Community Services Director (Job ID)

Position Summary:

The City of Independence is looking for a Director to lead its Community Services Department. The Director manages the Citys Community Services programming resources and staff to provide a wide variety of activities special events resources and services for all residents including seniors children families and those with disabilities. The Director continuously consults with the administration residents community leaders and community organizations to identify and address community needs as well as provide opportunities for community involvement learning and socialization. The Director is responsible for planning budgeting managing staff and operations communicating and collaborating with both internal and external leaders. The position shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage all department operations which includes but is not limited to services programs activities events and citizen services.
• Establish the departments short- and long-term goals and objectives in collaboration with the Mayor City officials staff and/or citizens as necessary.
• Develop and administer the annual budget evaluate and recommend resources equipment and supply expenditures.
• Create a solid organizational foundation nurture an open and collaborative work environment and promote a forward-thinking culture that embraces change for the better.
• Develop marketing strategies analyze sales and activity reports and other performance data to measure productivity and program success.
• Prioritize projects and activities and identify ways to expand and evolve programs that strengthen our community leverage resources and reduce costs.
• Manage the creation and production of communications to involve the community.
• Establish within City policy appropriate service and staffing levels and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of staff service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate staff assignments and manage schedules to ensure adherence to the Citys personnel policies.
• Plan and write grant applications; ensure appropriate recordkeeping and reporting; and manages grant-funded projects.
• Direct the staff and other resources to ensure a full range of social service counseling referrals guidance crisis intervention and education for residents and staff.
• Represent the Community Services Department to other departments outside agencies and organizations and coordinate partnership activities. Attend and actively participate in meetings as required (e.g. City Council department managers meeting etc.)
• Complete other duties assigned and at the discretion of the Mayor including responding to emergencies and special requests.
• Available to work evenings weekends and some holidays as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned/needed.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Business and management principles involved in strategic planning budget development resource allocation marketing and supervision.
• Knowledge of federal state and local laws legal codes government regulations executive orders and agency rules.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator who will develop operating strategies set goals and provide clear expectations to the staff.
• Recruit train and develop staff in adherence to City policies and conduct performance reviews.
• Manage staff assignments schedule and approve time-off requests and overtime if needed.
• Promote effective communication that supports transparency; invite participation within the department and other departments and outside organizations to achieve goals.
• Serve as the Community Services Ambassador and collaborate with organizations and potential partners to leverage resources and create programs and events that benefit the community at large.
• Develop public information programs and conduct outreach to increase community awareness of the Community Services Departments programs and services.
• Knowledge of media production digital communication and social media.
• Meticulous attention to detail and reliably accurate and efficient.
• Discreet handling confidential and private information; tactful and equitable dealing with people.
• Principles and best practices for community recreation programs and organizations.
• Maintain and increase knowledge and skill through training seminars conferences meetings and in-service education sessions.
• Responsive to resident inquires.

Necessary Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Customer service focus
• Solves problems independently with direction commensurate with the task
• Strong attention to detail
• Works effectively with a team environment.
• Basic mathematics and accounting knowledge.
• Knowledge in the complete Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge in the operation of Audio/Visual systems.

Requirements:

Experience:

• A minimum of 7-years experience administering a high visibility operation of a Human Service based programming with front-facing customer service is required.
• Experience in the public sector is preferred.

Education:

• A Bachelors Degree in Human Services Parks & Recreation Public Administration or a closely related field is required.
• A Masters or advanced degree is preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid State of Ohio Drivers License in good standing is required.
• If applying as an Internal Candidate the individual must be a current City of Independence employee in good standing for at least twelve months at time of application.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to both stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate in-person on the phone and in e-mail correspondence
• Ability to multi-task in an office environment
• Ability to lift up to twenty-five pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend stoop walk climb stairs.
• Ability to travel between multiple buildings in and around the City of Independence campus.
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position.

Salary Information:

• The starting pay rate will be determined by the candidates experience education peer equity and other applicable factors.
• This complete pay range for this exempt role is $62906.00 (minimum) - $145000.00 (maximum) in accordance with a Level 7 Exempt role.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates must follow the application process through the City of Independence website.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

• The City of Independence is committed to providing reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified individuals with disabilities.

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race color religion sex national origin age disability or genetic information. This position is an at will position and the successful candidate serves at the pleasure of the City of Independence Ohio leadership.

Experience:

Director