Job Description

The City of Lawrence, Kansas (population of 101,211) is seeking to hire a Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Director with a proven track record to lead its highly regarded state and nationally recognized park and recreation department. The successful candidate is an experienced, collaborative leader who communicates effectively, possesses solid business acumen, and demonstrates strong financial skills. Who is also present, engaged, and approachable with community members, elected officials, and staff at various programs and events offered by the City of Lawrence Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department.

Lawrence Kansas is a dynamic and vibrant city located in northeast Kansas approximately 20 miles from the Kansas City metropolitan area as well as the state capital, Topeka. Lawrence’s location is ideal for taking advantage of the abundant amenities of the metro area including professional sports, world class museums and arts as well as easy access to the region’s international airport. Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas (KU) and Haskell Indian Nationals University, an inter-tribal university of Native Americans representing more than 150 tribal nations. Lawrence has a highly regarded public school system as well and the community ranks sixth in bachelor’s degree attainment per capita by the U.S. Census.

Lawrence Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department, established in 1946, has continued its commitment in providing excellent city services, enhancing the quality of life for the Lawrence community. Over the years, the department has developed many programs for the community, including hike/bike trails, recreation facility operations, golf, forestry, landscaping throughout the community and Downtown Lawrence, cemetery and other quality of life programs and facilities. The department currently offers more than 550 programs and activities each season for citizens to keep active.

The Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the department including: development, operations and maintenance of parks and public areas, cemeteries, nature center, golf course, aquatics facilities/programs, forestry, landscaping, recreation centers, recreation programs, and community facilities; to coordinate assigned activities with other city departments and outside agencies, organizations and the general public; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Assistant City Manager.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be:

• Strategic and collaborative leader who understands how to achieve financial excellence and sustainability while looking ahead to changing service needs.
• An excellent communicator who possesses a high degree of social and emotional intelligence.
• A builder of strong partnerships and consensus at all levels of the organization through sound analysis, effective communication processes, and strategic planning.
• An approachable and supportive leader with a proven record of developing high performing teams.
• A visionary leader who can develop the department’s mission, goals, and strategies in alignment with the city’s priorities and commitments.
• A transparent, knowledgeable, and engaged leader able to advocate for the profession and build trust with all stakeholders, including department team members, advisory boards, and the governing body.
• Innovative and experienced in identifying emerging industry trends and opportunities and able to effectively implement best practice solutions.
• Able to balance the needs for strategic thinking and direction with the day-to-day, cultivating a positive morale throughout the department.
• A strong, decisive, collaborative leader who can combine vision, strategy, and innovation.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration or a closely related field, or a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field and five years of relevant administrative experience.

Related Experience

Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in parks and recreation activities program development and implementation including five years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.

Possession of, or ability to become, certified executive by the National Recreation and Park Association.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $137,342 to $203,008 with an expected hiring range of ($137,342 to $166,941) DOQ. A generous benefit and retirement package is also offered by the city, details which are available at .

How To Apply

Candidates must apply by Monday, January 8, 2024, with resume, cover letter and contact information for five work-related references to to the attention of Charlene Stevens, Senior Vice President, Tel: (847) 380-3240 ext. 124 or Joe DeLuce, Vice President, Tel: (217) 714-2333.

The City of Lawrence, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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