Directing and managing the service operations, budgets, and personnel for parks and recreation programs, parks, and facilities is the core of this complex professional and administrative role. The Assistant Director serves as a visible presence for the Town's recreation programming services, overseeing communications for recreational programs and events through local media, and managing the department's web presence. Supervision is exercised over designated departmental staff, with work performed under the general direction of the Parks and Recreation Director.
Responsibilities
Plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise day-to-day operations of parks and recreation programs, services, facilities, and staff
Promote programs, prepare reports, and coordinate work with other departments
Assist Director with personnel and public information matters
Oversee strategic direction of service areas and ensure program outcomes support long-range departmental goals
Assist the Director in the development and refinement of departmental-wide systems, policies, and processes that improve organizational performance and ensure effective compliance operations
Provide executive oversight of program managers and supervisors, ensuring accountability for strategic objectives, budget targets, and operational performance
Evaluate community needs and effectiveness of programs by working with Town officials, community groups, and individuals
Attend and represent the department at public meetings
Identify and respond to community concerns consistent with established policies
Oversee key budget segments with responsibility for budget development, monitoring, and strategic financial recommendations
Support the Director in developing departmental budget presentations and may present on financial matters relevant to their areas of oversight
Serve as project lead on complex and high-impact initiatives requiring cross-departmental coordination, strategic decision-making, and long-term implementation planning
Assist the Director in evaluating the adequacy of existing facilities and in the development of strategies to ensure current and future needs are met
Assist the Director in administering and overseeing service contracts and agreements related to the operation of the Parks and Recreation program and facilities
Serve as acting Director in the absence of the Parks and Recreation Director
Perform other related duties as assigned
Requirements
Thorough knowledge of recreation administration principles and practices
Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of parks and recreation planning and programming
Thorough knowledge of the methods involved in organizing, conducting, promoting, and supervising recreation activities
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Skill in developing and implementing department-wide systems, processes, and policies that improve operational effectiveness and align with strategic direction
Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision-making, particularly when acting in the Director
Knowledge of modern and effective supervisory principles and practices including leadership, motivation, communication, and performance coaching and evaluation
Knowledge of the application of information technology to the work
Knowledge of municipal budget development, financial analysis, and resource planning, including oversight of significant budget segments and contribution to large-scale resources planning
Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding hiring and supervising staff
Skilled in collaborative conflict resolution, public speaking, meeting facilitations, and customer service excellence
Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive program of recreational activities and facilities
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public
Ability to present complex information to Town leadership, public bodies, and community groups, including leading presentations on major initiatives and providing executive-level recommendations
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Recreation Administration, Physical Education, or related field; progressively responsible leadership experience in municipal recreation management, including executive-level experience in budgeting, policy development, program oversight, and staff leadership; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Valid North Carolina Driver's License
CPR and First Aid certifications
North Carolina SBI criminal history record check based on responsibilities involving work with individuals under 18 years of age
Nice to have:
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional from the National Parks and Recreation Association, or the ability to acquire within 24 months of employment
Benefits
Medical and pharmacy benefits at no cost to employees (employee-only coverage), administered by Meritain through Aetna and CVS Caremark
HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) account in the amount of $1,440 to help cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses
Dental and vision plans at no cost to employees (employee-only coverage) through MetLife
Teladoc telemedicine and virtual healthcare platform at no cost to employees
Lifestyle Balance Account (LBA) in the amount of $2,100 to be used for a variety of wellness and/or personal needs, including child activities, educational programs, fitness, healthy meal delivery services, meditation/mindfulness programs, med spa services, and other categories
Voluntary supplemental insurance benefits (premiums paid 100% by employees): Voluntary Life and AD&D for employee, spouse, and child(ren), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
Retirement benefits through the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS), a defined benefit plan, with a mandatory employee contribution of 6% of regular gross wages every pay period and a Town contribution of 14.38% of regular gross wages (16.08% for sworn officers)
401(k) and/or 457(b) plan with a Town contribution of 5% of gross wages, regardless of employee contributions
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits in the amount of 1.5X your basic annual earnings up to a maximum of $200,000, at no cost to you
Longevity pay compensated for years of continuous service as of December 1st of each year (as approved in the annual budget), issued on December 1st or the paycheck immediately before
Vacation leave accrual for full-time employees, monthly based on months of service (e.g., 0-35 months: 8.00 hours per month for employees, 8.40 hours per month for law enforcement officers; 300-359 months: 18.00 hours per month for employees, 18.90 hours per month for law enforcement officers)
Sick leave accrual for full-time employees, monthly (8.00 hours per month for employees, 8.40 hours per month for law enforcement officers)
Holidays with full pay: New Year
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving (Thursday & Friday)
Christmas (3 days to coincide with the State of North Carolina)
Community Service Leave: 12 hours available per fiscal year
Caregiver Leave (Parental Leave and Elder Care Leave): Eight (8) weeks of job-protected, continuous paid leave
Bereavement Leave: Provided for the death of an employee
Important Details
Schedule: Meetings may occur outside normal 8-hour day environment, and may include working after hours and on weekends without additional compensation
FLSA Status: Exempt
About the Company
The Town of Wendell provides a comprehensive benefit package to all active full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, and a 401(k) with a contribution from the Town that begins on your first day of employment.
