Executive Recruitment for LEE S SUMMIT, MISSOURI The Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation Board (Board) is seeking an entrepreneurial, visionary, and collaborative Administrator to lead its nationally recognized and accredited Park system. This Recruitment Profile provides background information on the Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation Department and outlines qualifications and experience identified as desirable traits and attributes for candidates for the Administrator of Parks and Recreation position to possess. This Profile was prepared following personal interviews with the several members of the Board, Parks and City senior management staffs, Mayor of Lee s Summit, and City Manager. Information was also developed from review of written materials relevant to the Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation Department. ADMINISTRATOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Importantly, this Profile will be used as a guide in the recruitment process, providing specific criteria by which applications will be screened and individuals selected for final interview and appointment consideration. This recruitment is being conducted in an open, impartial, local, regional, and nationwide basis, encouraging applications from all persons wishing to compete for the position. All inquiries relating to the recruitment and selection process for the Administrator of Parks and Recreation position are to be directed to the attention of the consultants working with the City of Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation Department: Terrence Porter, Vice President Charles Balling, Vice President GovHRUSA, LLC 630 Dundee Road, Suite 130 Northbrook, Illinois 60062 847-380-3240 Formal Applications should be submitted to: www.govhrusa.com/current-positions/recruitment
Lee s Summit, Missouri PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT Lee s Summit, Missouri (population 95,973) is seeking highly professional and energetic candidates interested in serving as the next Administrator for the Parks and Recreation department. Located approximately 25 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the city is in both Jackson and Clay Counties. Lee s Summit (65.87 square miles) is a community of beautiful neighborhoods, a historic downtown, and excellent schools. The outstanding quality of life in Lee s Summit is greatly enhanced by a Gold Medal Award winning Parks and Recreation Department (Department) that offers a variety of activities including 30 parks, three community centers, an outdoor Aquatics Center and manages a total of 1,200 acres. The Department is governed by a nine-person Parks and Recreation Board (Board), who are appointed to serve staggered 3-year terms by the Mayor with advice and consent of the City Council. The Administrator reports directly to the Board and is responsible for the implementation of policy and overall operations which employs 42 full-time and approximately 400 part-time and seasonal employees. The 2017 operating budget is $8.2 million with approximately $5 million (61%) derived from fees and charges and a remaining $3.2 million (39%) from property tax revenues. In addition, the Department receives approximately $3.7 million annually in sales tax revenue dedicated to debt retirement and capital projects. The former Administrator recently retired after 38 years of service in Lee s Summit. The next Administrator shall: Have a strong commitment to excellent customer service and be highly collaborative/team oriented with a proven track record in a municipal environment. Have a strong finance/budget background with the ability to find creative solutions to fiscal constraints. Be an active leader with a professional and engaging communication style with respect to residents, elected and appointed officials, the business community, and staff. Have a minimum of Bachelor s Degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or related field. A Masters in Public Administration, Parks and Recreation or related field is highly desirable. Certified Park and Recreation Professional certification is required. Have a record of continuous education and training. Have experience or familiarity with the National Park and Recreation (CAPRA) accreditation process. A minimum of 12 to 15 years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration or a related field. The Board offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. The salary range for the position is $110,000-$130,000 DOQ. Residency is required. Apply online to GovHRusa with your resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by December 11, 2017, to the attention of Terrence Porter. Click here to apply: www.govhrusa.com/ current-positions/ recruitment HISTORY AND The City of Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation Department (Department) is an award-winning agency that provides a wide variety of recreational programs, facilities, and parks. The Department is governed by a nine-person Parks and Recreation Board (Board), who are appointed to serve staggered 3-year terms by the Mayor, with advice and consent of the City Council. As articulated in the City of Lee s Summit Charter, the Board has independent decision-making authority in a number of areas including the authority to hire the Administrator of Parks and Recreation. The former Administrator recently retired after 38 years of service in Lee s Summit, all as the Administrator. In addition, the Board has a specific Parks and Recreation property and sales tax levy authority. Lee s Summit, Missouri (population 95,973) is a beautiful community located approximately 25 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri. Lee s Summit Parks and
