General Statement of Duties
Under the direction of the Mayor, the Director of Recreation is responsible for planning and implementing recreational programs and promoting activities throughout the City of Danbury:

Program Planning - The Recreation Director assesses the recreation requirements of the community and plans activity program that meets those needs. The Director ensures that a variety of recreation, sport, and cultural programs are planned and implemented, and evaluates the effectiveness of these programs and identifies future needs.
Program Implementation – The Recreation Director implements recreation programs and ensures that the programs are being utilized and are successful. The Director creates and manages schedules for activities and facilities.
Promotion of Activities – The Recreation Director promotes the programs under his/her control through an active community relations campaign. Arranges for advertising of programs, as needed, and maintains constant community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develops expansive and flexible recreational programs that service all groups, organizations, and interest levels of the community.
2. Receives input from community groups regarding recreation needs and utilizes such input for overall planning, programming, and program evaluation. Creates surveys, analyzes data and uses it to develop suitable programs for the entire community.
3. Directs the development and data management of all programming/plans; interprets data reports and recommends and coordinates City activities with other organizations and agencies as needed.
4. Recruits, instructs, supervises, and/or hires instructors for planned programs. Recruits sponsors for selected activities. Establishes, oversees and coordinates program volunteers.
5. Establishes rules and regulations for recreation programs and facilities.
6. Responds to public inquiries, investigates, and resolves complaints.
7. Develops and implements Department policies, procedures, and fee schedules; evaluates equity and adequacy of policies and fee schedules on an on-going basis; makes revision recommendations as needed.
8. Interviews, trains, manages, directs, and coordinates the work of professional, clerical, and part-time staff, and volunteers.
9. Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of Department methods, procedures and programs; assesses and monitors workload; identifies and implements opportunities for improvement. Prepares and maintains records and evaluation reports on new and on-going program offerings.
10. Maintains close contact with school officials and community groups regarding program offerings and coordination of services. Works cooperatively with all groups and organizations in the community.
11. Promotes and publicizes recreation programs and activities; prepares and coordinates the development of program and event publicity, including flyers, brochures, news releases, etc.
12. Works collaboratively with the Economic Development Officer to maintain business relationships in the greater Danbury community, spearheading sponsorship and advertorial initiatives.
13. Ensures that all City of Danbury recreational properties/facilities are clean, functional, and safe for public use.
14. Recommends development and maintenance of park and playground areas and of structures and facilities to best serve the interest of the community.
15. Coordinates fundraising activities for events and programs.
16. Develops, prepares, and administers Department budget, including preparing cost estimates and justifications for budget recommendations, researching and recommending Capital Improvement Prepares financial and program reports concerning programs, costs, participant numbers and equipment and facility use.
17. Researches grant opportunities and writes grant applications when available.
18. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation or related field and/or 5 years of experience in recreation programs, development, or related field
• Municipal experience preferred
• Valid Driver’s license
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as required

Knowledge

• Knowledge of programs, laws, and processes in municipal recreation and administration
• Thorough knowledge of principles and methods of recreation planning and development
• Demonstrated knowledge in budgets and alternate funding sources
• Ability to create and maintain budgets
• Strong leadership and management skills with knowledge and experience in modern and effective supervisory principles and practices

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely across multiple audiences and partners
• Public Speaking
• Written and Oral Communication Skills
• Organizational and time management skills
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft office and ability to navigate the internet and social media

Abilities

• Assess goals and strategies and hold staff accountable to ensure successful implementation and completion of goals and objectives
• Plan, develop, direct, and evaluate comprehensive recreation programs and services for the Community
• Assess and monitor community needs, identify opportunities for service delivery methods and procedures for the development and implementation of new program areas
• Analyze problems, identify solution, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendation in support of goals
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Research grant opportunities to provide additional funding for programs and facilities
• Write policies, grants and reports supporting the programs and activities of the department
• Identify partnerships with other programs/institutions
• Interact with the public with tact and diplomacy
• Maintain professionalism under stressful situations
• Work independently and as a team, assume responsibility and take initiative
• Balance and prioritize multiple demands and deadline
• Flexible and versatile in nature, able to take on challenges while maintaining tact and professionalism

Application Submission :

Qualified applications must be submitted online at www.danbury-ct.gov/employment. This position will remain open until filled. EEO/M/F/D/V

Important Note: Paper applications will not be accepted.

The application must be completed in its entirety. Omissions, false, misleading or inaccurate information will result in rejection of the application.

Please contact the Human Resources/Civil Service Department at (203) 797-4598 or humanresources@danbury-ct.gov if you need assistance or if you have any general questions.

The City of Danbury will not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, or disability, except where it is a bona fide occupational qualification.

We encourage African Americans, women, Hispanics, and other minorities who meet the minimum qualifications to apply. EEO/M/F/D/V