Assistant Director (Community Services)
West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services Dept. 

Job Description
With guidance from the Director of Recreation & Community Services perform administrative, supervisory and professional work in the planning, development and implementation of the day-to-day operations of the following programs and services including but not limited to: Special Events, Out of School Time Programs, Operation Recreation, Park Play, RAD Adult Day Program, Community Fine Arts Groups, Youth Theater, Morgan Grove Family Center, Food & Nutrition Programs (Summer Meals, SNAP, Mobile Market Delivery), City Events & Parades and the Survive Alive Fire Safety Education program. Serve as a member of the department leadership team implementing strategic initiatives and overseeing programs, staff, operations and facilities in assigned program areas.

Candidates must be able to develop practices and procedures in accordance with school board policies and align with department mission and values in a variety of settings and use independent judgment when appropriate. They must possess sound decision making skills, consistently demonstrate initiative and be able to work with a high degree of independence.

Reports to: Director of Recreation and Community Services

Essential Functions:

• Supervise administrative team program managers, part time seasonal staff, and interns providing routine review of their work. Provide leadership and guidance and monitor staff workloads.
• Assists in the planning and management of comprehensive recreation programs and services for all segments, groups, ages, and interest levels within the community.
• Assists administrative program managers with recruiting, hiring, training and supervising of all part time and seasonal staff. This includes effective management of onboarding, payroll, and human resource processes.
• Provides risk management practices, ensuring safety rules, regulations and procedures are followed.
• Provides coaching and recommends training and developmental activities that encourage cross-training to improve performance.
• Engages in ongoing training on leadership, management and implementation of initiatives.
• Develops processes and procedures for evaluating program equity, quality, effectiveness, and level of success.
• Maintains a high level of customer service that transcends with all department staff.
• Directs work plans, understands priorities, and provides expertise and support in operations for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Responds to emergency situations in a timely manner for prompt, efficient and effective actions.
• Works with program managers to develop and implement area work plans including utilizing a data based approach to develop specific, measurable goals and incremental steps for continuous improvement.
• Works in collaboration with the office manager on program registration.
• Assists the director in short and long range planning of a comprehensive community wide recreation program.
• Works collaboratively with the Marketing and Design Specialist to create marketing materials and assist with social media campaigns.
• Direct operations to ensure compliance with program budgets. Provides oversight for the purchase of all essential supplies and equipment.
• Develops alternative funding sources for programs and improvements (grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, etc.)
• Prepares meeting agendas and takes minutes for all program management meetings.
• Keeps informed of changes in information technology, software, and other methods which have potential for improving department service delivery.
• Researches best practices in the parks and recreation field and identifies opportunities for growth.
• Proactively provides information to staff, public, and school district staff to alleviate and prevent issues or concerns. Responds to inquiries as appropriate.
• Actively listens to participants and staff to strengthen the quality of programs and services.
• Manages program area purchasing including payment authorizations for small to medium purchases and purchasing card reconciliation.
• Ensures that the department conducts periodic reviews of fees and all contracted services.
• Develops, implements and monitors department contracts and managers vendor relationships and performance.
• Keeps the director informed of activities and makes recommendations on critical issues.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, promotes and executes select high profile programs and events such as National Night Out, Christmas Parade, Independence Day Parade, Back to School Bash, etc.
• Represents the department with various groups and participates in designated community outreach events to promote the department and its programs and services.
• Oversees program area evaluations and establishes performance metrics to assess department’s effectiveness.
• Assists the director in producing administrative documents including annual reports, written department updates, and public reports.
• Maintains positive working relationships with existing community programs and partners and identifies and develops working relationships with new partners.
• Responds to residents’ inquiries about programs and services of the department.
• Supports the director in developing program area budgets, including maximizing revenues and developing budgets for new programs, services and strategic initiatives.
• Assumes full responsibility of the Recreation & Community Services Department in the absence of the Director and requires evening and weekend hours.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Ability to develop and execute a diverse, equitable and inclusive array of recreation programs, services, and events.
• Ability to interpret and communicate recreation philosophies to public and private authorities, agencies and groups and the general public.
• Ability to develop, nurture and maintain effective working relationships with staff to promote and maintain high morale, enthusiasm and a supportive work environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, under the direction of the Director of Recreation & Community Services.
• Knowledge of the administration of high performing Parks, Recreation & Community Services Departments
• Knowledge of advanced leadership principles to maintain a collaborative, innovative and supportive work culture.
• Ability to adjust leadership and management style to connect with employees on an individual level.
• Strong work ethic, accountability, the ability to receive feedback for ongoing improvement and professional growth.
• Ability to work strategically and tactfully with the public and elected officials.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to initiate change and implement new processes with the ability to motivate and provide leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four (4) year accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Public Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of six (6) years of practical experience in a similar setting, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory position at the leadership level. Progressive related experience is preferred.
• Master’s Degree and CPRP accreditation preferred

Apply To
Apply Here ID#199083

Closing Date
March 29, 2024