Administrator of Parks & Recreation Recreation is nationally accredited and was the recipient of the 2010 National Gold Medal Award. Rapid growth in population resulted in 46,300 residents in 1990 to over 95,900 in 2016. Lee s Summit has been recognized by several respected publications as one of the top places to live in the United States citing the low crime rate, affordable housing, and excellent community services as reasons to live in Lee s Summit. Lee s Summit offers a quality of life that is second to none through a commitment to the following principles with several examples: improvements to neighborhood parks, an outdoor aquatics center and implementation of a greenway trails program. Legacy for Tomorrow and Beyond was the updated comprehensive plan which led to the renewal of the park sales tax approved for a ten-year period through March 2018. In the fall of 2015, meetings were held with citizen groups to develop future priorities and goals for an extension of the park sales tax. Through citizen involvement, The Legacy for Tomorrow Continues strategic plan was developed which included eight community priorities and thirty-three goals. In August 2016, the voters overwhelming passed (by over 78%) the extension of the ¼ sales tax for an additional fifteen years through March 31, 2033. Affiliated groups, including the Legacy for Parks Foundation (501c3), Lee s Summit Beautification Commission, Volunteers in Parks and the Friends of the Park, are all part of the outreach to the citizens of Lee s Summit. Fiscal Responsibility To reduce operating costs, the Department relies on contracting certain activities such as mowing, officiating, and sponsorships. Other contracting possibilities are considered if they can be accomplished without adversely impacting services. Fees for programs and facilities are intended to have full-cost recovery of direct and indirect expense resulting in reduced costs to the taxpayers. The 100% cost recovery goal does not affect the opportunity for all residents of Lee s Summit to participate. Caregiver discounts, angel programs, scholarships, non-profit discounts, and work programs are among the ways to assist those unable to pay the full price for programs. Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation enjoys a positive relationship with four non-profit youth sports associations. Through annual agreements, the associations pay for operating and maintenance expenses and some capital improvements. Citizen Involvement In 1995, a visioning process resulting in a program called Legacy for Tomorrow, led to the approval of the first sales tax initiative resulting in $30 Million for capital improvements. A key project was the creation of Legacy Park, a 700-acre park which includes outdoor sports venues, community center, lake, shelters, inclusive playground, and miles of trails. The plan also included Partnerships Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation enjoys healthy partnerships with County Parks, businesses, private developers, and civic organizations providing thousands of dollars in savings to the taxpayer. At Legacy Park, land valued over $500,000 was donated to the local school district to facilitate the creation of an early childhood education center.
Lee s Summit, Missouri A community fundraising effort resulted in the creation of the Children s Memorial Butterfly Garden dedicated to the deceased children of Lee s Summit. Master Planning Included in the latest Parks Master Plan completed in 2016 are: Four outdoor splash pads, two additional community centers, an athletic fieldhouse, wave pool, outdoor ice rink, and over 40 miles of greenways including, 100 miles of connector paths to neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. The plan also includes an 8-mile blue-way connection between neighboring counties and city parks. MISSION STATEMENT Serving the needs of our citizens through activities and parks that are representative of the best practices of our profession and offering better quality of life. Environmental Stewardship Best practices follow the concept of leave it better than you found it to minimize environmental impact on parkland. Legacy Park and Lea McKeighan Park were constructed using sustainable methods including bio swales for stormwater management and the use of native materials. At Legacy Park, bio swales direct storm water into a lake which is used to irrigate 40 athletic fields and provide fire suppression systems in park buildings without using public water. Nearly 400 acres of Legacy Park is dedicated to native habitat reducing maintenance costs and serving as an outdoor environmental classroom for community programs. Active Community The Department is dedicated to being a leader in healthy lifestyles. This effort includes offering only nutritious snacks at camps, elimination of carbonated beverages at vending operations, and elimination of vending machines at the community centers. Approximately 900 enrichment programs are offered for participants of all ages and abilities. Rev Up Lee s Summit is a cooperative program with a local hospital to encourage community wellness. In addition, the City of Lee s Summit has offered the program as part of their employee wellness program. Additionally, there are over 73 miles of greenways and trails throughout the park system. METHODS TO ACHIEVE OUR MISSION Maintain clean, safe, attractive, and enjoyable facilities and parks Offer affordable, accessible, and fulfilling programs Foster community partnerships Provide stewardship of our community resources QUICK FACTS Population: 95,973 Square Miles: 65.87 Parks: 30 Acres of Parkland: 1,200 Community Centers: 3 Median Family Income: $78,377 Number of Full-Time Employees: 42 Number of Part-Time/Seasonal Employees: 400+ Bond Rating: Aaa Total Parks and Recreation Department Budget 2017: $11.9 Million CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES The next Administrator can expect to work closely with the Park Board, Parks leadership team, City Manager, City Departments, and other community stakeholders on the following challenges and opportunities: The Department recently updated its Strategic plan. The Administrator will be responsible for guiding the Board, staff, and community through the implementation of this plan.
