Director of Recreation and Parks

Full Job Description

Under general direction of the County Administrative Officer (CAO) and Deputy County Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Health and Community Services, Baltimore County Government is seeking a visionary Director of Recreation & Parks with a demonstrated experience of providing executive management of park planning and capital improvement projects that enhance recreational amenities across the county while directing leisure, recreational, cultural and park programming to improve the quality of life for all Baltimore County residents. The Director shall be appointed by the County Executive and is subject to confirmation by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of county council members established by the Charter.

Requirements

Core Responsibilities:

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in business administration, parks and recreation, or recreation administration; plus seven to ten years of senior level management in a large core urbanized or suburban environment administering park management, recreational or leisure programs with a strong background in community and neighborhood outreach, coordination with community and special needs groups.

A Master's degree in management is preferred.

Strong leadership and interpersonal relationship skills; effective communicator.

Must invite diversity of thought and thought leadership; devoted to innovation and creativity.

Must establish him/herself as knowledgeable in the utilization of data and information as performance indicators.

Passion for community building and enhancing quality of life.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of public parks and recreational policy formulation, strategic planning; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing.
• Pertinent local, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• State and local capital planning process.
• Qualities and characteristics of materials, equipment, and supplies available for the techniques of maintaining municipal parks, parkways, recreation, facilities and other landscaped areas related buildings.
• Climate, insects, plant diseases, and other conditions affecting the growth of vegetation in local area.
• Names, qualities, and characteristics of most trees, shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation throughout the local area.
• Principles and practices of the playground, cultural and community center planning, and the philosophy and objectives of public recreation.
• Principles and practices of policy development and implementation.
• Variety of recreational and cultural activities suitable for all age groups.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Ability to:

• Interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations, and codes; observe performance and evaluate.
• Build consensus; organize, direct, and implement a comprehensive parks and/or recreation program.
• Interpret and explain division policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with citizens of various age, ethnic, and income levels or groups and to evaluate the effectiveness of County programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Director of Parks and Recreation
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Additional Information

Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.