City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation

Under general direction of the Parks and Recreation Director, this position oversees the effective leadership, strategic planning, and management of multiple activities and operations in a municipal parks and recreation system. Creates and executes policies included in City ordinances, resolutions, and administrative regulations, and state law.

1. Ensures all activities are carried out in compliance with Departmental Policies and Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing Departmental activities.
2. Assists with directing and overseeing Department activities related to the development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives, organizational structure, and daily operations.
3. Assists with analyzing fiscal impact of proposed policies, programs, current trends, problems, and activities, and recommends options to the Department Director.
4. Oversees the development of performance measures and reporting systems and utilizes them to establish accountability, determine progress, evaluate alternatives, assess productivity, and obtain agreement on expectations in order to achieve required Department/Division business results.
5. Delegates activities, responsibilities, and authority as appropriate to staff while retaining overall responsibility.
6. Plans and directs short and long-range goals for current and new programs in Parks and Recreation in coordination with the Department Director.
7. Represents the Department’s interests and position to City Council, State, and Local governmental officials, Boards, Commissions, Associations, and Community Organizations.
8. Coordinates with other City Departments to provide technical expertise to concerned members of the public on Citywide and current developments in Parks and Recreation operations.
9. Fosters and develops a positive customer service culture with departmental employees, governmental organizations, and external services, such as consultants, citizens, legal counsel, boards, commissions, and City Council.
10. Responds to and resolves complex and sensitive internal and external issues and complaints.
11. Assumes the Director’s duties and responsibilities in their absence or as directed.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of park and recreation administration including business plan development.
• Knowledge of municipal government budget planning and preparation, public administration financing, and purchasing regulations.
• Knowledge of equity concepts, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
• Knowledge of public relations, marketing, and public information concepts and practices.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations related to public lands, urban preserves, recreational facilities, and waterways.
• Knowledge of development, maintenance, and construction of recreation facilities and project management.
• Knowledge of management and personnel principles and practices.
• Knowledge of research techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Knowledge of public policy development and analysis.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Skill in selecting, developing, and evaluating staff to accomplish departmental objectives.
• Skill in consistent, effective, and tactful communication both verbally and in writing including public speaking.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports and studies.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and priorities.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to plan strategically.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Park or Recreation Administration, Recreation and Resources Development, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field, plus six (6) years of upper management-level experience in public parks or recreation programs or a closely related field.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

• May be required to obtain a Certified Park and Recreation Professional Certificate (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) issued by the National Recreation and Parks Association within one (1) year from date of employment.
• Possess a valid Texas Class C driver’s license or have the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.