Director of Community Services

The duties listed are not meant to provide a description of each and every job performed but only those which represent the core functions of the job.

• Maintain effective working relationships, and act as a resource for City Council, related Boards and Committees and relevant departments within the City.
• Attend Council meetings and prepare reports for Council meetings and any Committee meetings that have topics related to the Community Services Department.
• Actively participate in Corporate Leadership Team meetings and activities.
• Prepare and administer, within approved limits, the annual departmental operating, and capital budgets.
• Develop and recommend short- and long-term departmental plans for all services that are provided by the department. Ensure that the delivery of service in the areas of responsibility meets regulatory requirements and internal quality control standards.
• Develop, recommend, coordinate, and administer strategic department policies, procedures and standards specific to the division/service areas within the Department.
• Represents the City at relevant hearings.
• Ensure the maintenance, care, custody, and perpetual inventory of all departmental equipment.
• Ensure information to the Community regarding the policies and practices of the Department is current.
• Ensure the maintenance of technical, statistical, and other pertinent data, necessary by law, and considered useful in the planning and evaluation of departmental functions.
• Coordinate research and oversee the completion and submission of external grant/funding opportunities for the City within the areas of responsibility.
• Ensure that cash, receipts, billings, grants etc. are collected/received and accounted for in accordance with procedures and controls specified by the City Treasurer.
• Direct the operation and maintenance of the City’s recreational and park facilities ensuring optimum goals and standards are met.
• Direct the operation and maintenance of the City’s residential and non-residential facilities ensuring optimum goals and standards are met.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term business plans for parks, recreation and programming activities and events.
• Conduct surveys, analyses and make recommendations on the recreational needs and interests of the Community including additional facilities and programs.
• Liaise with various community groups, agencies or individuals, which provide or propose to provide parks and/or recreation facilities in and for the Community.
• Ensure the development and implementation of such recreation programs as may be approved and/or sponsored by Council.
• Ensure that an adequate level of service in the provision of Community Services Programs is provided to the City.
• Perform such other duties necessary to maintain the continuity of the Department functions for the City.
• Create and maintain an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort; including but not limited to, providing, and communicating a vision, motivating, inspiring, coaching/mentoring and training and the development of the departmental team, facilitating innovation, problem-solving and collaboration, and maintaining healthy group dynamics.
• For all direct reports and subject to the Human Resources Policies appraise the performance and conduct of employees, provide coaching and discipline, schedule and manage absenteeism
• Encourage and assist in maintaining a high standard of morale, for all direct and indirect reports.
• Ensure operations and practices are consistent with the terms of any Collective Agreement and/or By-Law and that the administration of such agreement and/or By-Law is carried out
• Other duties as assigned.

• A University Degree, preferably in Recreation and Leisure or a related discipline.
• A Parks and Recreation Management Certificate or other recreation and culture equivalent is an asset.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience at a management level, preferably in a municipal environment with direct program and operational experience.
• Knowledge in Project Management, Change Management, Continuous Improvement, and Business Processes
• Professional membership in good standing with Parks and Recreation Ontario or Ontario Recreation Facilities Association or similar is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in public administration, business or recreation facilities management, contract administration and project management.
• Working knowledge of applicable recreation and culture legislation and regulations, including the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); Municipal Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ministry of Tourism and Recreation Act, Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to review, analyze and make recommendations regarding recreation and culture programs, facilities and services which involves consideration of technical issues and political sensitivities.
• Demonstrated ability to build cohesive and motivated staff teams and develop, promote and maintain external partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to align departmental programs and services with corporate goals, objectives and initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively allocate budgets, time and human resources to support the achievement of goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze data, to identify challenges or opportunities and make recommendations.
• Ability to promote a culture of respect, a responsiveness to community, sports organizations, special events and cultural stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, report-writing, communication, presentation, negotiation, problem solving, leadership and supervisory skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office suite and a thorough knowledge of Recreation and Special Events software.
• Availability to attend evening/weekend meetings and accommodate deadlines or peak period workloads that may extend beyond designated normal workday hours or normal hours per week.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence in good standing.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts and be available for call-ins as required.
• Available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.