General Manager

Summary

Under policy direction, plans, organizes, and provides administrative direction, oversight, and leadership to all District departments; plans and executes the long-term vision for the District in collaboration with the Board of Directors and District managers; ensures the provision of quality services to community residents; serves as the ex-officio Clerk of the Board of Directors; and performs related work as required.

Supervision Received And Exercised

Receives policy direction from the Board of Directors. Exercises supervision over all District staff through subordinate levels of management.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The General Manager serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the District, accountable to the Board of Directors and responsible for all District fiscal, human resources, and operational services and activities. Major areas of accountability are short- and long-term planning, policy development and administration, and enforcing all District rules and regulations.  Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, including the role of an elected Board of Directors.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, and administers operations of the District, either directly or through subordinate management and supervisory staff; coordinates and evaluates the work of the District in accordance with applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations, and adopted policies and objectives of the Board of Directors.
• Implements directives and policies from the Board of Directors; provides guidance and direction to department managers to design and implement programs and projects; develops administrative policies, procedures, and work standards to ensure that District goals and objectives are met and that programs provide mandated services in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
• Advises the Board of Directors on issues, programs, and financial status; prepares and recommends short- and long-term plans for District service provision, capital improvements, and funding; and directs the development of specific proposals for action regarding current and future District needs. Ensures that the Board of Directors is kept informed of District functions, activities, and financial status, and of legal, social, and economic issues affecting District activities.
• Oversees the preparation of the annual capital improvement and operating budgets for the District; prepares the annual proposed budget for Board consideration; administers the budget, ensuring proper expenditure of allocated funds and generation of budgeted revenues.
• Serves as the ex-officio Clerk of the Board of Directors; supervises the preparation of Board agendas, minutes, reports, and other records; ensures that all documents for the Board and Committee meetings are produced accurately, and in a timely manner, to facilitate Board decision making; directs the management of District records and coordinates requests for public records.
• Serves as the District’s ex-officio Personnel Officer; directs the recruitment, selection, training, assignment, supervision, discipline, and enforcement of the District’s personnel rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Plans, develops, and directs the implementation of public information and community outreach programs to market the District’s services; acts as the District’s spokesperson with the media.
• Directs and oversees all District contracted services and procurement commitments; negotiates contract services; prepares contracts and agreements; enforces contract provisions.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the work of staff in acquiring, developing, maintaining, promoting, and protecting park and recreation facilities.
• Through periodic surveys, develops long-range master plans to provide services relevant to the community; directs the development of comprehensive recreation programs which serve a diverse population; submits recommendations to the Board of Directors and implements decisions.
• Represents the District and the Board of Directors in meetings, makes presentations and speaks to governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect District operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints; works with management for effective resolution of same.
• Assists with District special events as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, business or public administration, or a related field is required; Master’s degree is highly desirable;
• Eight years of relevant experience working, with at least five years in a supervisory capacity.
• Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting; program development, implementation, and evaluation; and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, and District-wide administrative and operational practices.
• Principles and practices of human resources management.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs.
• Role and authority of an elected Board of Directors.
• Rules and regulations governing the conduct of public meetings, including, but not limited to, the Brown Act.
• Current trends in the development and management of parks and open spaces, natural resources, and facilities.
• Community demographics as it relates to the development and implementation of recreation and social service programs.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to District services and operations.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Technical, legal, financial, and public relations issues associated with the management of District programs.
• Principles and practices of contract negotiation and management.
• Principles and practices of legislative advocacy.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively with, provide staff support to, and implement the policies of the Board of Directors.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the District.
• Provide leadership and direction to all District departments.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of staff; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Serve as the ex-officio Clerk of the Board of Directors to ensure that public meetings and Board decisions/resolutions are properly implemented and communicated.
• Serve as the ex-officio Personnel Officer to ensure that all personnel related actions are compliant with mandated laws and regulations.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with terms and conditions.
• Represent the District in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Speak effectively in public.
• Direct the preparation of clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize District operations and services to meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licenses and Certifications:

• At time of appointment, California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record maintained throughout employment.
• Relevant professional certifications are desirable.

Physical Demands

Must possess: mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements

Incumbents typically work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Incumbents will interact with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures.

Working Conditions

Incumbents may be assigned an irregular work schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays.

Pre-Employment Conditions

• Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
• Medical exam and drug testing clearance.

Classification Details/History

Date Adopted: 6/14/17 Job Code: 1001L FLSA Status: Exempt Supersedes: General Manager dated 3/88