Deputy Director - Parks & Recreation - Peoria, AZ

The Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation oversees and manages the three main areas of the Parks and Recreation Department, including Field Operations and Planning Services, Parks and Facilities and Venues and Recreation divisions. These areas include maintenance and/or operations of Peoria's three community parks, 37 neighborhood parks, the Peoria Sports Complex's Major League Baseball Stadium and grounds, the Recreation Center, and programs such as aquatics, youth and adult sports, outdoor recreation, enrichment, the citywide trail system, rights-of-way contracts, open space acquisition, planning and development.

The primary function of the Deputy Director position is to support the Parks and Recreation Department by working closely and collaboratively with internal City departments, executive staff, the department management team and other staff, community groups, outside agencies, not-for-profit agency boards and the City Leadership Team, Council, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Regular job responsibilities include budgeting, staff development, strategic planning, relationship building and fostering current key stakeholders.

To view the full job description, work environment and physical demands, click here.

The ideal candidate for this position will have strong communication and people skills, and a high acumen towards customer service skills. A successful leader of the Parks and Recreation Department and its teams will possess:

• Management skills, problem-solving skills and time-management skills that are second to none.
• Extensive experience supporting and evolving a varied group of programs, staff, divisions, City and leadership initiatives.
• Proven success managing various divisional budgets and creating new ideas for revenue generation through new program and service offerings.
• Ability to work on diverse projects and policies while simultaneously working with internal staff and the general public as necessitated.
• The ability to understand the city's financial needs and priorities and ensure that divisional budgets meet those needs through both financial knowledge and management success.
• Demonstrated ability for consistent tracking of department performance measurements and analyzing data for effective decision making and creating innovative concepts for staff and service delivery efficiencies.
• The desire to lead a successful team of varied professionals and front-line staff, helping staff to professionally develop while excelling at fulfilling the goals of the city and department.
• Experience with management of Capital Improvement Projects thereby creating long-term sustainable programs for funding and execution of department rehabilitation projects.
• The ability to create and foster a cohesive and effective team environment so that staff can work together to achieve and surpass common goals and get results.
• Experience effectively leading and managing a large front-facing public-serving department.
• Proven experience thinking strategically, identifying opportunities and threats, and developing and pursuing actionable ways to achieve City Council goals.
• Successful experience communicating the mission, vision and goals of the department and the City of Peoria to a wide variety of audiences through various mediums, including public speaking.
• The ability to find and implement effective solutions to complex issues requiring creative innovative thinking.

Preferred/Desired Qualification(s):

• Experience in a municipal or government setting.
• Five years minimum of previous supervisory experience is preferred.
• Membership in the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association is preferred.
• Membership in the National Recreation and Parks Association is preferred.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional preferred.
• Certification as Sports Field Manager preferred.

Salary Range: $114,906 - $170,061

Hiring Range: Up to mid-range depending on qualifications

To view all salary ranges for the City of Peoria, please click here.

Why Peoria?

Recently voted the #1 place, to live, work and play, Peoria is a community you can be proud to work for.

Take a look at the great benefits offered to eligible employees: Click here to view benefits offered.

About Peoria

The City of Peoria, AZ is a thriving city in the Northwest Valley that provides excellent municipal services to our community. Recently named by AZ Big Media as the Best Place to Live, Work, and Play, we are committed to maintaining the level of service to our residents to sustain and enhance the lives and culture of Peoria.

If you are passionate about providing excellent service through anticipating our community's needs, creating partnerships, promoting sustainability, and embracing diversity, then #PeoriaisthePlace for you!

Get an inside look at the Culture of Peoria

We are:

P-Professional~E-Ethical~O-Open~R-Responsive~I-Innovative~A-Accountable

Application Process:

Applications will be accepted for current vacancies until the posted closing date, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. Applicants will be notified of any next steps by email and/or phone.

DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS, ANY APPLICANT REQUIRING ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABILITY SHOULD ADVISE THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT EMPLOYMENT@PEORIAAZ.GOV OR 623-773-7100.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in any field with major course work in management, recreation management, sports management, maintenance operations, turf of agronomy management.
• A minimum of seven (7) years increasingly responsible professional experience in a related field.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory responsibility.
• Advanced knowledge in highly specialized systems and procedures.
• Valid AZ Driver's License upon hire.