Director of Parks and Recreation - Maryland Heights, Missouri

Salary : $111,230.00 - $159,612.00 Annually

Location : Maryland Heights, MO

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 00226

Job Classification : Parks & Recreation

Opening Date : 05 / 02 / 2024

Job Description

This position is open until filled; however, qualified candidates are asked to apply by May 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Maryland Heights, Missouri (pop. 28,284), located in the heart of St. Louis County, boasts a vibrant community, thriving economy, and convenient access to urban attractions.

With easy access to major highways and proximity to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Maryland Heights is an ideal location for professionals and businesses looking to thrive in a dynamic and accessible environment.

The City is seeking a dynamic, responsive leader to be its next Director of Parks and Recreation. Reporting to the City Administrator, the Director oversees the administration of the Parks and Recreation Department, which includes the Recreation Services, Community Center Maintenance, Government Center Maintenance, Aquaport, and Parks Maintenance programs;

budget preparation and control, personnel management, clerical and record-keeping functions and departmental planning and evaluation.

The Director oversees an FY2024 department budget of $7.8M and exercises administrative direction over approximately 79 FTEs.

Click here to view the recruitment brochure .

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Building Community. The Director of Parks and Recreation plays a pivotal role in fostering connections, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging within the community.

The City conducts a biennial public survey and Parks and Recreation continuously meets and / or exceeds expectations. Through innovative events and programming with substantial communication and promotion, thoughtful park design, and community engagement initiatives, the Director will have the chance to continue this positive trend through enhancement of spaces and experiences that bring people together, celebrating diversity, and elevating the overall quality of life within the city.

Municipal Parks Grants. The Director of Parks and Recreation will have a significant opportunity to secure and leverage grants to enhance the park system's infrastructure and amenities.

By identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funds, the Director will have the ability to initiate transformative projects that improve accessibility, sustainability, and recreational offerings within the city's parks and open spaces.

Master Plan. The Master Plan approved in 2019 is in its sixth year and remains relevant. The Master Plan will serve as a guide for the Director to continue to enhance, expand, and explore parks and recreation improvements and capital needs while focusing on the overarching top three priorities from a system-wide perspective that are most important to the community : 1.

Expand trails & improve connectivity. 2. Provide natural areas for passive recreation & wildlife. 3. Promote physical activity & wellness.

Update Policies, Procedures and Processes. The new Director of Parks and Recreation will review, update, document and implement standardized policies, procedures, and processes across the department to streamline operations, enhance efficiency including integrating appropriate technology, and ensure alignment with evolving standards and regulations.

By conducting thorough reviews, soliciting input from stakeholders, and implementing best practices, the next Director will have the chance to enhance the department's approach to finance, governance, management and customer service to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Team Building and Retention. The Director will lead a team of seasoned and talented professionals and have the opportunity to implement strategic recruitment and retention initiatives, foster professional development, cross-training and succession opportunities, and promote a culture of collaboration and accountability.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range for this position will be $111,230 - $159,612. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package to include an auto allowance of $600 / month, LAGERS pension, long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D, health and dental insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and membership to the Community Center and Aquaport all fully paid by the City for the employee.

Voluntary benefits include vision, short term disability, whole life and term life insurance, cancer coverage, accident coverage, FSA / dependent care, critical illness coverage, and pet insurance.

The City offers relocation assistance.

Desired Qualifications

This position requires graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in recreation, education, or physical education including course work in organization and administration, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation programs;

or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualified candidates will possess a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) or an equivalent certification or the ability to obtain at time of hire.

A valid state driver's license or ability to obtain is required.

Special Instructions

This position is open until filled; qualified candidates are asked to apply by May 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Please consult the recruitment brochure for more information on the benefits available for this position.

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree

Which of the following best reflects your number of years of experience in the management of parks and recreation programs?

• 0 - 2 Years
• 3 - 4 Years
• 5 - 6 Years
• 7 - 9 Years
• 10+ Years

Which of the following best represents the population size of the community you serve or most recently served?

• Under 10,000 Residents
• 10,000 - 20,000
• 20,001 - 50,000
• 50,001 - 100,000
• 100,001 - 300,000
• Over 300,000 Residents
• N / A

Do you currently possess a CPRP, CPRE, or equivalent?

• Yes, I possess a CPRP
• Yes, I possess a CPRE
• I possess an equivalent to the CPRP / CPRE
• No, I do not possess a CPRP, CPRE, or equivalent

Required Question