Strategic Deputy Director, Parks, Recreation & Arts

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

Job summary

City of East Lansing is seeking a Deputy Director to lead Parks, Recreation & Arts initiatives. The role supports strategic planning, budget oversight, grant administration, and multi‑fund capital projects.

You will supervise staff, coordinate cross‑department efforts, and foster partnerships with community partners and city departments. Ideal candidates hold a relevant bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of project/administration experience with grants; substitute combinations are acceptable.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be substituted

Responsibilities

• Supports the Director in executing department strategic plans and initiatives; directs operational activities.
• Administers and tracks the capital improvement planning budget; analyzes long-term needs; ensures compliance.
• Manages capital improvement planning projects for parks and facilities; oversees contracts and purchasing policy compliance.
• Participates in grant writing, reporting, and tracking for county, state, and federal funds; ensures compliance.
• Develops and implements department goals and strategic plans for parks, trails, recreation, and arts initiatives.
• Represents the department in meetings with community partners and stakeholders to build partnerships.
• Prepares reports and presents recommendations to City Council; performs related work as required.

Skills

Grant management

Budget management

Staff supervision

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources Management

Job description

City of East Lansing is seeking a Deputy Director to lead Parks, Recreation & Arts initiatives. The role supports strategic planning, budget oversight, grant administration, and multi‑fund capital projects.

You will supervise staff, coordinate cross‑department efforts, and foster partnerships with community partners and city departments. Ideal candidates hold a relevant bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of project/administration experience with grants; substitute combinations are acceptable.