GENERAL PURPOSE
The Assistant Parks & Recreation Director performs a variety of managerial, supervisory and leadership duties as needed to promote effective and efficient daily operations of an assigned recreation division, including areas related to budget administration, technology administration, emergency management and human resources. Manages special projects as delegated.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED
Works under the general supervision of the Parks & Recreation Department Director. Acts as the Parks & Recreation Director in the Director’s absence.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Assistant Parks & Recreation Director may perform some or all of the following functions, including additional job duties as assigned.
Managerial Functions:
• Reviews and/or revises programs to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, policies, plans, and procedures
• Assists with planning, organizing, directing and managing the functions and activities of the Recreation Division within the Parks & Recreation Department
• Directs or assists in the general management of policy development, program planning and coordination, and the evaluation of procedures and policies and/or organizational changes and new programs
• Develop and implement department goals, objectives, and priorities
• Oversee the administrative operations of assigned division; and monitors, reviews, and communicates the implementation phases of the division's strategic plans to ensure that long range goals and objectives are met
• Carries out supervisory responsibility in accordance with policies/procedures and applicable laws including interviewing, hiring and training, planning, and directing work
• Employee management including appraising performance, incentivizing and discipline
• Addresses complaints and resolves problems
• Represents the department and assigned area(s) with the public, community organizations, and other relevant agencies as needed; serves as a staff liaison to the Park Commission
• Coordinates with the department’s Promotions & Marketing staff about public relations programming to enhance public awareness of the City’s parks and recreation programs
Administrative Operations:
• Directs the preparation and develops, prepares, and presents a variety of complex reports for City Management, and assigned boards, commissions and committees
• Coordinates the preparation of the historic sites and museum operations status report to be included in administrative meetings
• Reviews program offerings to ensure that, collectively, the programs are furthering the objectives of the division
• Identify opportunities for cross-promotion; and determine if the program meets objectives.
Financial Processes:
• Assists with development and administering the division’s budget, including the monitoring of expenditures and allocations/appropriations.
Public/Customer Relations:
• Maintains effective working relationships with City officials, partner associations and sports groups, and the general public.
Recreation Services:
• Oversee the operations of the Palmer Center, George Owens Nature Park, Independence Uptown Market & Farmers Market, Sermon Community Center, Truman Memorial Building, and Independence Athletic Complex
• Implement, monitor, and oversee new programs, special events, fitness classes, home school programs, inclusion programs, arts and crafts shows, community wellness, family programs, sports and ballfield programs.
• Participate in union negotiations, monitors union agreements and manages city responses to union grievances
• Oversee the operations of the National Frontier Trails Museum
• Serve as liaison between the City of Independence and the various stakeholder groups for the city owned historic sites and the Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum
• Attend stakeholder group meetings or designate an alternate
• Oversee and assist the Museum Services Supervisor in his/her efforts to recruit, supervise, train and organize volunteers specifically working with the education program
• Oversee and assist in the strategic planning for the development and maintenance of the exhibit Master Plan
• Oversee and assist with development of educational programs related to the museum exhibitions
• Service City-owned historic sites and work with division staff and various volunteer groups, associations, societies, friends’ groups, etc. to coordinate daily operations
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
A. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Natural Resources Management, Sports Management, Therapeutic Recreation or related field;
AND
B. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible related experience including at least three (3) years in a management or supervisory position;
OR
C. An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Considerable knowledge of management practices in areas of administration, leadership, budget, finance, accounting and human resources
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations
• Knowledge of grant applications and monitoring of grant funds
• Knowledge of budgetary principles and practices
• Knowledge of common ethical business standards and practices
• Knowledge of building codes
• Knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and budget development and implementation
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and practices
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation
• Knowledge of computer applications related to the job role
• Skilled in interpersonal relations and cooperative problem-solving
• Skilled in analytical processes necessary to develop and implement department’s mission, goals, and procedures
• Skilled in interpersonal skills required to provide effective leadership to staff and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, senior management, elected officials and vendors supplying goods or services to the jurisdiction
• Ability to determine needs for capital expenditures, personnel and operating budgets
• Ability to prepare special reports or analyses for jurisdiction or outside agencies
• Ability to develop and implement department mission, goals and procedures
• Ability to provide effective leadership to staff and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, senior management, elected officials and vendors supplying goods or services to the jurisdiction
• Ability to analyze and resolve office administrative situations and problems
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, direct, review and evaluate the work of staff; review, analyze, interpret, and evaluate regulations, policies/procedures, and programs
• Ability to research, compile, and summarize a variety of information and statistical data and materials
• Ability to use technology (hardware and software)
• Ability to use tact, discretion, and good judgment; organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up assignments with a minimum of direction
• Ability to select and motivate staff and provide for their training and professional development
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in-writing to various audiences
Special Requirements and/or Qualifications: (depending on area of assignment)
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.
Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO) certification preferred.
Must complete required NIMS level training within first six months of hire.
Valid State Driver's License.
Work Environment:
Work generally performed in a typical office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt and the like. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, to reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10-20 pounds. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity is required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.
Position open until filled. First review of applicants 11/26/2025
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. The City of Independence is a background screening, drug-free workplace.
The City of Independence provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to humanresources@indepmo.org.
Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.