Deputy Executive Director

Summary

Description

Position Summary:

Under general direction of the Executive Director, this position is responsible for the leadership and management of assigned District operations and initiatives related to delivery of the District’s parks and recreation services and facilities. This role is integrally involved in assisting the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in strategically developing and implementing initiatives that will carry out the District’s mission and goals and Strategic Master Plan. Assumes responsibility for the District during the Executive Director’s absence. This position must work collaboratively and cooperatively with other District departments and must represent the Department and the District in a knowledgeable and ethical manner. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.

Essential Duties:

• Upon direction from the Executive Director, organizes and directs all phases of operational District activities and initiatives with a focus on maximizing personnel, budgets, and other resources. Ensures program and service quality, as well as organizational stability, by developing and implementing standards, controls, systems, and procedures, and by regularly evaluating outcomes to ensure alignment with the District’s overall goals and direction.
• Leads and directs the work of other employees, including Managers and Directors, and has full authority for personnel decisions.
• Responsible for the highest-level decisions on complex organizational matters related to operation of the district to include maintenance of parks, trails, and open space and delivery of golf, recreational programs, human resources, and information technology. 
• May perform critical decision-making quickly and without notice and is given the independence to set up processes and programs. Develops tools that enable the organization to better evaluate facilities, programs, and operations.
• Responsible for overseeing operational strategic and master planning for the District.
• Identifies areas of organizational risk. Works collaboratively across Departments to develop and implement risk management programs aligned with the mission and goals of the organization while in compliance with District policies, insurance coverage, and applicable State and Federal laws.
• Works on complex organizational wide special projects and initiatives assigned by the Executive Director.
• Responsible for managing operational District finances; including but not limited to budgeting, reporting and audits.
• Promotes and fosters an organizational culture based on superior customer service, the guiding principles and values of the District and its mission to the community.
• As directed, may oversee securing and managing grants and funding sources through external entities and/or other governmental agencies or municipalities as appropriate.
• As requested by the Executive Director, directs the preparation of information packets for board meetings and dissemination of other staff-related information from and to the Board. Coordinates and facilitates effective and positive communication with the Board of Directors by providing all necessary information proactively and upon request.
• Attends and participates in District Board of Directors meetings.
• Maintains open communication with all District personnel. Assists any Departments or areas as needed.
• Represents the District on various internal and external committees and attends public meetings. Maintains a high level of customer satisfaction and fosters public participation, information sharing and effective communication regarding service delivery and programs.
• Assists in designing and development of District policies, procedures, and best practices. Accordingly, develops methods of implementation and compliance.
• Assists in the responsibilities for maintaining legal and regulatory compliance in all areas of District operations.
• Maintains a culture of providing superior customer service and ensures consistency across all Departments. Responds tactfully and in a timely fashion to inquiries and problems in person, by email, phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions.
• Attends work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation, Leisure Services, Parks & Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Public or Business Administration, or related field. A Master’s Degree in Public Administration is strongly preferred.
• Ten (10) years progressively responsible experience in parks, recreation, community services, finance and supervision that includes at least three (3) years of experience in a senior level management position.
• Experience within the public sector including working with Boards, Commissions, community associations and/or partner agencies highly desired.
• Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional certification preferred.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of state laws regarding public organizations and specifically special Districts.
• Ability to make high level decisions regarding complex issues and special projects. Must have the ability to rely on experience and judgment. Must be able to delegate authority efficiently and promptly.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with other District personnel, the Board of Directors, representatives of other governmental agencies and the public is a requirement.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff.
• Must have exceptional written, oral, and presentation communication skills, and be able to guide and direct individuals and teams toward achieving common goals.
• Ability to set priorities and make adjustments when the workload exceeds available staff capacities; manage a multitude of projects and organizational priorities; recognize and deal with problems in a constructive manner.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.
• High level of financial knowledge and expertise, particularly in the development and on-going monitoring of all aspects of the District budget.

Material and Equipment Used :

• This position regularly uses a phone, computer, printer, and other standard office equipment.
• This position is required to drive a motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.

Working Environment :

• Primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
• Required to drive to and visit a variety of District facilities including those outdoors which may be subject to variable weather, ecosystems and landscape.
• Occasional environmental conditions encountered may include loud noises, fumes, odors and exposure to various plants, molds and/or dust.

Physical Requirements :

• Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• Occasional physical work lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing.
• Occasionally required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment.
• Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision.
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication. Must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

We’ve Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s)

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

• South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
• Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We’ve Got Your Back

• Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service
• Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year

Play Where You Work

• Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
• Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

• Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
• 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
• $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.