Director of Parks and Recreation

County of Santa Clara (CA) - Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara, CA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

Under general direction, provides leadership and strategic oversight for the implementation of park programs, operations, planning, development, and maintenance within an expanding regional parks system. Oversees fiscal management and ensures the preservation and enhancement of parks, facilities, and natural, cultural, and historic resources.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, plans, organizes, directs, manages, and evaluates the programs, staff, and functions of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
• Establishes departmental goals, objectives, and long-term strategies aligned with County policy and community needs.
• Evaluates the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities in relation to regional, urban, and rural parks, utilizing research methods and community feedback to ensure park services are inclusive and aligned with the needs of all user groups.
• Directs the provision of services, ensuring the Department's ability to meet the financial responsibilities for expanding and operating the existing regional parks system.
• Collaborates with legislative bodies, government agencies, County agencies/departments, community organizations, special interest groups, and nonprofits to advance the Department's mission.
• Directs the development, preparation, and implementation of the departmental budget, including the review and analysis of division and capital budgets, the development of justification for budget proposals, and the management of expenditures and revenues.
• Ensures the delivery of quality, customer-focused services with a commitment to continuous work improvement and exemplary public service in a just and equitable manner.
• Directs the provision of services to ensure natural, cultural, and historic resource protection and stewardship, regulation compliance, management planning, inventory and monitoring, and compatibility with public use and resource protection.
• Represents the Department in high-level interactions with the Parks and Recreation Commission, Board of Supervisors, and other interested parties.
• Partners with other agencies and community groups to maximize the effectiveness of departmental programs.
• Supervises staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to environmental protection, accessibility, and public safety in parks and recreation facilities.
• Analyzes challenges, identifies solutions, and implements processes and procedures in support of departmental goals.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DWS), as required.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Requirements

• Education equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Economics, Public or Business Administration or a related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of recent experience, including responsibility for the development, management, and operation of parks and recreation facilities and programs.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.