Leisure Services Director

Salary : $106,934.00 - $127,384.00 Annually

Location : Leisure Services - Allen House 205 - Old Commerce Road, GA

Job Type : Appointed

Job Number : 2025-3205

Department : Leisure Services

Division : Admin-Administration

Opening Date : 01 / 14 / 2025

Purpose & Job Related Requirements

First review of applications on January 29, 2025

CLICK HERE for further information about the Unified Government, and the Athens-Clarke County community.

APPLY : Do not send resumes in lieu of a completed application. The online application is available at www.accgov.com / jobs

We hope you will take time to explore this opportunity to join a highly professional local government organization and a progressive, vibrant community in the heart of sunny Northeast Georgia just 65 miles from Atlanta. Home of the University of Georgia, Athens is nationally-recognized for its high quality of life, state-of-the-art educational opportunities, endless outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities such as arts, entertainment, music, and food. If this opportunity is for you, we invite you to apply, or to pass on this information to others who might find this position of interest.

REPORTS TO : Athens-Clarke County Manager

FLSA STATUS : Exempt - Executive

CLASSIFICATION : Regular Non-Merit; Serves at the discretion of the Manager

PAY GRADE : 132

SAFETY SENSITIVE : No

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to develop, manage and administer programs, operations and facilities of the department. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, developing, planning, and administering policies and procedures, goals and objectives, grants, operating and capital budgets, producing annual and statistical reports, staying abreast of future trends, hiring and supervising personnel, serving as liaison between the department, government agencies, affiliated non-profit agencies and the general public, and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

WORK SCHEDULE : Monday - Friday 8 : 00am - 5 : 00pm. Some evenings, weekends, or holidays for departmental events. This position requires a non-traditional work schedule including weekend and holidays to attend Leisure Services sponsored events and programs, community meeting, Mayor and commission meetings, etc. Responds to emergency and after hour calls.

May be required to work on religious holidays.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Must work cooperatively with others.

When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Parks Management, Recreation and Leisure Studies, or a course of study related to occupational field with five years of related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Five years of supervisory experience is required.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Certification as CPRP (Certified Parks and Recreation Professional) preferred.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Strategic Leadership and Community Services

Develops department mission, goals, objectives, long range and strategic plans, and coordinates with affiliated non-profit agencies, government agencies and directives, and the community.

Coordinates department services with those of other divisions / departments / agencies; conducts regular division administrator staff meetings, approves / reviews all division administrator recommendations.

Serves as advisory member of various inter-governmental steering committees to establish and recommend government-wide policies and procedures.

Coordinates the implementation of internal and external events such as the ACCGov holiday luncheon, Christmas Parade, balloon festival, and other similar events.

Attends / conducts presentations for various civic meetings, youth organizations, etc.; attends and / or participates in ceremonial events such as awards, dedications, receptions, etc.

Oversees the development of a comprehensive public arts program.

Attends department director meetings and serves as liaison to boards, commissions, and various affiliated organizations directly related to department services.

Monitors programmatic needs, including those for summer camps, and adjusts them as needed so as to best meet the needs of the community.

Edits department publications and correspondence such as newsletters, directories, flyers, brochures, posters, resale articles, etc.; communicates department concerns to media.

Lead Personnel and Steward Resources

Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, handling all employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and completing employee performance appraisals.

Recruits and hires personnel, handles all employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels and disciplines employees when necessary, and completes employee performance appraisals.

Develops annual operating and capital budgets for the department and assists with development of other private, non-profit agency budgets; monitors expenditures under current budget.

Develops, administers, and reviews department operating and risk management policies.

Develops and administers grant applications; monitors grant performance; and completes and / or reviews reports and other administrative requirements to granting agencies.

Mandates, compiles, edits, and produces annual and other statistical reports regarding departmental services and finances.

Facility Needs, Design, and Management

Periodically inspects department facilities, grounds and equipment; oversees security function for departmental resource parks; compiles and monitors incident reports.

Serves as contracting officer for departmental design, engineering and construction contracts.

Oversees the development and management of a county-wide greenway and rail-to-trail network as identified in the Greenway Network Plan.

Consults with other jurisdictions regarding facility design and implementation, risk management, programs and service issues; advises upon request and shares information.

Oversees facility master planning and development activities by regularly creating / updating facility master plans to account for needed infrastructure, programmatic space, and other improvements.

