Description**POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED; RESUME REVIEW TO BEGIN 10/01/2024**Salary Schedule for this position:Step AStep BStep CStep DStep EStep F$50.02$52.52$55.15$57.91$60.80$63.84Nothing turns neighbors into friends faster than powerful moments of shared community engagement. CARD continually aspires to keep pace with community engagement and needs by offering innovative programs, sports activities for young and old, classes designed to teach people something new, explore artistic talents and improve abilities through a variety of activities. If you are passionate about improving your community through recreation, than this position may be for you. The Chico Area Recreation and Park District is looking for a dynamic and creative leader to fill this management position. The ideal candidate will be a bold visionary with outstanding people, promotional and management skills. Demonstrated success in team leadership, change management and strategic planning. In addition, the successful candidate will have a proven track record in fiscal responsibility, possess excellent oral and written communication skills and be confident, collaborative and a decisive leader with good judgment. About CARDAs a California Recreation and Park District, the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) is committed to improving and protecting the quality of life for all residents of the Greater Chico Area by providing essential recreation, park and open space facilities and services. The District accepts this public trust and conversely expects each of its employees to do the same. For 75+ years, CARD has provided parks and recreation services in Chico, CA. Oversite is provided by a 5-member elected board of directors. CARD provides quality recreational programs and facilities for the greater Chico area. Parks are beautifully maintained, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities are offered for all ages and abilities. Services include community parks that are home to a wide variety of sports fields, neighborhood parks that are nestled in the beautiful neighborhoods of Chico, a gym which is home to successful youth and adult sports programs, Chico Creek Nature Center and, 4 community centers which include 2 premier wedding venues.About ChicoChico is located in the north end of the Sacramento Valley. Home to California State University, Chico and Butte Community College (home of Aaron Rodgers), Chico has something for everyone. Beautiful natural surroundings, quality shopping, cultural opportunities in both indoor and outdoor settings, quality education opportunities for children and a fun and unique downtown area.BenefitsIn addition to the positive work environment, CARD offers a fantastic benefit package that includes paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, with 13 paid holidays throughout the year (unless a non-federal holiday falls on a weekend) and a defined contribution of $1100 per month toward health, dental and vision benefits, life insurance and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This position participates in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). In Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Classic Members in this position will contribute 8% and New Members will contribute 7.75%. Benefits of CalPERS membership include:
- Classic Members (membership in CalPERS before 01/01/2013) - 2% @ 55
- New Members (membership in CalPERS after 01/01/2013) - 2% @ 62
SalaryStarting salary is $104,043.26 - $114,707.70 annually, depending upon experience. The Recreation Director may be eligible for a step increase following the successful completion of a 1-year probation period. POSITION DESCRIPTIONProvides strategic leadership, direction, and comprehensive administrative oversight for the Recreation Division, including the staff responsible for developing, maintaining, and operating the District's recreational programs. This includes ensuring inclusive services and leisure activities for community members of all ages and abilities. The role requires significant community engagement and interaction with elected officials, policymakers, and the public. As a member of the District's Senior Leadership Team, this position collaborates with the General Manager and other Divisions to align strategy and policy with the District's mission and core values, ensuring their integration into all operational activities and services.SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the General Manager. Work is performed under general direction and according to District policies, procedures, and various state and federal regulations. Supervises staff directly or through assigned Managers/Supervisors. Authorized to represent the District in the absence of the General Manager or as appropriate within defined delegated authority.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: May include, but are not limited to, the following:
- General Management: Plans, organizes, directs, controls, and evaluates the work of the Recreation Supervisors. Oversees the management of the day-to-day administration of the Division, including budget, stewardship and development of assets, personnel and labor relations, and customer service activities.
- Senior Leadership Team: Provides information and advice to the General Manager and District Board of Directors on strategic planning and accomplishment of District goals and objectives. Participates in organization-wide strategic Coordinates the Division's activities with those of other District Divisions to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.
