General Programs Director (Park/Rec Specialist III)

Do you have a passion for creating meaningful experiences and lifelong learning opportunities for county residents of all ages? This position plans, coordinates, schedules and manages high-quality programs and services designed to meet the needs of residents of all ages. Located in Small District 1A- Dranesville, MCC serves as a cornerstone of the community, delivering exceptional programs and services that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages. Plays a vital role in advancing the Center's mission by ensuring that residents in the district remain active, engaged, and connected through a diverse array of recreational, educational, and cultural offerings.

The general programs department includes the following program areas: instructional programs and Seniors in Action program; Old Firehouse programs & activities; special events; and registration department. Supervises program area managers and is responsible for the development and implementation of programs that serve senior, adults, teens, youth, and families. Also manages requests for proposals from service providers, developing program plans, identifying trends, and maintaining performance measurements for all stakeholders. This role requires strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative environments with vendors, staff, and community members. This position works under the supervision of the executive director.

This position also ensures the preparation, implementation, and adherence to the annual department budget which consists of four separate budgets (classes, Seniors in Action, Old Firehouse, and special events) and is responsible for generating and submitting monthly attendance reports.
Other duties include the following: (The duties listed are not an all-encompassing list. A complete list of position duties can be found in the position description.)

• Schedules, plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates a diverse selection of leisure activities, programs, and special events.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with community members, instructors, and vendors.
• Develops and implements community outreach plans to increase attendance of community members from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Develops, prepares, forecasts, and submits an annual budget.
• Enforces operating policies and procedures, evaluates their effectiveness, and recommends improvements to better meet the needs of the community.
• Supervises full-time and temporary staff, seasonal interns, and multiple contracted vendors.
• Recruits, hires, trains, and provides ongoing learning opportunities for staff.
• Follows the MCC production schedule to solicit programs from vendors, create bookings, and compile the instructional sections of the Program Guide four times a year, including fee structures, class descriptions, and vendor details.
• Research emerging trends and reviews community feedback to inform future programming.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

General duties

• Conducts programs and service delivery evaluations using a variety of tools;
• Identifies deficiencies, recommends revisions, and implements recommendations using innovative strategies;
• Develops and maintains community and corporate partnerships and sponsorships or grants to provide services, funding, equipment and/or facilities;
• Develops and implements community outreach plans that target underserved populations to increase overall program participation;
• Recruits, trains, and schedules staff and volunteers;
• Plans, directs, and evaluates the work of subordinate staff;
• Participates in the development of long- and short-term goals, operating objectives, and strategies and implementation plans to improve service delivery and maximize the efficient use of parklands and recreation facilities;
• Completes and evaluates various financial, administrative, and statistical reports from daily operations;
• Develops and submits annual operating budgets and monitors revenue/expenditure levels against approved budget and targeted revenue plans;
• Ensures compliance with financial guidelines and reconciles revenue and expense reports;
• Authorizes the procurement of supplies, equipment, or services;
• Interacts with citizens and community organizations regarding park use, maintenance, and operations, and ensures resolution of customer complaints and concerns;
• Ensures compliance with established operating procedures;
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the public and County staff;
• Prepares and reviews contracts for facility use and contractual services.

• Ensures best practices and protocols are followed by staff through training and assessment of work.

• Schedules, plans, organizes, supervises, and evaluates a diverse selection of activities within the components of leisure that include after-school programs, community integration services, service-learning programs, character education activities, family activities, community outings, socials, hobby enrichment classes, leisure counseling and coaching, and therapeutic activity interventions;
• Meets regularly with citizen advisory groups to discuss community needs, evaluates feasibility of suggestions, and incorporates viable proposals into programming;
• Provides coordination and support of special activities and events.

• Completes and maintains participant-related documents (assessment, service plan, progress notations) and adheres to agency's policies regarding information contained within the documents;
• Participates in interdisciplinary human service planning teams;
• Works with other human service agencies to provide appropriate intervention strategies;
• Coordinates with health, social services, legal, financial, and housing professionals to arrange and conduct special programs.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of parks and recreation center operations,
• maintenance, and management;
• Knowledge of group work methods and activity facilitation;
• Knowledge of financial management controls relating to budgeting and accounting of expenditures;
• Ability to manage a large complex operation with extensive capital equipment, property value, and inventory;
• Ability to motivate and supervise staff;
• Ability to schedule, coordinate, and prioritize the work of a diverse group of employees;
• Ability to evaluate employees' performance against comprehensive performance standards;
• Ability to prepare clear, concise financial and administrative reports;
• Ability to analyze programs and procedures and to evaluate their performance against established objectives;
• Ability to prepare and adhere to budgets;
• Ability to use a personal computer, applicable software, and peripheral equipment;
• Ability to develop and implement effective management practices;
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with staff, citizen groups, and the public;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in recreation and park, therapeutic recreation, horticulture, agriculture, cultural and historic resources, or other closely related field as appropriate to the duties of the position;

Plus, three years of experience in park or recreation-related work, as applicable to the position, including one year of supervisory experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CPR (Required within 3 months)
• First Aid (Required within 3 months)
• AED (Required within 3 months)

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, program management, liberal arts, or other closely related field;

• Cover letter highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the job.
• Must have at least four years of consecutive experience in programming and development of either leisure class, continuing education classes, recreation instructional program planning, scheduling, budgeting, implementation, and registration management oversight.
• Ability and knowledge of creating programs for various age groups and diverse populations to include meeting the needs of at-risk populations.
• Ability to create and maintain annual budgets.
• Ability to report and present in front of staff and public.
• Knowledge of county, or comparable, RFP review and negotiation process.
• Knowledge of county, or comparable, procurement process, to include RFPs, purchase orders, and procurement cards.
• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.);
• Knowledge and experience using registration software, such as Active.net, RecTrac, etc.
• Possess excellent customer service skills, and strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.