Job Description

Salary : $167,117.39 - $228,784.31 Annually

Location : Tacoma, WA

Job Type: Career Full-time Non Represented

Job Number: DirPR2024

Department: Parks and Recreation

Opening Date: 09/27/2024

Closing Date: 10/31/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description

For more information on Metro Parks Tacoma, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the ideal candidate profile, please visit:

Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Metro Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Metro Parks are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Position Information
Directors are humble leaders, distinguished by their strategic systems thinking, knack for building relationships, ability to analyze data, and aptitude to translate complex community initiatives and project manage to support the quality of life of Tacoma residents. They have the capacity to redeploy existing resources, prioritize based on community need, and secure new funding-to sustain a premiere, state-of-the-art park system, to engender trust, and to empower their management team to lead and execute the day-to-day operations on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department.

The ideal candidate maintains a commitment to serving others, proactively working to help those being led grow into their fullest potential. Through active leadership, the Director continuously applies the character, experience, humility, wisdom and discernment necessary to create trust, deliver results, and influence a positive culture throughout the organization.

The Director will have an experienced track record in recreation and business programming, and an understanding of the importance of public-public and public-non-profit partnerships to avoid duplication, leverage resources and create an eco-system of service delivery for our community. The Parks and Recreation Director builds rapport with other municipalities and organizations, in addition to working collaboratively with departments within the agency to remove barriers to enable staff to execute their annual work plan seamlessly.

Incumbents shall also develop, revise and implement good policies, and monitor legislative activities pertinent to parks and recreation in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Park Commissioners.

Basic Function
The Director of Parks and Recreation reports to the Executive Director and oversees a staff of over 220 career full-time employees plus 800 part-time and seasonal workers. The Director oversees a biennial budget of over $50 million. This leader oversees the administration, financial management, personnel and operations of the Parks and Recreation Department within Metro Parks. The Department is separated into three divisions: 1) Business Operations; 2) Neighborhood Parks & Facilities; and 3) Regional Parks & Attractions.

Major assets include Point Defiance Park, Ruston Way waterfront parks, Point Defiance Boathouse & Marina, Meadow Park Golf Course, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, the historic Seymour Botanical Conservatory, urban forestry, 4 community centers, 3 indoor pools and 2 outdoor pools, 10 spraygrounds, 46 playgrounds, dozens of neighborhood parks, 87 miles of trails and activation of 47 elementary and middle schools for afterschool clubs and activities.

This position aligns vision with Executive Director, collaborates with the district's two other Department Directors, elected Park Board Commissioners, and community stakeholders to provide leadership and decision-making that serves the needs of the Department, the District and Tacoma community.

Success in this role requires mastery of executive skills and behavioral competencies that support the district's overall performance and further its transformative impact on the communities and populations it serves. These executive skills and competencies include but are not limited to: strategic thinking; leadership and organizational development; program strategy and vision alignment; leading and managing change; external awareness; financial management; workforce planning; cultural competency; champion of diversity and inclusion; stewardship and conservation; advocacy; external collaboration; entrepreneurship; mentoring staff; influencing others; building high performance; commitment to results; resilience; and accountability.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties

• Provide expertise, information and assistance to the Executive Director regarding the planning, program, operation and maintenance of Parks and Recreation Department functions; assist in the formulation and development of District policies, procedures and programs.
• Provide strategic direction, leadership, and vision for Parks and Recreation Department staff, programs, projects, budgets, operations, services, and activities in alignment with long range vision.
• Forecast changes impacting the Department and Agency and develop effective strategies in preparation for what lies ahead; be an agent for continuous improvement.
• Establish Department goals, benchmarks and performance measurement objectives in accordance with the the District's System & Strategic Plan implement strategies for providing services that provide measurable social and economic benefits to the community and contribute to the quality of life.
• Plan and implement initiatives, programs and activities that develop, operate, and maintain park infrastructure, facilities, buildings, grounds, and services; evaluate programs and methods to assure job effectiveness and cost efficiency.
• Direct the assessment of Recreation program needs and ensure the District's objectives and resources are focused on meeting those needs; monitor financial performance of revenue-supported activities to ensure that cost recovery targets are met.
• Influence the development and implementation of the Capital Improvement Program, with a special emphasis on asset management.
• Analyze resource needs and prepare budgets for maintenance, operations, and programs; analyze and review budget and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations; seek and secure innovative resources to stretch public resources to serve more people.
• Forge partnerships with stakeholders, including the District's foundations and fundraising partners; facilitate discussions with other agencies, organizations, and thought leaders to develop and translate business plans into opportunities for desired outcomes.
• Promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and program offerings through staffing, promotions, training, and career development.
• Participate in complex negotiations with contractors, concessionaires, consultants, private businesses, vendors, labor, and other public agencies.
• Represent the District by participating on various community and professional committees or organizations; make public presentations to the community, professional, and academic organizations; attend, facilitate, lead and actively participate in division, District and external meetings.
• Provide strategic leadership for the enhancement and operation of volunteer and alternative workforce programs to extend the District's ability to serve.
• Develop and advocate for legislation to further the interests of the Park District at the local, state, and national levels; analyze proposed legislation and regulations; participate in industry and intergovernmental activities to influence legislative and regulatory change consistent with the District's interests and needs.
• Determine the status of Parks and Recreation operations during inclement weather and other unforeseen events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications


A Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, recreation management, park administration or related field required, masters degree desired. At least ten years of increasingly responsible experience in Parks and Recreation, with at least five years of senior level management experience in a public sector setting required. An additional four years of senior management experience may substitute for the degree. Must have valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

The preferred candidate will have experience and demonstrated success in the following areas:

• Visionary and strategic leadership.
• Customer service and the ability to mentor, coach and direct the work of staff.
• Ability to anticipate trends in the parks, arts and recreation field and develop a creative strategy for maintaining high quality programs and services.
• Cultural competency that enables effective working relationships in cross-cultural situations.
• Successful planning and implementation of change management strategies.
• Forming and maintaining public-private partnerships and knowledge of innovative funding approaches.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment.
• Champion of workforce equity and diversity.
• Integrity, honesty, compassion, courage, optimism, and good judgment - particularly in situations characterized by disagreement, conflict, tension, and uncertainty.
• Creative problem solver, bringing fresh ideas and a progressive approach.

Additional Information


ENVIRONMENT:
Office work environment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Seeing to read financial narrative and statistical reports.
Hearing and speaking to provide information and make presentations.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment.
Driving to conduct work.


HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training.
• Planning, organization and direction of personnel, equipment, supplies and materials involved in park maintenance and operations.
• Budget preparation and control.
• Methods, equipment and materials used in building trades and grounds maintenance.
• Requirements of maintaining park grounds and facilities in a clean and orderly condition.
• Facility development process including planning, land acquisition, design and construction.
• Purchasing and inventory control requirements, systems and procedures.
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, organize and administer personnel, equipment, supplies and other resources utilized in park maintenance and operations.
• Assist the Executive Director and provide technical expertise regarding Park District maintenance, operations and resources.
• Read and understand engineering plans, specifications and working drawings for proposed facilities.
• Coordinate facility development with public official and governmental agencies.
• Analyze departmental operations and community requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
• Direct the maintenance of a variety of reports and files related to personnel, inventory, purchasing, work requests and fiscal management.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Report for work regularly and on time.

METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.


MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.


MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at .


Employment is subject to a national background check.


This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.

OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at )

Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.

Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).

Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Metro Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. If you enroll in a medical and/or dental plan and add dependents you will be required to provide documentation to show eligibility. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.

Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with "before tax" dollars.

Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, MissionSquare, and WA State Deferred Comp Program.

Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period.

Vacation: 14 hours earned monthly (21 days per year).

Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.

Administrative Leave: 40 hours granted per year.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.


Community Center Fitness Pass - All Metro Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers.The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.

Did you know... Benefits at Metro Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:

• Beyond Medical, Dental and Vision: All medical plans include Naturopathy, Massage therapy and Chiropractic care (some restrictions apply). See the for more information.
• An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure: Stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of the quality preventative care our plans have to offer. Preventative care is covered at 100% so you are not charged the deductible or pay co-insurance for preventative care. See the for more information.
• Tax Free Health Accounts: MPT offers Flexible Spending Account options that allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis for out of pocket medical and/or childcare expenses. Sign up at the start of the year with open enrollment. If you have chosen the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will receive a Health Savings Account with an employer provided contribution. Check out the for more information.
• Be Ready for Retirement: Retirement plan options include the required PERS contributions AND also several Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) Options. Retirement savings can help you set yourself up for success now (lowering your federal income tax threshold through savings on a pre-tax basis) and later. Check out the for more information.
• Everyone Needs a Helping Hand: Employee Assistance Program - this program offers confidential, professional AND FREE 24/7 resources to all Metro Parks Tacoma employees. The program offers resources for things like: counseling, legal and financial services, ID theft victim resources, Daily living information, elder and child care, stress reduction tools, website access, newsletters, webinars and more.
• Preparing for the Unexpected: Life Insurance & Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance is paid for by MPT and at no cost career employees . The amount is equal to your annual salary up to $200k. Check out the for more information.
• Getting Fit: Fitness Center Pass - ALL MPT employees are eligible to use our fitness facilities and even participate in many class at various community centers for FREE!
• Checking Out All That MPT Offers the Community: Employees are provided an annual familiarization pass that becomes their passport to explore a variety of opportunities available throughout the District.
• Supporting Work/Life Balance: Alternative Work Arrangements - Some positions have the option to remote work upon meeting requirements. This is a great benefit as it allows MPT to reduce our carbon footprint and employees to achieve better work/life balance.
• Taking a Break: All MPT employees receive sick leave and career employees receive excellent Sick, Vacation and Holiday leave packages.
• Making a Difference: There are multiple ways to make a difference beyond the work you do. MPT employees can contribute to the through payroll deduction (or one time payment). You can also participate in a with permission from your supervisor, be a member of the dragon boat team, donate blood at one of our member blood drives, or volunteer with our partner organizations.

Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE. Metro Parks Tacoma

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Part time, For contractors, Christmas work, Seasonal work, New year, Local area, Immediate start, Remote job, Outdoor, Flexible hours,

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