Deputy Director - Parks, Recreation and Arts

City Of East Lansing; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with COLA

Pension plan

Health, dental, vision coverage

Paid holidays and PTO

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

City of East Lansing seeks a Deputy Director for Parks, Recreation and Arts to lead strategic planning, community engagement, and policy development. You will manage budgets, grants, and capital improvement projects, oversee staff, and coordinate with city departments and stakeholders to advance parks, trails, recreation programs, and arts initiatives.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3–5 years of administrative or project management experience with grant

Qualifications

• Budget development, tracking and administration.
• Capital planning and complex project management.
• Grant writing, contract management and reporting.
• Staff supervision and team coordination.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Building productive relationships with City leaders and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director in executing department strategic plans and initiatives.
• Manage budgets and track capital improvement planning for parks and facilities.
• Oversee contract oversight and compliance with city purchasing policies.
• Participate in grant writing, reporting, and tracking for funding sources.
• Assist in policy development and reporting to City Council actions.
• Represent the department in meetings with partners and other departments.

Skills

Budget management

Capital planning

Grant writing

Contract management

Staff supervision

Written and verbal comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation/Public Admin/Natural Resources

Job description

East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is a dynamic community of nearly 50,000 people with historic neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown, and you will be part of the team that keeps it all running.

The City of East Lansing is committed to becoming a fully inclusive place to live, work, visit, and do business. We believe an organization functions at its highest ability when a shared culture that promotes accepting, respecting, and valuing differences that include attributes such as age, income, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, language, family circumstances and cultural backgrounds is fostered. We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to equity, inclusion and reflects the community we serve.

Position Summary

The Deputy Director – Parks, Recreation and Arts supports strategic planning, community engagement, and policy development for Parks, Recreation, and Arts initiatives. Manages budgets, projects, and grants for parks and facilities capital improvement planning, ensuring compliance and accuracy. Oversees staff, coordinates reports and presentations, and fosters partnerships with stakeholders and city departments.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Supports the Director in the execution of department strategic plans, implementation of department-wide initiatives, and direction of operational activities; coordinates major projects and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Performs administrative and financial responsibilities to support capital improvement planning initiatives for parks and facilities by administering and tracking the budget; analyzing long-term budget needs; developing project budgets; and tracking transactions and documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Provides Capital improvement planning project management for parks and facilities by assisting with the development and tracking of bid documents; maintaining contract oversight; and monitoring compliance with city purchasing policy.
• Participates in grant writing, reporting, implementation, and tracking for county, state, and federal grant funds while ensuring compliance with applicable policies and guidelines.
• Supports strategic planning and implementation by assisting the Director in developing and implementing department goals, objectives and strategic plans for parks, trails, recreation programs, and arts initiatives.
• Maintains and develops community and stakeholder engagement by representing the department in meetings with community partners, other city departments, boards and commissions, and other stakeholders to develop and promote programs, address concerns and build partnerships.
• Assists with policy development and reporting by coordinating, synthesizing, and analyzing complex data to provide reports, recommendations, and items for City Council action and presentations.
• Performs related work as required.

Why You Should Apply

• Competitive salary with annual cost of living increases
• Retirement programs including a hybrid pension (10% of salary) and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• $1,000 annual employer contribution to post-employment Health Care Savings Plan.
• 14 paid holidays and 25 days of paid time off.
• Health coverage (or receive a $150 monthly buy-out if you have coverage from another source), with family dental and vision plan premiums fully covered by the City.
• Life insurance of 2x annual salary with optional supplemental coverage, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket health and daycare expenses.
• An Employee Assistance Program, offering free confidential counseling and support for employees and families.
• Qualify for “Public Service Loan Forgiveness” which forgives eligible student loans for borrowers who work at least ten years in public service!
• An ever-changing work environment! In the dynamic work of Parks, Recreation, & Arts, each day presents new and exciting challenges that keep your work fresh, engaging and stimulating.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Natural Resources Management, or related field; 3 to 5 years’ experience in an Administrator or Project Manager role with grant management responsibilities
• Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted

Skills for Success

• Budget development, tracking and administration.
• Capital planning and complex project management.
• Grant writing, contract management and reporting.
• Staff supervision and team coordination.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Productive relationships with City leaders, community partners and diverse stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position primarily performs sedentary work and may occasionally work outdoors or at department facilities, construction sites, meetings, and events.