Parks and Community Services Manager

Parks and Community Services Manager

The City of Dublin is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Parks and Community Services Manager to help shape the future of our parks, recreation, arts, and community programs. General purpose : Under the direction of the Parks and Community Services Director, plans, directs, coordinates and supervises activities and programs that may include : revenue generation, special interest classes, youth programs; senior citizens; league sports; aquatics; facility and rental management; contract management; administrative functions; arts education programs; special events; and special programs as assigned. Duties include extensive work with other department, agencies and the community requiring problem solving, creativity, commitment, tact and discretion. This position functions as a member of the Parks and Community Services Department management team in Departmental policy development, administrative planning and addressing Departmental problems, budget development, personnel recruitment, and related work as required.

Distinguishing characteristics : The Parks and Community Services Manager is a management position responsible for directing, supervising, and participating in the activities of the Department; provides direct and indirect supervision and management of professional, technical, contract and clerical staff; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Parks and Community Services Director. Incumbents in this classification have a broad range of independence within policy and procedural limitations and work under minimal supervision. The incumbent is accountable to the Department Director for the effective supervision of personnel and the quality and efficiency of services directed. While the general parameters of the job are defined, the employee is expected to select and put into effect work procedures and practices which will lead to the effective and efficient accomplishment of Department goals. Recommendations on the improvement of Departmental activities are expected.

Ideal Candidate : The successful Parks and Community Services Manager will be a well-rounded, energetic leader who bridges strategic insight with hands-on operational responsibility. Reporting to the Assistant Director or Director, this person will lead and oversee a portfolio of recreation, facility, arts, community services, and special event programs, while managing staff and ensuring high standards of service delivery across the Department.

The ideal candidate will be a polished professional with integrity, sound judgment, and strong people skills. They will be capable of leading and developing a multi-disciplinary team of administrative, technical, contract, and operations staff. They will be comfortable tackling both the big picture and the details.

Key strengths and characteristics include :

• Operational Leadership : Proven track record managing recreational programs, facility rentals, special events, arts initiatives, aquatics, and service contracts with the ability to translate strategy into day-to-day execution.
• Team Development & Supervision : Skills in coaching, motivating, evaluating, and building capacity within a diverse staff; ability to delegate, hold accountability, and equip supervisors.
• Budget & Resource Management : Strong experience preparing, monitoring, and controlling budgets; making recommendations on staffing, capital needs, equipment, and materials.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement : Ability to engage effectively with residents, community groups, nonprofit organizations, and partner agencies. Comfortable presenting proposals, responding to public inquiries, and promoting participation in programs.
• Interdepartmental & Contract Coordination : Able to work smoothly with other City departments, external contractors, consultants, and artists to coordinate joint use, licensing, public art, and program agreements.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability : Resourceful and responsive in resolving operational issues, staff challenges, and community concerns. Flexible in shifting priorities, program demands, and resource constraints.
• Communication & Presentation : Strong written and oral communication skills, able to prepare reports and deliver presentations to commissions, committees, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be someone who brings a positive, collaborative approach to leadership; someone who is approachable, responsive, and trusted by staff and community alike. They will operate with a service orientation, a responsiveness to community needs, and a steady, consistent presence. Most importantly, they will embody a sincere passion for parks, recreation, and community services and a commitment to making Dublin an even more vibrant, inclusive, and engaged place.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

Training and experience : Any combination equivalent to education and experience is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be : Education : Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in recreation administration, leisure studies, business administration, or a related field. Experience : Four (4) years of responsible recreation experience supervising various leisure and recreational programs and two (2) year of administrative and / or lead supervisory experience. Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements :

Knowledge of : Principles, practices, methods and materials for municipal recreation programs, administration and activities. Methods and techniques of evaluating recreational program needs and effectiveness. Methods and techniques of coordinating facilities maintenance. Supervisory principles and methods, include goal setting, budget preparation, administration and employee supervision. Thorough knowledge of facilities, arrangements, resources, equipment, and safety practices necessary to administer broad recreational programs. Working knowledge of human behavior and psychology is applied to the various groups participating in recreational activities. Customer service techniques. Federal, state, and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.

Ability To : Develop, implement, and oversee all programs for the City. Plan, coordinate, and oversee programs. Plan, organize, assign, direct, review and evaluate comprehensive municipal recreation programs and activities. Address large and small groups of people. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff; develop, implement and interpret policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and work standards. Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and make creative recommendations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications. Represent the City effectively in meetings with others; maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports, meeting agendas, and correspondence.

Physical Standards : The physical standard described represent those that employees must meet to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An employee is regularly required to sit for long periods; talk or hear, in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently bend and twist to reach files, walk, stand, and run while participating in recreational programs, activities, or special events. While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; analyze community service budgets and technical reports; read and interpret complex data, staff reports, information