SUPERINTENDENT OF RECREATION

The Wilmette Park District is seeking a strategic and visionary leader who demonstrates outstanding decision making ability while creating a certainty of execution. This engaged and charismatic individual must lead with a bias towards action with the ability to identify and develop great talent. The Superintendent of Recreation must display a broad range of competencies and be a prolific learner who fosters a culture of integrity, respect, team work and excellence.

This candidate will be leading a motivated team of professionals responsible for the Wilmette Park District recreational facilities including lakefront operations, Centennial Recreation Complex, Mallinckrodt Community Center, Platform Tennis Club, and the Community Recreation Center. Via these facilities, programming areas include aquatics, ice, tennis, racquet sports, special programs and events, active adults, cultural/visual/theatrical arts, early childhood, gymnastics, fitness, sports, general recreation and a robust offering of summer camps.

As a member of the Wilmette Park District leadership team, this professional will report directly to the Executive Director while also working with our elected Board of Commissioners, governmental agencies and community stakeholders.

PARK DISTRICT SUMMARY:

Founded in 1908, the Wilmette Park District is a government agency responsible for acquiring, developing, and maintaining natural areas, parks, and leisure facilities in the Village of Wilmette. Our suburban community is located 14 miles north of Chicago. We are stewards of over 300 acres of parks and open land including Gillson Park and the Wilmette Beaches; Keay Nature Center; Community Playfield; Mallinckrodt Park and a portion of the Green Bay Bike Trail. Neighborhood parks can be found in 18 additional locations throughout our village. The Wilmette Park District also plans, develops and executes a wide range of recreational programs and activities that reflect the interests of all age groups in the Wilmette community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Assist Executive Director with the strategic management of the entire District

 Communicate and exemplify the mission, vision and culture of the District

 Troubleshoot high-level issues

 Prepare, review, evaluate and execute detailed budgets for the entire recreation division

 Analyze financial trends, costs, and revenue growth strategies

 Lead recreation staff in the development of diversified programming

 Attend all Board and applicable Committee meetings

 Chief developer of recreation staff

 Active proponent of succession planning and employee engagement

 Actively support the agency’s risk management protocol that will effectively control and reduce accidents

 Obey the practical safety rules, regulations and procedures established by the Safety Committee, attend and participate in required safety trainings

 Promptly report all unsafe actions, practices or conditions to the immediate supervisor

 Perform other related duties as assigned, based on agency needs

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA:

 Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, tourism, public administration or related field, Master’s degree preferred

 Five to ten years of experience in a manager, superintendent or director role, prior supervisory experience required

 Demonstrated leadership ability that is measurable

 Excellent at building relationships with all District stakeholders including staff, patrons, board members, and other partnering agencies

 Excellent communication skills including listening, speaking, writing, negotiating and public presentations

 Significant knowledge of financial concepts

 Significant knowledge of facility management, maintenance, construction planning and project administration

 Proficient computer skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), recreation programming and financial software

 Must have a valid Driver's License

 Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions