TO APPLY:  Interested candidates should submit a statement of interest and resume, specifically addressing the applicant's criteria and any experience relevant to this position; including size and composition of staff supervised, program responsibility and other significant factors as outlined in this announcement.  Candidates with relevant experience will be invited to an interview.  Appointment to this position requires residency within Baltimore City.  As a condition of employment, the individual must be a resident and registered voter of Baltimore City at the time of appointment or become so within 6 months of the date of appointment. Visit the Department of Recreation & Parks website at www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/recnparks/index.html

For additional information please contact Ms. Gaskins or Ms. Moore at: City of Baltimore, Department of Human Resources, 201 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, Phone: 410 396-1563, Fax: 410 545-7858, E-mail resumes to: deptofpersonnel@baltimorecity.gov.  For a printable version of this position description visit: http://www.baltimorecity.gov/government/personnel/descriptions/DirectorR&P.pdf.  The position of Director of Recreation and Parks will remain open until filled. 

DESCRIPTION: This position will report directly to the Deputy Mayor.  As a member of the Mayor's cabinet, the Director of Recreation and Parks will work closely with and will provide technical assistance to the Mayor, City Council and the appropriate boards, commissions, committees, employees, and employee groups.  He/she will play an integral role in re-shaping strategies and techniques that will align the goals of the agency with the city's master plan.  The new Director will play a pivotal role in assessing the effectiveness of services provided and recommending alternative strategies, programs and systems.  The successful candidate will work in partnership with various community-based organizations to improve quality of life in our neighborhoods.

The new Director will be responsible for the executive management of the agency, planning and directing leisure, recreational and park programming.  The ideal candidate will serve as an advocate, proactively promoting public spaces, cultural and environmental diversity and recreational activities of a higher quality for all citizens of Baltimore City. The successful candidate must demonstrate his/her ability to manage people and communicate effectively at all organizational levels.  The next Director of Recreation and Parks will be an experienced professional with a proven track record in the field.  He/she must be a consensus builder, strategic thinker as well as implementer. The new Director must communicate high standards of expectation for performance, and hold staff accountable for their actions and performance.  He/she must invite diverse ideas and be devoted to staff development. The successful candidate must establish his/herself as knowledgeable in the utilization of statistical data and information as performance indicators.  He/she must be able to forge effective partnerships within city government as well as outside entities.

Education and Experience: Qualified candidates must have a minimum of five years of executive level management experience in a large, core urbanized or suburban environment administering park management, recreational or leisure programs with a strong background in community and neighborhood outreach, coordination with community and special needs groups, knowledge of public parks and recreational policy formulation, strategic planning; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Possession of a Master's Degree in Management or a related field is highly desirable. 

 Baltimore City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes diversity in the workforce.