Parks & Recreation Director

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Vision, Planning & PROST Master Plan ImplementationLeads implementation of the PROST Master Plan, translating recommendations into a prioritized, phased action plan with timelines, cost estimates, and funding strategiesDevelops department goals, strategic and operational plans, and performance measures; tracks and reports progress to the City Manager and City CouncilPlans and manages park, trail, and facility capital projects, coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, and other City departmentsPursues and administers grants (e.g., Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and other state, federal, and foundation sources), including applications, compliance, and reportingEngages residents and stakeholders in planning and design so projects reflect community prioritiesBuilding the Department & Leading PeopleEvaluates current department structure, staffing, and operations and recommends an organizational plan that supports growthRecruits, hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, and, when necessary, disciplines or terminates staff; has authority to hire and terminateCreates a positive, accountable team culture; mentors staff and supports professional development and certificationsAssigns daily work, creates maintenance and work schedules, and reviews timesheets and payroll formsDevelops policies, procedures, and standards for programs, facilities, rentals, safety, and customer serviceRecruits, trains, and recognizes volunteers and builds a sustainable volunteer programRecreation ProgrammingConducts a comprehensive evaluation of current recreation programs, assessing participation, residents served, cost recovery, customer satisfaction, and alignment with PROST Master Plan priorities, and reports findings and recommendations to the City ManagerDevelops a multi-year recreation program plan that identifies which programs to grow, modify, or retire and which new programs to introduceResearches community needs, demographics, and recreation trends to identify gaps in programming for youth, teens, adults, seniors, families, and people of all abilitiesPilots, launches, and evaluates new programs, classes, leagues, camps, and activities, such as fitness and wellness, youth sports, enrichment, outdoor and nature-based programs on our trails and the Colorado River, and senior programmingPlans, organizes, and supervises recreation programs, including Splash Pad, after-school, senior, and camp programsEstablishes program standards, performance measures, fee and cost-recovery policies, and scholarship or access options that keep programs affordableRecruits and manages contract instructors, coaches, and program partnersUses participant surveys, registration data, and feedback to continuously evaluate and improve programs and eventsRandolph Recreation CenterServes as the City's lead staff member in planning and carrying out improvements to the Randolph Recreation Center, working with the City Manager, City Council, and design professionalsAssesses the Center's condition, layout, equipment, amenities, and use patterns and recommends short- and long-term improvements, including renovations, reconfigured spaces, and equipment upgradesEngages residents and Center users to understand what they want from the facility and incorporates their input into improvement plansDevelops cost estimates, phasing plans, and funding strategies, including grants, sponsorships, donations, and capital budget requestsManages the Center's daily operations, including staffing, hours, memberships, rentals, safety, cleanliness, and customer serviceGrows use of the Center through expanded programming, memberships, rentals, and marketing, and tracks usage and revenue to measure resultsEvents & Community ExperiencesPlans and produces city-wide events and grows them into signature community experiences, managing sponsorships, vendors, volunteers, logistics, and safetyPartners with schools, youth sports associations, civic and faith organizations, Main Street, the Chamber, Fayette County, and businesses to expand offeringsDevelops marketing and communications, including social media, web content, program guides, and promotional materialsParks, Facilities & OperationsOversees the maintenance, safety, and appearance of parks, trails, open spaces, athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreation facilitiesSchedules and manages facility and pavilion rentals and maintains programming and rental calendarsEnsures safe operation of aquatic facilities and playgrounds in compliance with applicable regulationsPurchases supplies and equipment, and manages contracts and vendor relationshipsFinance & AdministrationPrepares, presents, implements, and manages the department budget; identifies new revenue sources such as sponsorships, fees, and partnershipsMaintains financial controls for cash handling and deposits; coordinates purchases, processes invoices, and assists with auditsPrepares monthly and other reports, maintains department and registration records, and prepares presentationsCouncil, Community & Intergovernmental RelationsPrepares agenda items and presents reports and recommendations to City Council and City ManagementResponds to inquiries from Council members as requested and serves on City committees as assigned by the City ManagerServes as the City's liaison with residents, businesses, senior organizations, developers, contractors, vendors, community organizations, and other agenciesResolves internal and external problems and complaints with professionalism and diplomacyOtherAttends meetings, events, and evening and weekend activities as requiredPerforms other related duties as assignedKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles and practices of parks and recreation administration, programming, and special event productionRecreation program planning, development, and evaluation, including needs assessment, cost recovery, and performance measurementRecreation center operations, including memberships, rentals, maintenance, and facility improvement or renovation planningPark planning, design, capital project management, and master plan implementationGrant research, writing, administration, and complianceBudgeting, purchasing, cash handling, and financial controlsPersonnel management, including selection, supervision, training, and performance evaluationVolunteer recruitment and coordination; sponsorship and partnership developmentPark, playground, and aquatic safety practices and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulationsMarketing and social media practices for public programsPrinciples of excellent customer service; computers and related software applicationsSkill and ability to: Inspire and lead a team, and build a department's capacity, systems, and cultureTurn long-range plans into actionable, funded, and measurable projectsEvaluate programs and facilities objectively and make data-informed recommendations to grow, change, or retire themThink creatively and generate new ideas for programs, events, and revenueCommunicate clearly and persuasively, orally and in writing, including public presentations to City CouncilBuild effective relationships with staff, elected officials, other departments, agencies, community partners, and the publicHandle sensitive situations with diplomacy, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment; negotiate and resolve conflictsManage multiple projects and priorities, meet deadlines, and estimate time, materials, and laborAnalyze data, solve problems, and make sound decisions independently within established policiesQUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in parks and recreation, recreation management, leisure studies, public administration, business, or a closely related fieldFive (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory roleAny equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be consideredCertified Pool Operator (CPO) or ability to obtain within 150 days of hireFirst Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 150 days of hireValid Texas driver's license, or ability to obtain one upon hirePreferred QualificationsCertified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) through the National Recreation and Park AssociationExperience implementing a parks or recreation master plan and managing capital projectsSuccessful track record securing and administering grants, sponsorships, or partnershipsExperience growing programs or launching and producing large community eventsExperience evaluating, redesigning, and expanding a recreation program portfolioExperience managing a recreation center or leading a recreation facility improvement or renovation projectCertified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Active involvement in the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) or NRPAExperience in a small city or in building or reorganizing a departmentPHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment and at parks, facilities, and event locations throughout the City, including outdoors in varying weather conditions. Requires sitting for extended periods, as well as standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting and moving equipment, carts, tables, and other items of up to 50 pounds. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required for programs, events, and Council meetings. Works with a wide variety of people. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The City of La Grange provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.