The Director of Recreation has full accountability for implementing the strategic plan and establishing the direction of all recreational programs and activities of the department. This executive level position is responsible for planning, developing and administering broad recreational policies and procedural improvements throughout the department. Prepares departmental budget, mid-year and annual reports, establishes and develops recreational policies, attends meetings, advises the Asst. Superintendent and Superintendent on compliance of relevant legislation. Building sustainable relationships that work together to deliver quality recreational programs parish wide.

Essential Functions and Duties: 

• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of system methods, procedures and programs; establish and implement opportunities for improvement to ensure successful operation of the agency programs and services.
• Plans, develops and initiates recreation activities and new programs parish-wide;
• Directs the preparation of the department budgets, monitors expenditures and revenues and makes recommendations on resource allocations and fixed asset purchases.
• Networks with internal/external agencies, neighborhood associations, community organizations, and  citizen and advisory councils to coordinate services throughout East Baton Rouge Parish; insure programs are in place to serve all segments in the community.
• Inspects, monitors and evaluates activities and programs parish-wide;
• Provides supervision to Assistant Director of Recreation, Program Coordinators and office personnel;
• Directing, counseling, disciplining and communicating with all recreation department staff;
• Performing general office duties: personnel ratings, annual reports, purchase requisitions, review of payroll reports;
• Establishes long term goals and objectives
• Interacts with the general public regarding public needs, expectations and problem solving.
• Hires, fires, trains, and directs the evaluation process of all recreation employees and assume directional responsibility for on-the-job training programs and staff development
• Recommends and implements changes to procedures when necessary
• Attends meetings of the BREC Commission, Community, Advisory Committees, as well as professional conferences, as a representative of the department; oversees agenda for Recreation Advisory Committee
• Plans, develops and conducts staff in-service training to include research and evaluation of new and existing programs, services, special events, facilities, park areas, and community trends; analyze organization and community needs and issues; interpret program results and performance outcome measures and make logical recommendations based on findings.
• Scheduling activities, directing meetings

Education Required: Graduation from an accredited 4 year college or university.  Preferred: Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
 
Area of Study (Major) Required: Recreation Management or closely related or closely related field.
 
Certification(s) Required: Professional membership w/ LRPA or NRPA. Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through national Recreation & Parks Association.  Preferred: Professional membership w/ LRPA or NRPA. Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through national Recreation & Parks Association.
 
License(s) Required: Valid LA driver’s license.  Must be able to obtain a valid LA driver's license within 60 days of hire. 

Years Relevant Work Experience: Six years in municipal parks & recreation field with 4 years in supervisory capacity. Equivalent combination of education and experience.  Preferred:  10 or more years related experience, at least 3 years full-time at BREC;

For more information and/or apply for this position please visit our website at www.brec.org/careers

About BREC - Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge

BREC is the agency that connects people to parks and nature in East Baton Rouge Parish with a system that has more than 170 parks including a unique mix of facilities, which mirror the history and rich natural resources in south Louisiana. This includes a state-of-the-art observatory, swamp nature center located in the urban core, equestrian park, Zoo, performing arts theatre, arboretum, botanical garden, a water park with the only surfing simulator in the state, golf courses throughout the parish and an expansive 30,000-foot concrete extreme sports park. Throughout its history, BREC has taken seriously its responsibility to improve the health, safety, environment and quality of life for all citizens. Since 2004, BREC has constructed community parks, dog parks, a family-sized Aquatics Center, a growing trails system, fishing ponds, larger playgrounds and procured two mobile recreation units to serve play deserts in the area. BREC- Nationally Accredited- A Gold Medal Winning Agency BREC is one of the few parks and recreation agencies in the country to win the prestigious Gold Medal Award three times. BREC won this award, given for excellence in parks and recreation administratio...n, in 1975,1991, and 2022. BREC has also been a national finalist for this award more than 13 other times. BREC is also one of a handful of agencies across the country that have been accredited.

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Connections working at BREC - Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge