Neighborhood Services Director

The Neighborhood Services Director PositionUnder general direction of the Assistant City Manager, provides oversight of the Neighborhood Services Department and is responsible for the planning, organization, and administration of Department projects and programs, including parks, recreation, libraries, homeless programs, emergency preparedness, City grantmaking programs, and the Community Development Block Grant program; develops and oversees the department’s personnel, budget and finances; and serves as a member of the City’s executive team.

The Neighborhood Services Director is considered a Department Director with responsibility for directing the activities of a Department within the City. Positions at this class level serve as a member of the City’s executive management team and provides advice and counsel to the City Manager regarding strategic policy and problem-solving relating to the assigned Department and the City overall. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing the City’s goals and objectives related to assigned program areas and for supervising the work of all Department staff.

The successful candidate for the position of Neighborhood Services Director will have local government management experience at management level or above, and strong analytical and written communication skills. They will have a solid ethical foundation and a good understanding of the Council-Manager form of government.

Note: A cover letter outlining your interest in the opportunity and how your experience, knowledge, and skills are relevant to the role must be included with your application.

The first round of interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of May 20th. Pending Council approval on April 16, 2024, the salary for this position will receive a market rate adjustment, in addition to a 3% cost of living adjustment.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical for positions in this classification. Incumbents may not perform all listed job functions, nor are all listed duties necessarily performed by everyone in this class depending upon business needs and changing business practices:Assumes full management responsibility for the Neighborhood Services department; oversees the planning, organization, and administration of Department projects and programs, including parks, recreation, libraries, homelessness programs, emergency preparedness, City grantmaking programs, and the Community Development Block Grant program.Formulates, recommends, and implements Department policies, procedures, goals, priorities, and objectives that will offer positive experiences for residents and visitors and foster human development, health and wellness, cultural unity, environmental stewardship, safety and security, and enhance community identity.Oversees the planning, development, and delivery of a wide variety of programs within the Department’s responsibility; identifies community needs and directs staff in delivery of programs.Directs the preparation and implementation of the Department’s operating and capital improvement budgets, work programs, and strategic plans; makes budget presentations and justifies submissions; provides long-range financial planning for department programs, projects, and needs; approves department fees, purchases, contracts, and expenditures.Ensures all resources within each division are properly allocated and managed.Provides long-range planning for the development of City parks, recreation, and library facilities; leads or participates in capital project planning and capital project management.Serves as Assistant Emergency Services Director and oversees City emergency preparedness activities and services in close coordination with the City Manager’s Office.Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services delivery methods, based on desired outcomes. Assess workloads, administrative support systems, and internal working relationships to identify opportunities for improvement.Attends meetings of the City Council, the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Library Commission and various other boards, commissions, committees and other public organizations, as needed.Directly supervises management, professional, operational, and/or clerical staff; oversees and approves the recruitment, selection, training and evaluation of Department staff accordance with the City's personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions; recommends disciplinary action, as needed.Identifies grant and other funding opportunities; prepares grant applications and administers grant; implements City’s own grantmaking programs for non-profit and other entities serving the community, including a competitive application process.Assists in resolving work problems and interpreting administrative policies to subordinates, other departments, consultants, contractors and the public.Prepares and presents verbal and written reports to City Council, County Board of Supervisors, Commissions, governmental agencies and community groups.Represents the Neighborhood Services Department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies including community organizations; develops community resources; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.Attends and participates in professional group meetings; monitors state and federal legislation pertaining to issues affecting the Department and/or City projects.Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in assigned areas of responsibility; incorporates new developments as appropriate.

Typical Qualifications

Education, Experience and TrainingAny combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:Education:Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, library administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields is preferable.Experience:Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in local government administration, parks and recreation, libraries, or similar community-facing quality-of-life departments. Five years of supervisory experience. Experience overseeing complex operations and preparing a department budget is highly desirable.

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