DIVISION MANAGER (PLANNING)
Salary
$102,024.92 - $141,588.90 Annually
Location
Centennial II, Human Resources Department, 805 Central Avenue, Suite 200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, OH
Job Type
Full-time Unclassified
Job Number
26-02974
Department
Recreation Commission
Opening Date
06/29/2026
Closing Date
7/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of Duties
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission is seeking a Division Manager of Planning to lead the planning, design, and implementation of the agency's Capital Improvement Program. This position is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of projects, including the design and construction of new parks/playgrounds, major recreational facilities, renovations, and park enhancement initiatives that support the Commission's mission and long-term vision.
Reporting directly to the Director of Recreation, the Division Manager serves as the agency's most senior planning professional and is a key member of the senior leadership team. The incumbent collaborates closely with the Director, Assistant Directors, Division Managers, consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of capital projects and strategic initiatives.
The Division Manager directs, coordinates, and evaluates the work of professional and technical staff within the Planning Division, including architects, engineering technicians, and other assigned personnel. Responsibilities include assigning and reviewing work, establishing priorities, facilitating collaboration among Recreation divisions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards, and maintaining high levels of quality and accountability in project execution.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with strong project management expertise, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. This position assists the Director in managing departmental operations, developing strategic plans, and advancing initiatives that enhance recreational facilities, parks/playgrounds, and public spaces for the community.
Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)
(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.)
Knowledge of:
Appropriate city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures.
Civil Service Rules and Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
Management principles regarding program evaluation, staffing requirements, tables of organization, and administrative analyses.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Principles and procedures of research, data collection, and report preparation.
Modern and complex principles and practices of human resource management.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Structure of City government, City administration, and City services for the public.
Standard English grammar, usage and spelling; standard business correspondence formats.
Skill to:
Operate appropriate computer equipment; use properly all related hardware and software.
Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty.
Establish performance targets and work priorities.
Ability to:
Implement and maintain positive employee relations.
Promote and maintain highest integrity throughout all personnel.
Analyze and manage effective EEO/AA programs.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate staff.
Process information with a high degree of attention to detail.
Develop timelines for day-to-day activities that contain milestones and deadlines for critical activities and projects
Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
Prepare clear and concise reports; present oral reports.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials and the general public.
Use a personal computer in performance of job duties.
Perform statistical analyses.
Plan complex work processes and procedures for self and others to follow.
Conduct meetings and hearings as appropriate.
Conduct interviews; conduct training programs; conduct negotiations as assigned.
Utilize a human resources information system
Utilize Microsoft Office Suite.
Required Education and Experience
RESUME AND TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED OR THE APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED.
A bachelors degree in business administration, Public Administration, or area of operational expertise is required. A masters degree in the aforementioned or operational areas is strongly preferred. Five years of experience in business management at the supervisory level with a primary focus in strategic human resource management, project management, or change management is required. Relevant experience may be substituted for education, and education may be substitute for relevant work experience.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must have a valid Drivers License.
Must be an excellent communicator and team builder.
Must be able to work irregular hours, irregular workweek and\or weekends.
MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
(Illustrative only. Any one position within this classification may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all of the tasks which may be performed.)
Provides problem resolution, and/or general information to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, reviews, and participates in the work of staff responsible for assigned activities. Establishes schedules and methods for providing assigned duties and customer services; identifies resources needed; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly. Participates in the development of policies and procedures; monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures. Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements approved policies and procedures. Participates in the selection of staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures; implements City human resources policies. Develops section/division policies and assists in developing city policies and ensuring compliance with divisional/departmental policies and providing direction for the division/ department activities. Prepares analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities; gives presentations as assigned. Attends workshops, meetings and conferences as a representative of the division/department or the City. Interprets union contracts, Civil Service rules, and City human resources policies and provides advice and facilitates solutions for human resource problems and issues. Responds to challenges, questions, and concerns related to division activities. Maintains familiarity with all laws and guidelines related to human resources, including EEO and ADA. Assists those contacted in the course of duty in an effective, efficient, and professional manner.
Probationary Period
None
Supervision Exercised
Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.
Working and Physical Conditions
Environmental Conditions: Must be able to manage indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computer screens; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; work with machinery, around moving vehicles; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to dust, safely manage toxic chemicals and inclement weather conditions.
Physical Conditions: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.
The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees to add additional value to the City of Cincinnatis workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.
The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.
Holidays
The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas
Health Insurance
The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.
Eligible dependents include:
Legal Spouse or Equal Partner
Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")
Step-child
Child for whom the employee or employees spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian
Basic Life Insurance
A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.
Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.
Flexible Benefits Plans
Healthcare Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.
Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.
Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account
City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.
Healthy Lifestyles Program
City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.
Retirement Plan
The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnatis Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.
Deferred Compensation
As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.
01
If you are a City of Cincinnati employee, what is your employee ID? (type N/A if not applicable)
02
Do you possess a valid Driver's License?
03
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
04
How many years of experience do you have in planning, project management, public administration, architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field?
05
How many years of supervisory or management experience do you possess?
06
Do you understand that if you do not attach your resume and transcript/degree, your application will be rejected?
07
Did you attach your resume?
08
Did you attach your transcript/degree?
09
Have you managed capital improvement projects with budgets exceeding $1 million?
10
Describe your experience managing capital improvement projects. Include the types of projects managed, project budgets, funding sources, and your specific role in project delivery.
11
Have you supervised professional and technical staff such as planners, architects, engineers, technicians, or project managers?
12
Please describe how your education and professional experience qualify you for this position. Include any degrees, certifications, and relevant work experience in planning, design, project management, or public administration.
13
Please explain your experience overseeing the planning, design, and construction of public facilities, parks, recreational facilities, or similar infrastructure projects.
14
Describe a complex project you managed from concept through completion. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you ensure the project was completed on time and within budget?
15
How many years of supervisory experience do you possess? Describe the size and composition of the teams you have supervised, including any professional or technical staff.
16
Describe your experience developing, administering, and monitoring operating and capital budgets. Include the approximate dollar amounts managed.
17
Explain your experience managing consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, or other external service providers. How did you ensure accountability and successful project outcomes?
18
Provide an example of a project that required collaboration with community groups, elected officials, boards, commissions, or other stakeholders. What was your role, and what was the outcome?
19
Describe your experience developing and implementing strategic plans, master plans, or long-range capital improvement plans.
20
Describe your experience ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permitting requirements, accessibility standards (ADA), environmental regulations, or public procurement requirements.
21
This position manages multiple projects simultaneously. Describe the methods you use to prioritize competing deadlines, allocate resources, and ensure successful project completion.
22
Describe any experience you have working in local government, parks and recreation, public works, planning departments, or other public-sector organizations.
23
Provide an example of a time when you had to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences, such as elected officials, community members, or executive leadership.
24
Are you able to work irregular hours, evenings, and weekends as necessary to attend meetings, public engagement events, project inspections, or other work-related activities.
25
Do you understand notifications regarding this position will be sent via email, therefore, it is your responsibility to check your personal email, Government Jobs mailbox, SPAM, JUNK, and CLUTTER FOLDERS for any and all communication sent regarding this position?
26
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, email address, and telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in me not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in me not receiving further consideration for this employment opportunity. To update this information, visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts. For technical difficulties, contact NEOGOV support at 855-524-5627.
Required Question
Employer City of Cincinnati
Address 805 Central Avenue Suite 200
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202
Phone 513-352-2400
Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/cincinnati/default.cfm