Title: Director

Nature of Work

The Director of Parks & Recreation is a senior management position under the general supervision of and reporting to the Town Manager. This position is responsible for identifying and implementing the major capital project objectives for the Parks and Recreation Divisions which include Recreation, the Parks Maintenance Department, Narragansett Community Center, Narragansett Town Beach, Kinney Bungalow, Sunset Farm, Middlebridge, The Clarke Center, Gazebo Park and Veterans Memorial Park.

Essential Functions:

1. Plan, develop, implement and supervise all recreation programs/activities and the operation of Town recreation facilities, parks, playgrounds, and the Town beach including the management of seasonal staffing needs

2. Prepare and manage operating and capital improvement budgets annually for the Parks and Recreation Department, Parks Maintenance, Narragansett Community Center, Narragansett Town Beach, Kinney Bungalow, Middlebridge Property, and Sunset Farm.

3. Manage the maintenance and repair activities for recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, and beach facilities and ensure the inspections of facilities are performed regularly.

4. Manage the operations of rental facilities in the Town, to include facility rentals at Narragansett Town Beach, and venue rentals including Kinney Bungalow, The North Beach Club House, The Clarke Center, and Gazebo Park and provide recommendations for fees for facilities utilization and program participation

5. Manage the operation of Middlebridge Marina (37 slips) and provide recommendations for rental fees

6. Evaluates recreational needs, activities and facilities, making recommendations for improvements, expansions and reductions.

7. Manage and maintain eighteen (18) contracts and lease agreements operating on Town property and any future contracts/agreements..

8. Liaison with the Recreation Advisory Board, Narragansett Land Conservancy Trust, the Coastal Access Improvement Committee, and The Towers Committee in the preparation of recommendations and attend Board meetings.

9. Knowledge of Granicus, the Town's agenda setting software, and preparation of agenda for Town Council meetings.

10. Knowledge of JustFOIA or similar program, the Town's public records request program.

11. Liaison with the School Department and various youth and civic groups to provide quality programming and assessing facility requests.

12. Represents the department and Town at various community functions throughout the year.

13. Promotes interest in Town programs through correspondences, public speaking, marketing materials and the media.

14. Review, prepare and maintain department records as required

15. Review and submit requests for purchase orders in accordance with Town policy

16. Develop and manage the safety program for department employees and new employee orientation and training

17. Respond quickly to resident requests and complaint resolution

18. Develop specifications for RFQ's, RFP's, and BIDS for projects and services

19. Be able to enter and review weekly payroll reports

20. Resolve departmental personnel matters

21. Perform other duties as may be assigned and are consistent with this position.

Critical Skills, Experience and Knowledge:

1. Extensive knowledge of a wide variety of recreation activities for all ages and individuals of different physical capabilities.

2. Considerable knowledge of recreation facilities and parks and the maintenance schedules and requirements for public buildings, parks, waterfront and pools.

3. The ability to plan, organize, direct and evaluate the activities and personnel involved in well-rounded programs that meet community needs.

4. Extensive knowledge of risk management and legal liability practices in the regards of recreation programming, swimming pools, waterfront, and facility use and maintenance.

5. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relations with the public, co-workers, outside vendors, regulatory agencies and subordinates.

6. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

7. Ability to perform duties of subordinate positions within the department.

8. Working knowledge of computer-based systems, including spreadsheets, word processing and database applications.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

1. Ten (10) years' experience in recreation and parks administration or related experience.

2. Five (5) years relevant supervisory experience.

3. Five (5) years of aquatic/beach background experience is a plus.

4. Bachelor's degree in education or Recreation or related field.

5. Valid Rhode Island Driver's License, with no restrictions that would limit or adversely affect insurability

6. Previous experience in a municipal/governmental environment is a plus

7. Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Physical Environment/Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

1. The employee will occasionally have to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.

2. The employee will regularly sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, controls and reach with hands and arms. As well as occasionally crouch, bend, kneel or climb.

3. Working conditions may vary from moderate temperatures and light (office environment) to moderate to extreme heat during the summer months and cold during the winter months (field environment).

4. The work environment may be within an office setting or a field setting, including parks, beach and Town facilities.

Special Requirements



Miscellaneous Information

Private pension system, not part of MERS