| Background: Known for its historic neighborhoods, streets lined with massive live oaks, and thriving aerospace and maritime industries, Mobile, Alabama is a mid-sized coastal city - encompassing an area of 140 square miles with a population of approximately 200,000 residents (600,000 in the greater metropolitan area). The City’s Parks and Recreation system includes 99 park properties, 69 of which are “developed” parks totaling approximately 1,300 acres of park lands. Additionally there are 80 ball fields, 32 playgrounds, 18 community centers, 6 pools, 5 splash pads, one (18-hole) golf course, and a 60-court tennis center. The City Administration and City Council have a shared goal to provide high-quality Parks and Recreation facilities and services to the citizens of Mobile. In 2016, they worked together to develop Mobile’s first multi-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This initial 3-year CIP dedicated $63 Million to infrastructure improvements across the City, including $12.5 Million for Parks and Recreation projects. The City is currently finalizing the 2019-2023 CIP that will allocate $105 Million towards additional capital improvement projects. The City has also been successful in leveraging funds to develop new Parks and Recreation amenities. In 2018, Mobile was awarded $9.7 Million in RESTORE Act funding to build a 12-mile, multi-modal greenway trail along Three Mile Creek, connecting downtown to the University of South Alabama (and numerous neighborhoods, businesses, and parks along the way). When complete, 70,000 residents will be within walking distance of this transformational recreation amenity. City leaders recognize the importance of long-range planning as it relates to Parks and Recreation. In early 2018, the City contracted with Lose Design to develop a Parks and Recreation System Improvement Plan. Through data analysis, public feedback, and staff insight, the City will have an action plan to help guide the next ten years of capital and operational improvements. With a renewed dedication to properly resourcing the Parks and Recreation system, the City is improving existing facilities and programs and strategically investing in new amenities to support Mobile’s growth and development goals. The City of Mobile is looking for a highly-motivated and passionate individual to lead this effort. Position Description: Under the administrative direction of the City’s Executive Director of Public Works, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing the Parks and Recreation Department and a $10.8 Million budget. Supervision is exercised over the Recreation Superintendent (oversees community centers, senior centers, and youth/adult athletics), the Parks Superintendent (oversees parks maintenance, mowing, and landscaping), and other managers as assigned. |
