PARKS Capital Projects Division Manager

GRPA Leadership; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal parks and recreation department is seeking a Division Manager of Capital Projects to oversee operations and staff, ensuring timely and budget-conscious project delivery. The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership, develop capital improvement plans, manage budgets, and engage with community members and stakeholders. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree in Parks & Recreation Management or a related field and have extensive supervisory experience in parks management. Valid Driver’s License is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of parks and recreation management experience, including 3 years of supervisory roles.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector is preferred.
• Must maintain a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Manage staff and operations of the Capital Projects division.
• Develop and implement long-range capital improvement plans.
• Monitor project progress and establish performance metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Strategic Planning

Budget Management

Community Engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Parks & Recreation Management or related field

Job description

Position Information

This position will manage staff and operations of the Capital Projects division for the PARKS department. The Division Manager of Capital Projects provides strategic leadership, planning, and oversight for the design and delivery of capital improvement projects across the Parks and Recreation system. This position is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of projects including parks, trails, recreational facilities, and supporting infrastructure, ensuring all projects are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with community needs and organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, direction, and leadership for the Capital Projects Division.
• Develop and implement long-range capital improvement plans aligned with departmental and county-wide strategic goals.
• Advise Parks Director, elected officials, and stakeholders on capital project priorities, risks, and opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of capital projects: planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and within budget.
• Establish and maintain project management standards, processes, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Develop, manage, and monitor multi-year capital budgets.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds, including SPLOST, grants, and other funding sources.
• Review and approve project expenditures, contracts, and change orders.
• Coordinate with Business Management personnel on forecasting, reporting, and audits.
• Oversee procurement processes in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Manage contracts with consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Negotiate agreements and resolve disputes as necessary.
• Ensure quality assurance and adherence to contract requirements.
• Collaborate with internal departments (recreation programming, maintenance, athletics, natural resources, etc.) to align project goals.
• Engage with community members, advisory boards, and stakeholders to gather input and communicate project updates.
• Represent the Parks department at public meetings, oversight committees, and community forums.
• Coordinate with city and county community development to ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Coordinate with various city and county agencies such as environmental, stormwater, and transportation departments.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to project delivery, safety, and liability.
• Collaborate with program manager, project managers, coordinators, and support staff.
• Promote professional development, training, and succession planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support staff growth and accountability.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Parks & Recreation Management, or related field required; supplemented by at least five years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation management to include three years of lead and supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Playground Safety Inspector, Herbicide and Pesticide Applicator, Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Physical Abilities

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.