The City of Las Vegas invites applications for the Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Resume Required
The Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will plan, direct, manage and oversee the activities and operations of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs including general and adaptive recreation, park maintenance, park reservations and rental events, municipal sports programming, city-sponsored special events, public art, performing arts, and senior citizens and youth activities; to coordinate assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies, organizations and the general public; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the assigned Deputy City Manager.
The ideal candidate will be a proven leader who builds high-performing teams, with clear goals tied closely to organizational priorities. The ideal candidate will have experience in large, diverse urban environments and enjoys being on the leading edge of transformative initiatives, sports tourism, and innovation. Strong candidates will possess a strategic orientation and exceptional business management skills to establish best business practices and controls for a department that align with the goals of the City 2050 Master Plan.(Download PDF reader)
Candidates should exhibit the ability to effect change in an organization through strong leadership, team building, conflict resolution, and management skills all while being creative in their approach to establishing productive partnerships with businesses and organizations for the benefit of the community.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general administrative direction from the assigned Deputy City Manager.
Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, clerical and hourly staff.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential Functions:
Manage all Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs programs and activities including general and adaptive recreation, park maintenance, senior citizens and youth activities, park reservations and rental events, city-sponsored special events, municipal sports programming, cultural facilities, outdoor amphitheaters, urban plazas and mobile stages. Programs include all performance-based and visual arts offerings, new arts initiatives, community partnerships, festivals, and cultural planning and advising.
Manage the development and implementation of department strategic plans, master plans, goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities for each assigned service area.
Establish, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level managers, the department's work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
Provide leadership in developing a culture that values people and their differences and is free from inequities and barriers to people reaching their full potential.
Select management, supervisory, professional, technical and support staff and ensure effective morale, productivity and discipline; plan, organize, administer, review and evaluate the activities and performance of staff directly and through subordinate supervisors and managers; work with staff to establish work priorities and schedules; encourage and provide for staff training and professional development; interpret city policies and procedures for staff; prepare and conduct formal performance evaluations; work with employees to develop short and long term goals, monitor accomplishments, establish performance requirements and personal development targets and provide coaching for performance improvement and development.
Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct the preparation of and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary.
Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues; respond to and resolve difficult, significant and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Represent the department to other city departments, elected officials, outside agencies and the general public.
Provide staff assistance to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Deputy City Managers and Chief Financial Officer; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary documentation.
Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions.
Negotiate contracts and agreements for professional services; oversee the administration of agreements.
Direct the development of long-range plans for all assigned areas of responsibility.
Serve in an advisory capacity in the design and development of parks and recreation facilities and their master plans.
Provide leadership in promoting sustainable, environmentally sensitive development and operations in the community and the department.
Establish the strategic direction for the department in alignment with City Council and city of Las Vegas strategic priorities; ensure all department employees are aware of their roles in performance measurement and achieving strategic priorities; and facilitate the reporting of measures to the city’s executive team and all members of the department.
Participate in the city's Emergency Management Team exercises and special training.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of trends and innovations in the field of recreation administration and neighborhood services.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Experience:
Six years of increasingly responsible management experience in any of the following areas: parks and recreation, parks maintenance, rehabilitation and construction, cultural affairs, performing arts, or theater programs; including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Training:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in recreation administration, physical education, fine or performing arts, theater management, public administration, business administration, or a field related to the essential functions. Education requirement may not be substituted with additional work experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive recreation and after school programs or activities.
Operational characteristics, services and activities of cultural programming.
Current methodologies employed to effect successful performing arts programs, international contracting arrangements, and multiple disciplines within the office’s program strategies.
Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Practices of department planning on a strategic level.
Principles and practices of public administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Principles of leadership.
Advanced principles of financial management.
Principles of conflict resolution.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to recreation services, planning and administration.
Needs of staff, citizens and city offices related to recreation programs.
Recent historical, political and social events related to recreation.
Principles and practices of recreation administration and program development.
Principles and methods of data collection and social research procedures.
Ability to:
Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
Interpret, apply, explain and enforce applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, recommend best options and implement approved solution in support of goals.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Delegate authority and responsibility.
Create and foster a collaborative teambuilding environment among managers and staff.
Effectively address and resolve staff and managerial issues before they escalate.
Set and adjust priorities in a rapidly changing environment.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including city and other government officials, community groups, the general public and media representatives.
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