Parks Director

THE POSITION

The Parks Director works collaboratively with County Management to carry out the Catawba County Park System goals, objectives, and policies established by the Board of Commissioners. This position serves as the lead architect of park system strategies, plans, procedures, policies and related performance measures ensuring the implementation of system based and accountable operating principles and practices across all park facilities; the chief team builder, communicator and coach for park system staff, facilitating the development of a high performance team systemwide; and the primary cultivator of collaborative relationships to strengthen the park system’s presence and relevance in support of the Board of Commissioners’ strategic plan.

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THE ORGANIZATION

Catawba County’s governance structure merges the civic leadership of an elected Board of Commissioners with the managerial expertise of an appointed County Manager, Mary Furtado, who acts as the county’s Chief Executive Officer.

Our annual budget is approximately $300M and spans a broad array of services, from Elections to Public Health. Additionally, we are actively working to fill jobs and bolster our local economy through collaborative, Board-led strategic actions in critical growth areas, including economic development, education, community planning and development, health and safety, nature, and culture.

We are a forward-looking, conservative, and fiscally prudent community with a pro-business and smart growth philosophy guiding our ordinances and policies. Our property tax rate of $0.3985 per $100 in assessed value is the lowest in our region and the 8th lowest among all North Carolina counties.

Our team consists of approximately 1,200 full-time employees who are dedicated professionals committed to serving our community in ways that reflect our core values. We embody our roots as doers by continually striving to perform the best job possible for our residents and our community every single day.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops and directs all park system plans, procedures, and policies: Ensures the successful day-to-day and long-term operation and performance of the County’s passive park system in alignment with the system’s mission and outcomes.

Directs the: Management, maintenance, and restoration of the park system’s natural habitat.

Develops and manages the annual department budget and purchasing plans: Focuses on maximizing resources, including vendor utilization and grant management.

Crafts a high-performing team: Focuses on staff development, teambuilding, and performance management.

Leads community engagement and collaboration: Manages the park system’s programming, outreach, volunteer, and community service plans. Facilitates the Parks Advisory Committee, cultivates relevant partnerships, and ensures appropriate community use of park facilities.

Promotes the park system’s role as a key component of Catawba County’s quality of life: Involved in park system marketing and communications plans.

Oversees development and implementation of the 10-year Parks Master Plan.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree: In Park and Recreation Management, Natural Resources Management/Forestry, or other related fields, and 5 years of experience in parks management/development as a director, assistant director, or other advanced leadership role.

Preferred: Master’s degree in Park and Recreation Management, Natural Resources, or Public Administration.

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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Analytical Thinking: Ability to prioritize work, make data-driven decisions, meet established deadlines, delegate duties, and attend to details as appropriate.

Leadership and Motivation: Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate by example with excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills, inspiring staff to high performance.

Collaborative Work: Capacity to work collaboratively and maintain effective relationships with the Board of Commissioners, County Management, other county departments, advisory boards and committees, partner municipalities and organizations, state and federal regulatory agencies and institutions, vendors, consultants, and the general public.

Judgment and Decision-Making: Impeccable judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions involving a variety of fiscal and business areas, with the ability to carry out that judgment with considerable professional and managerial discretion.

Initiative and Drive: Independent and self-directed, with the capacity to learn new things and the appetite to take on new challenges over time.

Organizational and Time Management Skills: Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong capability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously.

Team Supervision: Competence in organizing, supervising, and evaluating the work of diverse teams and individuals.

Knowledge: Principles and practices of passive park and natural habitat management.

Customer Service Orientation: Exceptional customer service orientation, including strong traits of diplomacy, tact, patience, and empathy.

Communication Skills: Excellent communication, both written and oral, with a strong command of grammar and the ability to communicate complex information in a manner that facilitates decision-making.

Adaptability: Adaptability in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with changing job requirements and duties as they occur.

Creative and Critical Thinking Skills: Strong creative, systems-level, and critical thinking skills.

Valid Driver’s License: With a safe driving record.

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SALARY RANGE:

‍ $83,607 - $137,000

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THE LOCATION

Housing Costs:

The median home price in Catawba County, NC, as of May 2024 is approximately $254,900.

Renting Costs:

The median rent for an apartment in Catawba County is about $790 per month.

Childcare Costs:

The average cost of full-time daycare for an infant in Catawba County is around $700 per month

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