The Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a highly self-motivated professional to oversee the department's youth and adult sports programs.

Blue Springs, MO is a suburb of Kansas City, MO sitting on the eastern city limits and is a community of approximately 58,603 residents. The Department has been in the process of offering a wide range of community recreation programs as well as revitalizing parks and facilities over the last four years, investing over $15 million in improvements to current park facilities within the community. In April 2021, residents approved a sales tax dedicated to park improvements, park land development and operation subsidy. The measure passed with and 80% yes vote, demonstrating the support the community has for the Parks and Recreation Department and the improvements made over the last five years to our program offerings and facilities. Over the next ten years the department will undergo a major transformation investing over $50 million to include construction of a new aquatic facility, a new 45-acre community park and innovative improvements to playgrounds, trails, shelters, athletic fields, and several other park amenities.

This unique career opportunity offers the successful candidate the opportunity to be part of a total department transformation providing endless opportunities for personal and professional development.

Responsibilities include: planning, organizing, scheduling, coordinating, and implementing recreational activities, events, and classes; selecting, training, supervising, and evaluating part-time/seasonal staff and temporary staff, officials, coaches, and volunteers to support the recreation program area; securing, scheduling, and preparing recreation facilities; preparing promotional program information for distribution; assisting with and monitoring a budget for assigned program area; preparing program evaluations and other related reports; and participating in local, state, and national organizations related to assigned program areas.

• Assist with marketing and advertising for events and programs.
• Plans for special events, instructional classes, and sports, programs.
• Responsible for the written communication and marketing of recreation activities and events.
• Monitors recreation programs and facilities
• Responsible for the cultivation of partners and sponsors for recreation programs and facilities
• Oversees the expenditure of approved funds within assigned budget area.
• Seeks alternative funding sources such as grants, partnerships agreements and sponsorships.
• Recruits, interviews, and hires personnel for assigned divisions, and includes training, scheduling, and coordination staff and volunteers.
• Leads meetings with part-time staff, officials, volunteers, school district representatives on a regular basis regarding upcoming leagues, rules and other information
• Creates and maintains a system of reporting, interpreting, and publicizing activities, and programs to area residents. Prepare materials, maintain records, and compiles evaluations and reports.
• Assists with or coordinates the planning and organization of special community events.
• Works with the community to identify needs and preferences and recommends the number and kinds of recreation programs to be offered.
• Meets and coordinates with community interest groups concerning recreation activities.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment. Places orders and makes purchases according to established procedures and within budgetary guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

The normal work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m. and requires flexibility to work some evenings, weekends and holidays.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPRP preferred; Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation or administration or related field is the minimum educational
• One or more years of experience in developing Parks and Recreation programs is strongly preferred. May be required to hold certain certifications such as; First Aid and CPR, or Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.
• Knowledge of the professional principles, practices and techniques of recreation planning, programming and evaluation
• Knowledge of the rules, supplies, equipment, and facilities applied or utilized in recreation programs and sporting leagues is required
• Knowledge of the safety issues and precautions relating to recreation programs and sporting leagues
• Skll in developing, coordinating and evaluating a broad range of recreational programming for diverse age groups.
• Skills in public relations and customer service
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas orally as well as in writing
• Effective verbal and written communication; skill in the effective administration of City and Department policies and procedures; skill in the operation of common office machines; skill in evaluating job applicant qualifications and employee performance.
• Ability to organize, plan, and direct the work of subordinate staff; ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports; ability to identify trends, program needs, and opportunities within the recreation field; knowledge of recreational and senior programs; knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational program management.
• Supervisory Responsibility – supervision to assigned professional, clerical, and volunteer staff