Director of Parks & Recreation

Plans, leads, and directs the activities, functions, and personnel of the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure the effective and safety-minded management of the city's parks and recreational facilities and public programs. Work involves developing and evaluating strategies for improving and modifying programs to meet the changing needs of the city, develops and manages the city’s recreation facilities and grounds, and plans capital improvement projects for the department. 

Position is primarily focused on directing, coaching, developing, and evaluating other people. Position requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in specialized functions or business areas that can be used to develop policies and procedures as well as determining efficient and innovative ways to accomplish the organization’s business strategies. Reports to the Assistant City Manager or designee.


The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Staff may also perform other duties as assigned. 

Directs, provides guidance to, and reviews the work of staff to accomplish operational plans and results.

Plans and oversees business area workflow and time utilization of staff; assigns and communicates daily activities and deadlines to staff.

Assesses, plans, and implements best practice standards and assures compliance with all regulatory and funding agencies; compiles and submits data analysis and reporting.

Develops and evaluates short-term and long-range strategies and objectives and capital improvement plans for the Parks and Recreation Department, and its programs, services, facilities, and grounds.

Determines the leisure service needs of the public and establishes priorities to provide park and recreation services in an economical and efficient manner.

Performs cost analyses and revenue projections; recommends revisions and modifications to budgetary policies as necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness of department operations.

Administers and ensures compliance to collective bargaining agreements; initiates professional development plans for training and certification requirements and service improvements.

Reviews, monitors, and evaluates operational performance via submitted reports, data, and records; initiates operational performance improvement strategies and initiatives, and metrics for tracking performance.

Identifies and/or approves grant funding opportunities; coordinates the grant application process and monitoring of approved grants.

Represents the department in a variety of public settings, promoting the public’s engagement with the department’s services and programs; attends and makes statements and public presentations at Commission, board, and agency meetings; and communicates with and/or presents to the media as appropriate/necessary.
 
Conducts research and special studies as appropriate; prepares summaries and presents findings and recommendations to city leaders and elected officials.

Serves as the city’s bicycle/pedestrian liaison to coordinate programs and activities with regional agencies; analyzes reports, studies, and related information and makes recommendations for improving the accessibility and safety of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Prepares and drafts policies and participates in discussions with various city personnel regarding the implementation of citywide policies and procedures.

Adheres to all city and public health and safety guidelines and protocols; performs job functions in a safe manner and reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures.

Maintains quality communication and interaction with all city personnel, representatives from external organizations, and the public to maintain good will toward the city and to project a positive city image.

Demonstrates behaviors that support the City’s Vision and Values.

Maintains on-call work availability as assigned, to prepare for, respond to, or recover from a hurricane, tropical weather event, or other emergency to meet the city’s obligation to remain operational before, during, and after the event; duties assigned may or may not be typical of the job and are contingent upon the needs of the city and the residents because of the event.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.

Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.

Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with staff to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures, and executive guidance.

Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

Pay and Bargaining Status
This is an exempt position pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act based on the executive, professional and administrative exemptions and is paid by salary, issued bi-weekly. This position is excluded from the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Tamarac and the Federation of Public Employees and between the City of Tamarac and the Local 3080, Metro-Broward Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF.


Bachelor’s degree in recreation or leisure services management, or related field required; supplemented by ten (10) years of progressively responsible leisure services / park and recreation experience, including four (4) years in a senior managerial role; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience. 

Required Certifications and Licenses
Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver License and the ability to travel independently from one city location to another or to offsite locations.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) training will be required (and sponsored) according to job duties and responsibilities.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in recreation or leisure services management and six (6) years of directing a Parks and Recreation Department for a municipality; designation as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE)

NOTE:  Job description, minimum qualifications, and the standards required to perform the essential functions are detailed in the official job description. The City of Tamarac is a drug-free workplace.  Recommended candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screening prior to appointment, as appropriate.  An eligible veteran or spouse of veteran shall receive preference in the selection process as provided for in the Florida Statutes.  To obtain veteran’s preference, a candidate MUST submit a copy of a DD-214, Certificate of Discharge, or Statement of Eligibility with their application.
 
FIRST REVIEW: April 27, 2025. Subject to closing at that time, or when sufficient number of applications are received.

Salary : $150,000 - $165,000