Regional Program Director

Regional Program Director / GS 21

The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarked the area of the Nation's Capital, Alexandria is a part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600 Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is a place that is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities because of a high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City's 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district.

The City of Alexandria is an independent city with no county affiliation and derives its governing authority from a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, allowing local governments only the authority expressly granted to them by the Virginia Constitution or by the Virginia General Assembly in the City Charter or in general law. City Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The mayor is chosen on a separate ballot and presides over sessions of the Council.

If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Regional Program Director (Fee Classes & Camps) for Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA).

• The mission of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to enrich the City of Alexandria by creating meaningful experiences through public spaces, cultural activities, and programming.
• The Department's vision is to improve the well-being of every person in our community by connecting them to each other and their environment.

The Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department (RPCA) supports the well-being of Alexandria's residents by ensuring access to a variety of quality recreation, park, and cultural experiences. RPCA holds 1,017.56 acres of park and open space areas maintaining a standard of 7.3 acres per 1,000 residents. Operating responsibilities cover public parks, medians, and rights-of-way, outdoor areas at public schools, libraries, and a city marina. The department operates programs at 12 recreation centers and school sites. Through the cultural activities division, RPCA operates the Torpedo Factory Arts Center. The Department is comprised of four operating Divisions : Recreation Services; Leadership & Management; Cultural Activities; and Park Services. These four Divisions work to offer the full range of programs, services, facilities, and parks.

Under the supervision of the Division Chief, the Regional Program Director will be responsible for the direction and management of RPCA's Fee Classes and Camps Section and the Oswald Durant Center. Programs in the Fee Classes and Camps Section are designed for participants of all ages and are considered "market rate" programs and are expected to achieve a minimum of 100% cost recovery for all direct and indirect costs to operate this section. Additional duties will include the development of "market rate" community events and activities expected to have a minimum of 100% cost recovery. The Durant Center provides community programming and meeting space on demand for a variety of needs. The facility features one multi-purpose room with a stage, four multi-purpose rooms, kitchen, gallery, patio, creative play space, and staff office spaces.

Considerable independent judgment and initiative is required in developing and maintaining the overall recreational activities including both community and revenue-producing programs. This position is key to implementing the RPCA Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Policy. The incumbent will be responsible for the overall planning, budgetary, administrative, supervisory, and programmatic duties of the section. This position includes recruiting, scheduling, and supervising full-time, part-time, seasonal staff and contractual employees. An employee in this position is responsible for ensuring the existence of safe working conditions for all staff. Through effective leadership, human resources, budget management, and exceptional customer service the Regional Program Director will perform related work as required and be available to work various hours which include days, evenings, weekends and some holidays. Enthusiasm, flexibility and excellent communication skills are needed to be successful in this position. Considerable diplomacy must be exercised in dealing with staff, contractors and the public.

Major areas of responsibility include :

Key Work Aspects of RPCA and the City of Alexandria : Based on your reporting relationship, you are tasked with creating an environment of success in the department such that staff are highly engaged to focus on results that support organizational attainment of our mission and strategic plan. Our purpose is to build an organizational cultural "that supports each of us and inspires excellence."

RPCA Strategic Plan Each senior leader is expected to implement the mission, vision, values, and the strategic focus areas as determined through business plans and the budget process. It is expected that all decisions will be made considering the values and focus areas.

Statement of Workplace Excellence Every RPCA staff member has the right to a safe, healthy, efficient, and pleasant working environment where all organization members adhere to the highest standards of behavior, personal integrity, and truthfulness.