The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma, WA (pop. 230,000 and growing) is a nationally accredited and award-winning agency. Metro Parks is a leader in public and private partnerships with the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools and numerous community organizations, resulting in much needed expanded services, as well as the renovation and construction of highly impressive public spaces that contribute significantly to the quality of life and economic development of the City.

Metro Parks is seeking two experienced, innovative and highly collaborative leaders to fill the positions of Deputy Director of Regional Parks & Attractions and Deputy Director of Community & Neighborhood Parks and Facilities.  Both positions are under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation.

-The Deputy Director of Regional Parks & Attractions will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 700-acre Point Defiance Park, exclusive of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Point Defiance Park hosts over three million visitors annually and includes Point Defiance Marina, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Dune Peninsula, visitor services and ranger program, natural areas, trails and botanical gardens. Responsibilities also include Ruston Way Waterfront Parks, district festivals and events, Meadow Park Golf Course and management of district-wide permits and rentals. This position oversees 45 full time and approximately 70 part time employees and a $10 million annual budget.

-The Deputy Director of Community & Neighborhood Parks and Facilities will oversee the day-to-day management and operations of 75 community and neighborhood parks, programs and facilities including maintenance & operations, facility management and program development and delivery. The Maintenance unit includes facility custodial services, landscape maintenance & operations, department event support (approx. 100 annually), ball field maintenance and Botanical Conservatory and Greenhouse operations. The Community Center and Aquatics unit includes the operations and program delivery for six community centers and the aquatics program. The District-wide Program unit includes service delivery for specialized & adaptive recreation, youth services, adult and youth sports programs, and fitness & arts.   This position oversees 69 full time and approximately 45 part time employees and a $12 million annual budget. The Deputy Director of Community & Neighborhood Parks and Facilities must be committed to working collaboratively in the spirit of cooperation with all stakeholders to deliver high-quality community parks, facilities and recreation programs.

-Deputy Director Key Skills and Attributes…

Like many cities, Metro Parks system has a backlog of deferred maintenance. In addition, the Park District has undertaken numerous high profile projects in the last several years. It is critical the Deputy Directors work collaboratively to help develop a capital repair and replacement program, in addition to tactics for the sustainability of these investments. The Deputy Directors must also have the ability to connect with the community and stakeholders to understand needs and work innovatively to deliver the programs and services to the community that they desire.

The Deputy Directors will assist the Director of Parks and Recreation and other team members with the general leadership of the Parks and Recreation Department. While overseeing their areas the successful candidates will be expected to continuously demonstrate the character, experience, interpersonal skills and judgment to create trust, deliver results, and influence a positive culture.

Each Deputy Director must:

• Possess a strong operations background in parks and recreation, environmental stewardship, or related work (i.e. hospitality, enterprise management) as well as finance/budget background with the ability to find creative approaches to challenging market conditions and developing sustainable revenue sources.
• Have a collaborative leadership style that clearly communicates priorities, grows and develops all staff, which includes effective delegation of responsibility and authority while holding team members accountable for the achievement of goals and objectives as well as budgets.
• Have the ability to handle a large volume of work while serving on a variety of cross-district teams, as well as prioritize, direct and complete multiple activities and assignments effectively.
• Be an advocate on the Metro Parks Executive Committee and be able to instill a district-wide strategic vision, creativity, innovation and excellent customer service in their operations. Excellence, not average is your measure.
• Be a transformative leader, a conductor/connector when problem-solving how to get things done and be a highly motivated self-starter.
• Be a person who leads and motivates by personal example and experienced in collective bargaining; encouraging high standards of performance, productivity, accountability and ethical conduct from self and all staff.
• Be flexible yet well organized and efficient while paying attention to detail.
• Be an effective communicator in both oral and written communications.  Demonstrate active listening skills and the ability to make effective presentations to the Park Board, community groups and stakeholders; prepare professional and concise staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Be sincerely appreciative and trusting of the contributions of employees to the efforts of the department while keeping a good sense of humor as well as humility and be generous with praise and searching for positive solutions in the challenges facing the district.
• Be an achiever who makes a commitment to the preservation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the Metro Park system.
• Represent the District in appropriate professional organizations and be an active learner by attending conferences and workshops as part of professional development.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Park Administration or related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred.  At least ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the Parks and Recreation or related field is required.  Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) designation is preferred. Must have valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Metro Parks offers a competitive salary and benefits package for this position including health insurance, paid leave and a retirement plan with the State of Washington. The salary range for the Deputy Director of Regional Parks & Attractions is $91,708 – $137,681, with a starting range of $91,708 – $114,635 (DOQ). 

The salary range for the Deputy Director of Community & Neighborhood Parks and Facilities position is $101,108 - $151,661, with a starting range of $101,108 – 126,385 (DOQ). Apply online to www.GovHRJobs.com with your resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by November 4, 2019 to the attention of Chuck Balling, Vice President, GovHRUSA.