Develops and negotiates legal agreement drafts and contracts between non-profit affiliates and government.

Develops proposals for SPLOST / TSPLOST projects needed to support recreation facilities in the community and oversees the creation of these facilities once funded.

Collaborates with other departments and agencies on the stewardship of natural areas, grounds, and facilities.

Negotiates real estate transactions for park property acquisitions.

General Administration

Develops and recommends Unified Government ordinances pertaining to department; conducts periodic review of government ordinances, interprets various applications and recommends needed changes.

Stays abreast of professional trends, practices and related legal matters in arts and recreation field; attends conferences, training seminars, etc.; testifies and presents evidence at court.

Enforces regulations; educates and assists general public; and issues citations.

Composes and produces correspondence such as letters, reports, charts, etc.; drafts correspondence for Manager and Mayor & Commission; prepares agenda reports and work session presentations.

Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of Athens-Clarke County, unified government regulations, public administration, federal and state laws, grant regulations, volunteer program administration, park, zoological park, land, freshwater lake, and wetlands management practices, and the operations and functions of the Leisure Services Department.

Knowledge of the recreational, social, and cultural needs of the community.

Knowledge of management, human resource management / personnel, financial, and environmental education practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

Knowledge of parks and recreation planning.

Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of successful event planning and public property management.

Knowledge and proficiency with computers.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective strategic planning.

Skill in organizational, management, human relations, and technical skills.

Skill in budget development, administration, and accountability including funding sources impacting program and service development.

Skill in handling crowds and the general public attending events.

Skill in project management.

Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor performance of subordinates against measured established goals.

Ability to develop and implement long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency.

Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental and human resource / personnel operations and activities.

Ability to manage multiple projects and perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of Athens-Clarke County as they relate to the Leisure Services Department.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.

Ability to engage in a professional and cordial manner with the public attending events.

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.

Ability to handle required calculations using statistical calculations.

Ability to read, understand and interpret personnel and financial reports and related materials.

Ability to utilize computer software programs as necessary in the performance of job duties.

Ability to use equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, typewriters, motor vehicles, pick-up trucks, high and low band portable radios, telephones, and facsimile machines.

Supplemental Information

ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, printers, copiers, typewriters, motor vehicles, pick-up trucks, high and low band portable radios, telephones, facsimile machine, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires : walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of light work.

DATA CONCEPTION : Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION : Requires the ability to hear, speak and / or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and / or directions to assistants / from supervisors.

LANGUAGE ABILITY : Requires ability to read a variety of personnel forms, risk management forms and reports, legal documents, federal licensing forms, finance and budget documents and forms, contracts and grants, general government documents and regulation, and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare personnel forms, risk management forms and reports, legal documents, federal licensing forms, finance and budget documents and forms, contracts and grants, general government correspondence, strategic and master plans, committee reports, etc. using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.

INTELLIGENCE : Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.

VERBAL APTITUDE : Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative,

technical or professional languages including legal, plant and animal taxonomy and biological science terminology.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE : Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; utilize and determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and

proportion, etc.

FORM / SPATIAL APTITUDE : Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office, surveyors, construction and drafting equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION : Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using office, surveyors, construction and drafting equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.

MANUAL DEXTERITY : Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as computers, printers, copiers, typewriters, motor vehicle, pick-up truck, high and low band portable radios, telephones, facsimile machine, ATV's, drafting instruments, artists' instruments, surveyors' equipment, trail construction and maintenance equipment, alarm systems, etc.. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye / hand / foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION : Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT : Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION : Requires the ability to talk and / or hear : (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.

Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.

BENEFITS

WELLNESS

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School diploma or GED from an institution accredited by SACS
• Some education beyond high school
• Technical or Vocational Degree
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Indicate below your field of study for your degree.

If you responded "other" to your degree major, please indicate below your field of study.

How many years of experience do you have involving recreation and parks management, leisure services programming, day camp management, or other similar fields? (This experience should be related to managing or supervising programs and services that reflect a broad range of diversity as well as assisting with the development of master plans and / or capital development of parks and recreation facilities.)

Please indicate below how many years of supervisory experience you have.

Indicate below the types of activities you've performed in your direct supervisory experience.

How many employees have you supervised?

Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

Do you possess a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification?

Required Question

Salary : $106,934 - $127,384