The City of Gresham is searching for a dynamic and experienced Parks Program Manager to lead our Parks Division. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker with a passion for public parks and recreation. You'll oversee all aspects of our park system, from planning and design to operations and maintenance. Come join us if you are a passionate advocate for public parks and green spaces, a skilled administrator, and a visionary leader who can inspire others to care for and balance needs for parks and preservation of nature spaces.
This job posting will remain open until the position is filled. First review of applications will take place the week of December 9, 2024.
What you will get to do:
Supervise/Manage employees and lead the Parks team
Inspire and motivate the team and provide necessary support to ensure team success
Lead and mentor a diverse team of park professionals, providing guidance and support
Establish clear goals and objectives for the team
Make informed decisions about staffing, budgets, and operational priorities
Delegate effectively by assigning tasks and responsibilities to appropriate team members
Coach, council, discipline, evaluate, and hire employees by offering advice and support to help team members develop their skills
Identify training opportunities and encourage professional growth
Create a positive work environment by fostering collaborative and supportive team culture
Effectively and timely address performance issues
Parks program planning, development, and oversight
Develop and implement comprehensive plans for the city’s parks system, aligning with the City’s strategic goals
Oversee the Parks System Master Plan and all updates, preparing and presenting to the City Council as needed
Work closely with community-based organizations to advance parks capital projects and recreation programs
Coordinate with the City's Recreation Program to support utilization of City parks
Participate in regional Parks & Recreation forums
Coordinate with Metro, the Intertwine, and Oregon Parks & Rec Department
Work with City Finance staff to implement the City's Revenue Roadmap to improve funding for Parks & Recreation
Parks Capital Improvement Program Planning and Implementation
Oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of parks, trails, and open spaces
Lead public involvement processes necessary to prioritize parks capital improvement projects for funding
Advance parks capital improvement projects through planning, design, and construction
Oversee Parks land acquisition processes and negotiations as necessary
Lead work needed to identify, apply for, obtain, and successfully deliver parks related grants
Oversee improvements to parks system improvements for ADA access
Community engagement
Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including community members, other City programs, and outside agencies.
Address critical feedback from the community and develop and vet strategies for operational refinements to improve community relations
Develop and lead Program’s efforts to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles are considered in policy and program development as well as in service delivery
Plan and lead park groundbreaking and grand opening ceremonies
Respond to inquiries from the public, press, and community organizations
Work collaboratively with the City’s Communications team to align and maximize community engagement opportunities
Budget and Contract administration
Develop, plan, and implement the Program budget; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, material and supplies;
Prepare annual operating and capital budget proposals
Review and approve Parks-related expenditures
Provide oversight to Parks Superintendent to develop and implement asset management program to support operating budgets
Ensure city protocols for contracts of goods and services, consultant support, and city contributions to non-profit community groups are followed by Program staff.
Represent City interests and community needs in development of inter-agency agreements, lease agreements, conservation easements, and use agreements with other local, regional, and state agencies, as well as with private landowners and private utilities, e.g., cell towers
Qualities we are looking for:
Effective communication skills (verbal and written) to include public speaking/presentations to various external organizations, groups, volunteers and at internal meetings
Outstanding leadership skills including mentoring, conflict resolution, and team motivation
Problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues creatively and efficiently
Public service and customer service orientation
Negotiation capabilities
Environmental stewardship – commitment to preserve ecosystem health in collaboration with other City programs and departments
Ability to manage high levels of ambiguity and create clarity
Manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Learn and absorb complex information quickly
Work well collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team and be supportive of colleagues
Ability to adjust to frequently changing work flow demands
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in relevant field
Six (6) or more years of related experience to include Parks Program Management, Operations, division budget development/oversight and supervision of staff
**Any combination of qualifying education, training and/or experience equivalent to 10 years or more will be considered.
Required application materials:
Complete online application(Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.)
Answers to supplemental questions
The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay.
