General Manager

About the Organization Covering over 1,800 square miles, Desert Recreation District (DRD) provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier-free, safe service to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served.

DRD is responsible for over 30 recreational facilities that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In addition, DRD creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and wellness activities. In the past year we have offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events.

EOE Statement ***DISCLAIMER: The District reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

All employment offers made by the District are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but are not limited to: drug screening, comprehensive background check, criminal history check, employment verification, education verification and physical.

**This position will remain open until filled.

DEFINITION: Under policy direction, plans, organizes and provides administrative direction and oversight for all District functions and activities; provides policy guidance and program evaluation to the Board of Directors and management staff; encourages and facilitates provision of services to District customers and community members; fosters cooperative working relationships with intergovernmental, special interest, community and non-profit organizations, and various public and private groups; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives policy direction from the Board of Directors. Exercises direction and supervision to all District staff directly and/or through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: The General Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the District, accountable to the Board of Directors and responsible for the development, implementation and execution of short- and long-term goals, policies, budgets and strategies to accomplish the District’s mission and the Board of Directors’ priorities; and the efficient and economical performance of the District’s operations.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, administers and evaluates District operations, programs, projects and activities in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances and regulations and Board policies and objectives.
• Directs and coordinates the development and implementation of goals and objectives for the District; develops administrative policies, procedures and work standards to ensure that the goals and objectives are met and that programs provide recreation and leisure services in an effective, efficient and economical manner.
• Oversees the preparation of the annual operating and capital improvement program (CIP) budgets for the District; authorizes budget transfers, expenditures and purchases; provides information regarding the financial condition and needs to the Board of Directors.
• Advises the Board of Directors on issues, programs and financial status; prepares and recommends long- and short-term plans for District service provision, land acquisition and use, capital improvements and funding; and directs the development of specific proposals for action regarding current and future District needs.
• Develops, organizes and manages various public information and legislative affairs programs related to District services and activities; represents and advocates the District’s interests with federal, state and local agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations and the public.
• Provides for the investigation and resolution of complaints regarding the administration of and services provided by the District.
• Provides for contract services and ensures proper performance of obligations to the District; has responsibility for enforcement of all District policies and procedures.
• Oversees the selection, training, professional development and work evaluation of District staff; oversees the implementation of effective employee relations and related programs; provides policy guidance and interpretation to staff.
• Directs the preparation of and prepares a variety of correspondence, reports, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Oversees the maintenance of working and official District files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect District operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, budget development and administration and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of capital improvement program, budget and contract development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs of the assigned functional area.
• Principles, practices and procedures of public administration including financial and budget management and human resources programs.
• Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
• Functions, authority, responsibilities and limitations of an elected Board of Directors.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulatory codes and ordinances and District policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Technical, legal, financial and public relations problems associated with the management of park and recreation programs, planning, operations, and maintenance projects and programs.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Plan, administer, coordinate, review and evaluate the functions, activities and staff of the District.
• Work cooperatively with, provide staff support to and implement the policies of the Board of Directors.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls.
• Oversee District financial activities, including the development and implementation of large and complex budgets and the control of all expenditures and purchases.
• Understand, interpret and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Prepare and deliver effective presentations before community groups, the Board, commissions, committees, and District staff.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures and other written materials.
• Direct and oversee the development and maintenance of a variety of manual and computerized files, record keeping and project management systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation, park management, business or public administration, or a related field.

Experience: Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible management or administrative experience in a park, recreation, and/or public agency setting.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 10 pounds or heavier weights of up to 50 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures

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