Director of Recreation & Culture

The Township of North Dundas is a growing municipality on the southern border of the City of Ottawa. It is a vibrant rural community that is home to a population of approximately 12,000, with municipal headquarters in the Village of Winchester.  Our residents enjoy a mixed rural and urban lifestyle, excellent health care facilities including a local hospital, recreation facilities, live amateur theatre, and numerous community events throughout the year, including the popular Meet Me on Main Street event series.

The Township of North Dundas is seeking a dynamic and community focused leader for the position of Director of Recreation and Culture.  As Director, you will guide the strategic direction of the department, setting and achieving goals, reviewing progress, and making necessary adjustments while staying within available resources.  You will oversee the management and supervision of departmental staff, the daily operations and public use of municipally owned parks and facilities, and the development and delivery of programs and events that bring our community together.

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Director of Recreation and Culture provides strategic leadership and direction for the Recreation and Culture Department. This role involves setting and achieving departmental goals, monitoring progress, and adjusting plans as necessary while adhering to budgetary constraints. The Director is responsible for managing and supervising departmental staff, overseeing municipal parks and recreational facilities, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and bylaws, and developing and delivering community programs and events.

Position Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible municipal experience in parks and recreation.
• Post secondary diploma or degree in Recreation, Facilities Management, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, with excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge and experience managing departmental budgets, capital projects, estimates, tendering processes, proposals, and grants.
• Ability to foster a positive work environment and mediate conflicts effectively.
• Proficiency with computers and relevant software applications.
• General understanding of occupational health and safety legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and standards to ensure efficient department operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, bylaws, policies, procedures, and service level agreements.
• Serve as a municipal resource for local boards, committees, and community groups.
• Promote positive public relations and uphold a professional corporate image within the community.
• Participate as an active member of the Township’s Management Team for operational and strategic planning.
• Prepare and oversee the Recreation and Culture Department’s annual operating and capital budgets, estimates, tendering processes, proposals, and grant applications.
• Manage the financial administration of the department, including contracts and agreements.
• Conduct regular staff meetings to maintain open communication and teamwork.
• Review and approve timesheets to ensure policy compliance.
• Research community trends, interests, challenges, and opportunities to guide program development.
• Plan, develop, and promote recreational programs and special events for residents and visitors.
• Liaise with user groups to build strong collaborative relationships.
• Represent the department positively in public and media engagements.
• Oversee capital projects and construction related to recreational infrastructure, including planning, design, and project management.
• Collaborate with the Facility Manager to prioritize facility maintenance and improvement projects.
• Conduct performance evaluations and address employee development or corrective action needs.
• Assist with recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and contract drafting for full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract staff.
• Manage contracts and agreements related to parks and recreation services.
• Identify, research, and apply for grants to support departmental programs and operations.
• Respond promptly and professionally to resident inquiries and complaints.
• Maximize the benefit of Provincial and Federal grants related to recreation services.
• Oversee contracts for ice rentals, sports fields, and other facility user groups.
• Supervise direct reports, including the Recreation Supervisor and Facilities Manager.
• Ensure all recreation staff and volunteers comply with safety policies and practices.
• Attend Council meetings, providing reports, advice, and documentation.
• Prepare monthly reports for Council and draft required resolutions or by-laws.
• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable legislation.
• Set annual goals with the Facilities Manager and Recreation Supervisor to enhance facility management and program delivery.
• Develop and implement marketing plans to increase revenue for municipal arenas.
• Support corporate health and safety initiatives to protect workers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.