Director of Parks and Recreation - City of Decatur, AL : Job Details

Salary : $90,149.65 - $137,173.36 Annually Location : Decatur, AL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2025-43 Department: Parks & Recreation Department Opening Date: 02/28/2025 Closing Date: 3/28/2025 11:59 PM Central Job Summary This position is responsible for directing the city's parks and recreation operations. Major Duties

• Plans, organizes, and directs the activities, programs, facilities, and operations of the Parks and Recreation department.

• Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel; leads departmental staff meetings.
• Prepares annual budget requests; monitors expenditures under approved budget.
• Directs the development and implementation of short- and long-range plans.
• Communicates with Mayor, City Council, Parks and Recreation Board, other officials, employees, consultants, attorneys, contractors, and community groups to review department activities, provide recommendations, and resolve problems.
• Coordinates department activities with other departments, outside agencies, and others.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and programs.
• Conducts inspections of all facilities; monitors the status of work in progress and inspects completed projects.
• Prepares and administers grants; solicits outside funding sources; develops and implements new methods for revenue generation.
• Monitor and approves employee payroll.
• Coordinates special community events.
• Complies and monitors various administrative and statistical data pertaining to department operations; performs research as needed; analyzes trends; prepares reports.
• Prepares, completes, or reviews various forms, reports, correspondence, accident reports, board reports, financial reports, performance reviews, and other documents.
• Performs related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field, or any combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require ten or more years of related experience.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Alabama for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Knowledge of city and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in parks and recreation administration, the management of programs and activities, and the acquisition and maintenance of facilities.
• Knowledge of budget management principles.
• Knowledge of project management principles.
• Knowledge of grant management principles.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Supplemental InformationGuidelines

• Health Department regulations, ABC Board guidelines, safety rules and regulations, and department and city policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of varied management and supervisory duties. The varied needs of the community contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to direct parks and recreation programs and services. Successful performance ensures the efficient and effective delivery of those services to city residents and visitor.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, contractors, vendors, elected and appointed officials, community groups, business owners, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or walking.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• This position has direct supervision over all department full- and part-time personnel.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. 01 Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field; or a combination of education, training, and experience?

• Yes
• No

02 Do you have at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation management, including budget oversight and staff supervision?

• Yes
• No

03 Do you have at least 10 years of professional work experience in planning, developing, and maintaining parks, recreational facilities, and community programs?

• Yes
• No

04 Do you have professional experience working with community stakeholders, such as city officials, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations, to enhance parks and recreation services?

• Yes
• No

05 Are you knowledgeable about environmental and conservation practices related to park management, including maintaining green spaces, trails, wildlife, and waterfront areas?

• Yes
• No

06 Do you have knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to parks, recreation facilities and public safety?

• Yes
• No

07 Do you have experience in developing and implementing strategic plans for a parks and recreation department or similar organization?

• Yes
• No

08 Have you successfully managed grant applications, fundraising initiatives or revenue generating programs for a municipal or community-based recreation department?

• Yes
• No

09 Do you have experience managing a multi-use recreational facility, such as a water park, golf course, campground or sports complex?

• Yes
• No

10 Have you overseen the operations and maintenance of a large-scale outdoor water park or aquatic facility, including compliance with health and safety regulations?

• Yes
• No

11 Have you supervised staff in a large, seasonal workforce environment, such as a water park, campground, or sports complex?

• Yes
• No

Required Question