Summary

The Director of Parks and Recreation provide strategic leadership, vision, and direction to Delaware County recreation parks, facilities, and programs. This role manages staff, budgets, and community events to ensure quality services and effective operation of County recreational resources. Delaware County has 15 parks, 631 acres of park land and 4.4 miles of trails. Our county population of 576,000 relies on our county parks as Delaware County is the second most densely populated County in Pennsylvania.

Essential Duties

• Manage, direct, supervise, and coordinate various recreation programs and special events for County residents, including the maintenance of parks and related facilities.
• Design and support innovative recreational, educational, and cultural programs that serve diverse populations.
• Engage with residents, stakeholders, and advisory boards to gather input and build support.
• Manage a budget of $2.1M.
• Oversee capital improvement projects, land use planning and environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Develop and negotiate permits for the various facilities.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities, sponsorships, and alternative funding sources.
• Develop and implement Department policies and procedures for each park.
• Monitor and evaluate department performance metrics and service delivery outcomes.
• Provide support staff for all events, full-time and part-time.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.
• Work in coordination with our Planning Department, Conservation District, Penn State Extension, Sustainability Department, and others to maximize the use, care and community value of our open space and park assets.
• Review and approve manuals, reports, flyers, press releases, and schedules provided by staff.
• Promote and publicize recreation programs and activities such as the Delaware County Summer Music Festival and Holiday Festival of Lights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management or a related field.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public parks and recreation administration, operations, and maintenance.
• Budgeting, procurement, financial reporting.
• Personnel management and workplace safety standards.

Computer Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee may occasionally need to walk, stand, bend at the waist, climb stairs, or lift and move items. Work may include indoor and outdoor environments and requires presence at recreation sites and events.

Contact

To apply, please go to Neo.gov.