Director of Recreation

The City of Shaker Heights, a historic and forward-thinking community, is seeking an energetic, creative, and experienced professional to serve as the Director of Recreation. As an integral member of the city’s leadership team, the Director will oversee the development and management of recreation programs and facilities, including an indoor ice arena and an outdoor pool complex, to enrich the lives and health of Shaker Heights' 29,000 residents.

Key Responsibilities:   

• Lead and manage all aspects of the City’s Recreation Department, including program offerings and the maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.
• Supervise, inspire, and develop a team of 160 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff members.
• Oversee an annual operating budget of $4,000,000, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
• Participate in the city’s current Strategic Recreation Planning process in collaboration with a nationally known consulting firm and other city departments. Guide the implementation of the resulting plan, expected to be adopted in March 2025.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer, City Council, and the public, to ensure the department meets the needs of a diverse population across various age groups, interests, abilities, and financial means.
• Stay informed on the latest trends in public recreation and develop innovative programming that promotes lifelong health and fitness, for all ages.
• Ensure all programs and services are aligned with the city’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Candidate Qualifications:   

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in Recreation Management, Public Administration, or a related is preferred, but we’ll make exceptions for exceptional candidates.
• Experience. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public recreation or an equivalent combination of non-traditional experience. This includes management, design, implementation, and assessment of recreation programs. Exceptional candidates with diverse or non-traditional backgrounds will be considered based on relevant skills and accomplishments.
• Thorough knowledge of current recreation trends and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in fiscal management, strategic planning, and community engagement.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse staff.
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both operations and program development.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Personal Attributes:   

• A passion for public service and promoting lifelong health and fitness.
• Excellent leadership and decision-making skills.
• Tenacity to drive measurable impact and ability to seek input from others to build consensus.
• Ability to establish collaborative relationships with colleagues, community members, other organizations, and elected officials.

Why Shaker Heights? 
Shaker Heights is known for its vibrant and engaged community, its commitment to equity and inclusion, and its forward-thinking approach to public service. The new Director of Recreation will have the support of city leaders, community members, and colleagues to innovate and excel in this role. This is an opportunity to lead a transformative department and to love your work in an extraordinary city.

How to Apply   
Interested applicants must submit a resume and a letter of interest that details how your background aligns with this position and what motivates you to seek this job with the City of Shaker Heights to ------------.  

Equal Opportunity Employer   
The City of Shaker Heights is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The City of Shaker Heights does not hire individuals who use or test positive for tobacco or nicotine products.