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Director Of Parks & Recreation
City of Claremont Director, Parks & Recreation (Position Description)
Job Summary
The Director performs administrative and managerial functions associated with overseeing activities and operations of the Parks & Recreation Department. Duties and responsibilities include supervising assigned employees, developing and administering municipal recreation programs; directing overall operations of the Parks & Recreation Department including over 620 acres of municipal parks and forests and outdoor facilities such as playing fields, courts, pools and the indoor community center facility; planning and supervising construction and maintenance of all types of parks and recreation facilities, grounds, buildings and equipment; and performing administrative activities to include maintaining records, payroll and operating budgets for the Parks Department and Community Center.
Director-Level Core Responsibilities (Standardized - All Level 12 Positions)
Works under the broad supervision of the City Manager who establishes long-range goals and objectives. Works independently on day-to-day activities; confers with the City Manager on policy review questions or to brief him or her on progress regarding various projects or programs.
Supervises and directs the work of the department staff; assigns work, monitors and evaluates performance; provides training and staff development; makes hiring recommendations to the City Manager; schedules and monitors workload of staff to insure timely completion of assigned projects.
Plans and implements department goals, objectives, and strategies, based upon the needs of the City as expressed by the City Manager goals and policies.
Consults with the City Manager on all policy matters; keeps Manager informed on key issues and progress toward objectives and to gain support and approval; makes recommendations to assist management in making needed improvements.
Department-Specific Responsibilities - Planning, Development & Economic Development
Conducts regular staff meetings to review progress, accomplishments, budgets, strategies, and plans for each department.
Exercises general supervision directly, over all employees in the department, handling employee concerns, assigning work, counseling and recommending disciplinary and other personnel actions.
Directs the acquisition, planning, design/construction and maintenance of recreation equipment, recreation facilities and park buildings, facilities and grounds.
Plans, and directs the renovation and/or construction of capital improvement projects; obtains bids; coordinates departmental work among applicable government departments and/or agencies, outside services and contractors, consulting architects and engineers, utilities, legal entities, city boards, and others as appropriate.
Develops, promotes and organizes a variety of recreational programs; works with local organizations to determine recreational interests and needs; oversees scheduling of indoor and outdoor athletic facilities with community recreation groups and schools; maintains schedules and records the use of City parks and recreation facilities.
Establishes and recommends fees for recreation programs and facilities where applicable. Directs departmental public relations, marketing and promotions; communicates and publicizes availability of facilities and recreation programs.
Formulates policies and procedures; seeks approval as appropriate; interprets and administers policies, rules and regulations; monitors adherence to licensure requirements where applicable. Prepares annual budget and administers approved budget; prepares and implements capital improvements budget for the Parks & Recreation Department.
Maintains inventory of departmental materials, equipment and supplies; initiates orders for new or replacement materials.
Keeps abreast of new trends and advances in the profession; maintains professional affiliations; reads professional literature; attends conferences, conventions, workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Peripheral Duties
Attend council meetings as requested.
Perform the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.
Analyze and recommend improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed.
Participate in various committees.
Desired Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in Parks & Recreation Administration, Public Administration or related field is required, Masters Degree preferred with seven (7) years of parks and recreation management experience with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience, preferably within a local government; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess a current national certification through NRPA as a CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional)
Must maintain any required approvals and designations as required.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Administrative policies and procedures related to the administration of the Department.
The principles and practices of accounting and budgeting.
The principles and practices of management, administration and supervision.
Building and codes practices.
Computer usage and applications.
Word processors or computers. Techniques of effective time management.
The facilities and equipment needed in a broad parks and recreational program including tools, equipment and material used in recreation and park activities.
Human behavior, as applied to varied groups participating in recreational activities.
A diversified recreation program including program in arts, crafts, dramatics, music, fitness, sports and athletics.
The laws and regulations concerning recreation and day care programs.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of planning, promoting and organizing a wide variety of recreational programs. Includes knowledge of recreational and cultural activities suitable for children, youths, adults and senior citizens.
Thorough knowledge in the complete operations and management of community center and park department operations.
Thorough knowledge of First Aid methods and necessary safety precautions required in recreation and park work.
Thorough knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations.
Skill in:
Supervising and directing the work of others.
Making oral presentations before groups of people.
Preparing and monitoring budgets.
Planning and conducting special projects.
Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction.
Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
Skill in the use of the tools and equipment listed below.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, and evaluate the work activities of department personnel.
Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Maintain electronic and written records and prepare reports and to document any and all information pertaining to the activities and responsibilities of the position.
Maintain effective working relationships with department heads, employees, City Council and the public and to deal with service problems courteously and tactfully.
Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Apply logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
Speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.
Operate with multiple deadlines and competing demands.
Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
Interpret a variety of technical instructions with abstract and/or concrete variables.
Act as a community expert related to recreation issues that affect the health and well being of the community.
Lead and instruct others in activities.
Schedule and coordinate simultaneous activities and events for the community.
Adapt programs to meet the wants and needs of the community.
Work and direct people of all ages individually and in groups.
Demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Maintain electronic and written records and prepare reports and to document any and all information pertaining to the activities and responsibilities of the position.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with department heads, employees, City Council and the public and to deal with service problems courteously and tactfully.
Supervision
Supervision Received: Incumbent works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the City Manager performing all tasks relating to department administration and programs. Position requires incumbent to operate with much independence and exercises a great deal of judgment. Work is reviewed through management meetings with the City Manager, monthly reports and citizen participation and approval of department activities and development. The Director also works closely with and is advised by two (2) boards consisting of the Goodwin Community Center Commission and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Supervision Exercised: Incumbent exercises working supervision over (6) full time personnel and thirty (30) seasonal part time maintenance personnel, instructors and programmers over the course of the year. Incumbent exercises working supervision over sixty (60) plus volunteers over the course of the year.
Licensing & Certification
Must possess a current national certification through NRPA as a CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional)
Tools & Equipment Used
General office equipment including Microsoft Office software, accounting software, Incumbent must be physically ale to operate a variety of automated machines and various types of machinery which includes a motor vehicle, personal computer, telephone, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, and fax machine etc. as well as tools such as drafting instruments, hand tools, small power tools and large machinery such as lawn mowers, tractors, snowplows, loaders, turf grooming equipment etc. and various types of software including Microsoft Office, accounting software, recreational software and publishing software
Typical Work Environment
Inside: 75% Outside: 25%
Summary of Occupational Exposures
The incumbent's working conditions are typically quiet to moderately loud. However, due to the nature of work performed, conditions can vary dramatically based on the type of program or activity organized and implemented.
Date Posted: 06-15-2026
Expire Date: Open until filled
Contact Name: Shannon Thibodeau
Contact Email: hr@claremontnh.com