screening
• Driving Record
• Pre-Employment Physical

 APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL FEBRUARY 7, 2025

About City of Marion

Marion is one of the Midwest’s fastest growing cities – and one of the youngest per capita. Located just minutes north of Cedar Rapids, Marion prides itself on being the best place in Iowa to raise a family and grow a business. Reach higher and achieve more in Marion. Visit www.cityofmarion.org to learn more. The Marion Parks and Recreation Department strives to meet the needs of its citizens by providing high quality parks and recreation services and facilities, and has adopted the following statements as guidelines to align with the community's vision.Mission Statement: "To enrich Marion and the lives of our residents and surrounding communities by providing a wide-range of recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages that encourage healthy, active lifestyles and life-long learning."Vision Statement: "Our vision is that every person enjoys unlimited access to high quality recreational programs and parks that enhance, preserve and protect the environment."

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