Director of Parks, Recreation, and Public Areas Maintenance - University City, Missouri

University City, Missouri (est. pop. 35,065), is a charming and culturally diverse city nestled in St. Louis County. Often referred to as “U City” by locals, University City is a bedroom community anchored by the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis and offering both suburban tranquility and urban accessibility.

Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Public Areas Maintenance directs the operations of the Department of Parks, Recreation, Streets, and Forestry. The Director establishes and administers strategic goals, objectives, and long-range planning for operations and programs within the department. The work involves responsibility for supervising all department activities, including the maintenance of parks, department facilities, trees, streets, and the golf course. 

The Director supervises departmental personnel through three direct reports – Deputy Director of Parks Maintenance, Deputy Director of Recreation, and an Executive Secretary—and is responsible for advising the City Manager and members of the Park Commission and Senior Commission on desirable changes in departmental policies and programming. 

Responsibilities of the position include:

·Plans, organizes, directs, supervises, and reviews all operations and programs in the areas of Parks, Recreation, Streets, and Forestry; plans staff organization and assigns personnel.

·Directs and evaluates subordinates; reviews operating and performance records and reports of departmental supervisors; prescribes and enforces departmental and City rules and regulations.

·Develops positive relations and partnerships with the community; coordinates responses to citizen concerns and complaints; liaises the Park Commission and Senior Commission; resolves issues; develops public understanding and participation in programs through public-relations activities; ensures the coordination of marketing efforts and develops cooperative intergovernmental planning and working relationships.

·Consults with engineers, architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, recreation, and other specialists on department problems, activities, and programs; participates in activities of professional organizations.

·Prepares or directs the preparation of monthly and annual reports and special reports on department activities and operations; prepares, administers, and monitors the departmental budget.

·Serves as a member of the City Manager's management team.

·Performs related work as required.

The salary range for this position is $101,681 to $149,942, depending on qualifications and experience. University City offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, defined benefit pension plan, life insurance, 457 deferred compensation plan, Traditional and Roth IRA plans, long term disability, paid vacation and sick leave and holidays, funeral leave, employee assistance program,  as well as other ancillary benefits.

The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in parks and/or recreation management, sports management, public administration or related field; a master’s degree is desired; seven or more years of increasingly responsible experience in the management of a public parks and recreation system and public areas maintenance, or similar client-based organization, is desirable. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Certification as a parks and recreation professional (CPRP) by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) is preferred. Experience managing enterprise-based, or self-supporting recreation programs is a plus. EOE.

This position is open until filled; however, qualified applicants are asked to apply by April 3, 2024. 

For more information, please contact Yolanda Howze at yolanda.howze@bakertilly.com or 312.240.3401. 

For more information about University City, visit www.ucitymo.org