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Commissioner of Parks & Recreation

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Sustainability
  • Boston

AI generated summary

  • You must have 10 years in parks/recreation management, 5 in a supervisory role, relevant degrees, budget and fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and computer proficiency.
  • You will strategize citywide parks initiatives, manage teams, foster community partnerships, enhance service delivery, oversee capital investments, and represent the city at public events.

Requirements

  • Must have at least ten (10) years of full-time paid professional experience in parks, open space, and/or recreation management or a comparable field, including five years experience in a supervisory or managerial role. Experience in managing and administering urban park systems is a plus.
  • Bachelor’s degree and/or Master’s degree in public policy and administration, business management, land use planning, natural resource management, forestry, horticulture, and/or related fields.
  • Experience in budget management, fundraising, and strategic private/public partnerships.
  • Strong public speaking skills and ability to engage with various types of audiences.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Responsibilities

  • Envision and execute strategic goals and establish key performance indicators for citywide parks and recreation initiatives and programs.
  • Drive innovation using research and public feedback to deliver new strategies for improvements to service delivery and the green infrastructure and climate resilience benefits of the assets under BPRD stewardship.
  • Set priorities for operational and capital investments to ensure alignment of resources with present and future community needs.
  • Cultivate relationships with community members, park partners, advocacy groups, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Manage and lead the leadership team of BPRD and ensure efficient and effective oversight of the department.
  • Expand partnerships with private, public, and corporate sectors to leverage innovative fundraising opportunities for the department.
  • Partner with state and federal government agencies to ensure successful delivery of significant capital projects and maintenance of Boston’s open spaces.
  • Represent the City at public forums and events, stakeholder groups, and professional organizations; serve on committees as needed.
  • Chair the Boston Parks and Recreation Commission.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation?

The primary responsibility of the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation is to lead the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in creating resilient, accessible, and vibrant parks and open spaces that enhance the quality of life for all residents and communities across the city.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A candidate must have at least ten years of full-time paid professional experience in parks, open space, and/or recreation management, including five years in a supervisory or managerial role. A Bachelor’s degree and/or Master’s degree in relevant fields such as public policy, business management, or natural resource management is also required.

Is Boston residency a requirement for this position?

Yes, Boston residency is required for the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation position.

What is the size of the team that the Commissioner will oversee?

The Commissioner will oversee a staff of over 300 full-time equivalent positions.

What is the annual operating budget for the Parks and Recreation Department?

The annual operating budget for the Parks and Recreation Department is approximately $35 million.

Will the Commissioner be responsible for managing capital projects?

Yes, the Commissioner will manage a $250+ million multi-year capital plan for the construction and renovation of playgrounds, open spaces, and athletic fields across the city.

What kind of experience is preferred for this role?

Experience in managing and administering urban park systems is preferred, along with experience in budget management, fundraising, and strategic private/public partnerships.

What skills are necessary for the Commissioner to possess?

The Commissioner should have strong public speaking skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and good computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Is there a specific focus on community engagement in this role?

Yes, cultivating relationships with community members, park partners, advocacy groups, and other relevant stakeholders is a key responsibility of the Commissioner.

What is the expected work week for this position?

The expected work week for the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation position is 35 hours.

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Mission & Purpose

Public service is a noble calling: to help others, to make our communities stronger, and to uphold the public trust. As city employees, we see the results of our hard work in our own community— in street and infrastructure improvements, new buildings rising from the ground, safer and more prosperous neighborhoods, and happier, healthier children, families, and senior citizens. We may all come from different backgrounds, but we are connected through our passion for service. What we do at work today, and everyday, shapes the Boston of tomorrow. Join us! ​​​​ The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category.