- Policy Development: Develops, recommends, and manages the implementation of policies and protocols for the Recreation Division, ensuring alignment with the District's organizational needs and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
- Personnel Management: Develops and sustains a workforce focused on customer service, results-driven performance, and collaboration. Either directly or through managers, oversees the recruitment, supervision, training, and performance evaluation of Division staff, ensuring accountability at all levels. Fosters a work environment that promotes positive morale, high-quality services, and innovation. Ensures compliance with labor agreements, District policies, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
- Program Development and Project Management: Coordinates the Recreation Division's programs and activities with other District Divisions, local and regional agencies, and community groups to ensure the needs of all segments of the community are met. Actively participates in the planning and development of major initiatives, particularly those involving multiple partners and long-term implementation, ensuring alignment with the District's goals and objectives. Facilitates and promotes ongoing research into new approaches, technologies, and trends, and recommends the adoption of programs, resources, and equipment to enhance the Division's efficiency in achieving its objectives.
- Fiscal and Business Management: Ensures the financial well-being of the Division by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Division. Prepares annual budget and justifies budget requests and Projects and procures revenues and funding for the work of the Division including accessing federal and State funding sources.
- Citizen Involvement and Communications: Directs planning and presentation of public involvement programs for neighborhoods, businesses, and other community groups. Provides for staff support of the District's partners and stakeholders, and other recreation- related citizen groups, coordinating work plans and staff assignments to facilitate efficient and meaningful public involvement and policy direction. Collaborates with the Business Director and Marketing staff to disseminate information on Recreation projects and processes. Provides for District-wide citizen communication programs to disseminate information on Recreation projects, processes and conservation of assets.
- Other duties as assigned by the General Manager.
RequirementsKnowledge of:
- Principles and practices of business management, municipal recreation administration, and Divisional operations.
- Recreation Division functions, including partnerships, MOUs, and community infrastructure maintenance.
- District legislative, fiscal, and budget management processes, and related administrative policies.
- Current Divisional and District issues, stakeholders, and external agencies, including governmental processes, neighborhoods, and institutions.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting the Division's operations.
Skill in:
- Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with staff, Divisions, officials, media, and the public.
- Team building, leadership, and conflict resolution, with strong negotiation and consensus-building abilities.
- Business and fiscal management, strategic planning, organization, and time management.
- Problem-solving, decision-making, adaptability, and stress management in high-visibility environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including public presentations.
Ability to:
- Manage by objectives and meet District performance metrics.
- Conduct oneself ethically and professionally, fostering respectful interactions.
- Build cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Quickly assess and manage complex issues in dynamic environments involving multiple interrelated factors.
- Interpret and apply complex guidelines, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Communicate the Division's goals effectively to diverse audiences.
- Develop and maintain organizational structures, financial controls, and management systems.
- Adapt to changing community needs, implement plans, and track progress.
- Work independently under strategic guidance.
- Maintain consistent attendance and demonstrate excellent customer service and teamwork.
Physical ability to:
- Operate office equipment, including a computer, phone, and fax machine.
- Remain stationary for extended periods.
- Communicate clearly and accurately with others.
- Occasionally navigate uneven terrain.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Public Administration, Program Management, or a related field; Master's degree preferred, but not required.
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in recreational administration, including three years in a senior management role.
- Experience in a unionized environment preferred.
- Preferred qualifications include a demonstrated record of:
- Managing fiscal responsibilities, grant procurement, capital budgets, and strategic planning.
- Working effectively in a community with active citizen involvement.
- Collaborating successfully with elected officials, advisory boards, and community or environmental groups.
- Exhibiting creativity and innovation within an ethical framework in program and process development.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Employment contingent upon passing a livescan fingerprint background check through the CA DOJ and a Fitness-for-Duty physical.
- Applicant must have and maintain a valid CA driver's license and be cleared as a driver for the District through the CA DMV Pull Notification Program.
WORKING ENVIRONMENTWork is performed in both an office setting subject to frequent interruptions with extensive work at a computer workstation and site visits to various District and community facilities, both outdoors and indoors. May be exposed to highly stressful situations and individuals who are irate or hostile; may be subject to long hours due to attendance at Board and Committee meetings and other responsibilities required at this Director level. Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours and occasional overnight travel to conferences and training sessions required. This position can be sedentary mixed with outdoor work that can require physical exertion.