MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 7950
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (Non-Merit)

CLASS SPECIFICATION

DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is executive level work directing the operation of the Department of Recreation. Contacts are with high ranking legislative and executive officials within County Government, officials of equivalent rank in other governmental jurisdictions, and private sector and community organizations or groups. The purposes of the contacts include presenting, justifying and defending controversial positions where conflicting and opposing viewpoints, goals and objectives are strongly advocated and must be reconciled to develop suitable alternatives or arrive at acceptable compromises.

The employee in this class plans, develops, implements and evaluates recreation policies, programs, services and facilities in the County for all ages and interest groups. This includes special interest classes, competitive sports, aquatics programs, alternative recreation services, seniors programs, and therapeutic and other community enrichment programs. The work encompasses a broad interaction with Arts and Humanities, performing and visual arts, grants, and historic preservation and includes planning, producing and directing major festivals, cultural events, and other government ceremonies. The work is performed under broadly defined missions and functions and general administrative direction with little technical guidance. The employee exercises full and final accountability for all matters associated with completing work assignments including determining the work to be performed and the methods used. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative and evaluated in terms of the Department's role in adding to the recreational and cultural quality of life in the County. Guidelines consist of broad policy directives and basic legislation and require the employee to use considerable judgment in interpreting the intent of the guidelines and generating specific policies and guidance for use by subordinate managers in developing various components of the overall recreation system. The complexity of the work is reflected in the need for planning, directing and integrating a broad range of recreational and arts functions, programs and services. The work requires consideration of cultural, educational, and community issues and impacts, and development of solutions that accommodate conflicting objectives from a variety of organizations, groups and individuals. The work of directing the recreation program is essential to the mission of the County Government and affects all residents in the County. The work is primarily sedentary, performed in a typical office setting, and subject to common everyday risks.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Develops and implements Departmental policies and procedures.
Directs the preparation and maintenance of the Department's budget and other necessary records and reports.
Recruits, trains, advises and supervises the work of a large group of recreation supervisors, leaders, specialists, instructors, and other contractual personnel conducting assigned duties; develops the use of volunteer recreation workers.
Provides direction, management oversight for Department, the County wide Advisory Board, Area Advisory Boards and Commissions, to assist in developing programs and services that are responsive to community needs and priorities.
Develops policies for establishing fees for all Department fee supported programs, including subsidy systems and scholarships.
Plans, develops, organizes, coordinates, schedules, publicizes, and directs, through subordinate managers, a comprehensive recreation and leisure program.
Coordinates recreational activities with other County, city and allied programs; acts as liaison between the County and groups and agencies having an interest in parks and recreation.
Speaks before community, civic, and other groups regarding the programs and activities of the Department.
Establishes and maintains an effective information system to keep citizens aware of the multitude of recreation programs available throughout the County.
Performs other related duties as required.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive (7 years) experience in the administration of recreation programs or related fields, with at least four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory capacity which included responsibility for fund and budget administration, program planning, implementation and administration.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Public Administration, or related areas.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation program planning, administration and management.
Extensive knowledge of Capital improvement programming, budgeting, and related fiscal matters.
Extensive knowledge of local government functions and organizations.
Extensive knowledge of Arts & Humanities, public art programming, with grant development and administration.
Extensive knowledge of major festivals, working with nationally known arts, planning, producing, and directing.
Skill in planning, developing, implementing and administering a broad range of recreation and cultural programs carried out by large numbers of employees with a wide range of skills.
Skill in negotiating agreements which accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints
of numerous groups and organizations.
Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to develop defenses of, and justifications for, decisions reached.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other governmental agencies, private organizations, and the general public.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office.

LICENSE: None.

MEDICAL GROUP: Medical History Review.

Class Revised: July, 1987
December, 2002