Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture

Location:  Milwaukee County, WI Download:  Milwaukee County, WI - Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture Brochure

Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture 

Milwaukee County Parks:
Located in the largest county in the state, the Milwaukee County Parks system offers over 140 parks and parkways totaling nearly 15,000 acres of recreational enjoyment. Long viewed as the gems of the County, the Park System offers year-round activities, including 16 outdoor and indoor pools, five beaches, nine community and recreation  centers, 122 tennis courts, 15 golf courses, two family aquatic centers and more than 200 athletic fields for a  variety of sports, including baseball, softball, rugby, soccer and volleyball. The Park System's 90-mile Oak Leaf Trail is used for biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, running and walking.

Government:
The County Executive is the elected chief administrative officer for Milwaukee County. The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors is a body of 18 legislative representatives who are elected to four-year terms on a nonpartisan ballot in the spring of a presidential election year.

The Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture reports to the County Executive and works closely with the members of the County Board of Supervisors, especially members of the County Board's Parks, Energy and Environment Committee.

Awards:
The Parks Department has been honored with numerous awards, including:

  • 2012: Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation "Bright Ideas in Government" - Summer Youth Employment Program
  • 2009: AAPRA/NRPA Gold Medal Grand Plaque Award Winner - Class I
  • 2009: AAPRA/NRPA Excellence in Park & Recreation Management Gold Medal Finalist


Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture:
The Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture is appointed by the County Executive, subject to County Board of Supervisors confirmation.  The Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture serves as the executive leader of the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture.

Position:
The primary function of the Director is to collaborate with the County Executive to set the strategic direction for the Department, ensuring the effective management of the entire parks system.  In addition, the Director professionally represents the Department with Milwaukee County leaders and elected officials, and collaborates with community partners to ensure the needs of Milwaukee County citizens are met.  


Job Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely with the County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors to preserve and maintain Park assets, to ensure safe recreational opportunities for Milwaukee County citizens.
  • Develop and maintain both public and private sector partnerships that enhance services and the quality of activities and events in the parks.
  • Reallocate staff resources, invest in training, and promote education for greatest staff efficiency and skill.
  • Create revenue-producing opportunities and partnerships. Remain competitive in establishing and collecting fees and revenues, managing a $42m budget.
  • Actively pursue green initiatives and support Milwaukee County's Green Print policy by expansion of natural areas, fossil fuel reduction, and recycling in our parks.
  • Ensure that all Parks staff members are effectively meeting or exceeding goals.


Education & Experience:
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor Degree and/or equivalent work experience in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Candidates should possess a minimum of ten years experience in developing and/or managing recreational programs and facilities, preferably in a municipal environment or park district.   

Salary:
The salary and benefits for this opportunity are negotiable, depending upon the background and qualifications of the successful candidate. Relocation assistance will also be available for the successful out of area candidate.

Ideal Candidate:
The Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture will need to work collaboratively with the county and community leaders to help build a vision for the Department. Effective collaboration and team building skills will be necessary for this individual to be successful. The ideal candidate will have political acumen with experience forming and sustaining successful partnerships with public, private and non-profit organizations and within the community to ensure a common vision is enacted and supported.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of modern parks and recreation programs, in addition to community recreation needs and resources. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of maintenance, construction and use of public buildings and park facilities in a comprehensive park and recreation program. Park and urban planning experience will be beneficial.

The ideal candidate will be a strong, visionary leader who inspires staff to achieve excellence. Successful candidates will demonstrate innovative thinking and have an entrepreneurial mindset.

Strong organizational, management, fiscal and follow through skills are important for this role, in addition to excellent communication and public presentation skills. Advanced written and oral communication skills are imperative.

 

How to Apply:
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and  resume to:

resumes@affionpublic.com
Reference: MC PARKS

Affion Public
20 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
888.321.4922 toll free
717.214.2205 fax
www.affionpublic.com

**Deadline to receive resumes: April 01, 2013

Posted: 03/22/2022