Overview

The City of Corpus Christi is seeking an innovative and experienced leader to serve as the Director of Parks and Recreation.  The successful candidate will bring not only the technical skills and knowledge in the areas of parks and facility management and programming, but also the emotional intelligence, leadership qualities and cooperative team skills needed to advance the City’s mission and vision for the community and citizens.  The Director of Parks and Recreation leads the department by planning, organizing, and directing activities of a full-service Parks and Recreation department to promote and administer public, state and federal grant programs that benefit the community under policies established by the City of Corpus Christi.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide administration and leadership of program and service delivery of park, beach and facility management and maintenance for the department
• Develop policies, procedures and establish annual goals to foster innovation and improvement with allocated funding sources
• Oversee the development and monitoring of the Parks Master Plan; lead staff in the creation and development of program goals and objectives, provide input and direction in the development of comprehensive master and site-specific plans
• Direct implementation of department assets and facility management programs
• Ensure staff is properly trained in areas of discipline by supervising employees and enforcing the City’s policies and procedures
• Provide financial management and oversight for budget resources and revenues in the general fund, enterprise fund and the grant operations fund
• Conduct regular review of department expense and revenues; identify alternative funding resources for enhancing department development, programs and services
• Oversee grant and capital improvement budgets including Hotel Occupancy Tax funds, Community Enrichment bond funds, grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, General Land Office and other granting agencies
• Monitor and review the department’s marketing plans and initiatives to ensure messages regarding programs and services are conveyed positively and consistently via various media outlets
• Oversee and direct council agenda items, contract issues and renewals, review and approve substantial purchases
• Attend, and may be required to lead, public meetings within the community to include various board and commission meetings and make presentations on park maintenance and development items
• May be asked to perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Requires a high level of critical thinking and excellent analytical skills
• Must be able to develop strategies for addressing goals and objectives; make fiscal and administrative decisions with multiple competing priorities
• Prepare and present complex issues to internal and external customers
• Experience in park maintenance, recreation, and serving a coastal community is a plus; knowledge of planning and supporting large festivals and community events would be highly beneficial
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge and skills through involvement with professional organizations and maintain required certifications/licenses

Certifications, Licenses or Other Requirements

• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) highly preferred
• Active involvement in the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) preferred
• Active involvement in other State Professional Organizations preferred

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Parks Administration, Recreation or closely related field required (BA/BS)
• Minimum of ten (10) years directly related experience
• Experience in municipal government is required, with a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory capacity
• A valid driver's license is required. Successful out of state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire