Manager, Recreation Programs 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Recreation and Culture, the Manager, Recreation Programs will provide sectional leadership and guidance for the Recreation Program section. This position will implement and promote the City's strategic plan and foster a culture of innovation, engagement, collaboration and respect. You will be responsible for the coordination and on-going development of the recreation program section.  

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects related to the effective and efficient delivery of all recreation programs for residents of all ages
• Conduct market research to keep current on trends and issues to address programming needs
• Handle and resolve queries, complaints, and issues from the public, council and others ensuring all matters are addressed
• Develop and contribute to workplans for individual direct reports and the division
• Develop and contribute to the Organizational Management Framework for the section and Division
• Monitor sectional statistics, key performance indicators and metrics to report out regularly on performance measures and to address concerns and implement change as needed
• Develop and contribute to the Continuous Improvement Management Plan for individual direct reports and the division
• Participate in the recruitment process of new staff
• Ensure required training and qualifications are completed for new hires and maintained for existing staff
• Develop, approve and implement appropriate staff schedules for direct reports, as well as approve payroll and vacation time
• Supervision and evaluation of direct report staff, including staff development, performance management, coaching, mentoring, and ensuring health and safety
• Provide ongoing motivation, support, and recognition to all staff
• Liaise with Program Partners and manage the Program Partner Revenue Generation Agreements, to ensure the programs are delivered in adherence to the established agreement

Duties and Responsibilities Cont'd

• Liaise with various community organizations and other levels of government for program initiatives to support the community, including the York Region Community Well-Being and Safety Plan, and the South Central Richmond Hill Community Action Table
• Oversee and promote communications for the department including preparing and delivering presentations to internal and external working groups/committees
• Participate in inter-departmental projects and working groups relevant to the Recreation Program section
• Oversee the Youth Action Committee and other section related committees such as the McConaghy Members Council
• Represent the Recreation & Culture division on various initiatives, projects and committees as assigned by the director, including the Recreation and Culture Plan and Age-Friendly Community Strategy and Park design and redevelopment projects
• Prepare staff reports, business cases, and draft disciplinary letters as required
• Update policies and procedures when needed

Leadership and Budget

• Leads the sectional priorities, development and management of staff to ensure efficient delivery of services while encouraging creative thinking and the development of innovative solutions.
• Responsible for sectional budget preparation and monitoring

Education and Experience

• Diploma in Recreation and Leisure Management or related discipline
• 7 years experience in a simliar role

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Proven knowledge and understanding of the recreation field
• Demonstrated ability to operate as an accountable leader and as a member of a senior management team
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and confidential topics in a political environment
• Must have excellent conceptual, interpersonal, presentation, time management, facilitation, project management, and negotiation skills
• Working knowledge of municipal legislation, regulations, and guidelines
• Proven interpersonal skills to foster and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of internal stakeholders, demonstrating high proficiency in conflict resolution and negotiation skills
• Superior analytical and financial modeling skills; with the ability to handle challenging assignments
• Experience as a supervisor with effective decision-making capabilities and ability to lead and develop staff
• Demonstrated competence with the Microsoft office suite of products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)    
• Manages organizational change through strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, combined with well developed organization and time management skills and the ability to deal effectively with tact, courtesy, discretion and diplomacy with all levels of staff and public
• Demonstrated and encourages perseverance and resilience in difficult times
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills
• Encourages innovative thinking and new ideas
• Proved ability to oversee and manage budgets
• Demonstrates and encourages excellent listening skills and different points of view
• Ensures that objectives and accountabilities are clearly communicated within the department
• Empowers staff to support a culture of learning, mentoring and sharing
• Must possess a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, and have access to a vehicle for use on corporate business (mileage compensated) and will be required to provide proof of vehicle insurance upon hire

Leadership Competencies