Administrator of Parks & Recreation Lee s Summit has experienced remarkable growth over the course of its history, particularly since the 1960 s. The Community is expected to continue to grow especially with the addition of market-based rental units and more densely populated areas. This new type of growth is creating a potential need for additional parks and facilities to serve a more diverse community and population. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (not in order of importance) The Department has undertaken numerous major parks development projects over the years. It will be critical for the Administrator to work collaboratively with residents to develop strategies for the upkeep of these assets with the goal of keeping parks and facilities looking fresh and updated. The Administrator will be expected to maintain and further develop positive relationships with the elected and appointed city officials, volunteer groups, and residents. The Administrator must be approachable, energetic, and be able to establish early and lasting credibility with these groups, working together in the spirit of community cooperation for the greater good of the The Administrator must provide for effective recruitment, selection, and training of staff as well as mentoring the future leaders of the Parks and Recreation Department. The Administrator must be an effective community leader promoting healthy lifestyles, recreation, open space, environmental sustainability, as well as, the many benefits derived from participation in parks and recreation programs. The Administrator will be expected to take a fresh look at the Department s operation, programs, short and long-term plans with an eye to achieve excellence, value, and assure the continued success of the Parks and Recreation Department by: Effectively managing resources Maintaining a strong financial position Building relationships to gain efficiencies and develop mutually beneficial partnerships Have a minimum of a Bachelor s Degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or related field. A Masters in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or related field is highly desirable. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is required. Have a minimum of 12 to 15 year s progressively responsible experience and a record of achievement in an organization of similar complexity or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Have experience managing the broad range of services in the parks and recreation field. Have demonstrated financial management and budgeting skills with a record of developing fiscally responsible and forward-thinking programs. Have experience in the development of priorities for capital improvement programming, including expertise in financing options for long-term projects, and be aggressive in exploring alternative revenue sources and grants. Have demonstrated skills in collaborating with appointed officials, local Boards and Commissions and other stakeholders in the administration of park and recreation services. Have a record of practicing open and transparent government, with a genuine willingness to share information with appointed and elected officials. Have experience in intergovernmental relations, maintaining relationships, and working with appropriate local, county, state, and federal jurisdictions, and agencies in a constructive and cooperative manner. Be able to effectively represent the Department s interests to these groups and be willing to work toward consensus with these groups should a conflict arise.
Lee s Summit, Missouri Have a successful record of working with community institutions, business leaders, and citizens groups in a cooperative and friendly manner, genuinely open to the input and suggestions of all. Have a proven record of administrative skills combined with the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with an engaged, highly educated, and involved citizenry, dedicated elected officials and volunteers. Have the experience to effectively translate Park Board direction promptly, accurately, and supportively to staff, ensuring timely implementation of policy direction. Have a demonstrated record of effective communication (oral and written) skills, together with a track record of successfully resolving citizen complaints. Provide timely response and follow up to phone calls and emails. Be a strategic thinker and consensus builder among Board and staff. Be capable of attracting, developing, and retaining a highly qualified professional staff and workforce, maintaining a team-oriented approach in service delivery and administration of programs and activities. MANAGEMENT STYLE AND PERSONAL TRAITS (not in order of importance) Have a passion for parks, recreation, and service to the Project a strong professional presence in appearance, actions, and personal demeanor. Be politically astute, completely non-political, and nonpartisan in behavior and actions. Possess strong strategic planning skills with the ability and willingness to tap into emerging trends and where appropriate, utilize entrepreneurial and innovative methods to bring them to the Lee s Summit Parks and Recreation system. Be a strong advocate for the Parks system, one who clearly represents the needs of the organization to the Be a person of character having a reputation for personal, professional, and organizational integrity. Have the ability to manage an organization by example conducting all personal and professional interactions fairly, honestly, and ethically. Be an articulate and an effective communicator, both orally and in writing. Be someone who is comfortable listening to and talking with a wide spectrum of people, create an environment where staff members are completely comfortable seeking out the Administrator to discuss potentially difficult situations or problems. Be an energetic administrative manager able to successfully facilitate and assist staff to identify, analyze, prioritize, and manage issues that are critical toward meeting both current and long-range needs of the overall Have expertise in seeking out innovative and creative solutions to issues facing the community and the organization and ensure that solutions include a strong fiscal analysis.
Administrator of Parks & Recreation Be a self-starter who has the vitality and energy to motivate others. Be someone who seeks and enjoys a challenge. Be a mature, self-confident, diplomatic individual, with a calm, even temperament who can maintain composure when under pressure. Be a good listener, sincerely personable, patient, and accessible, and one who can relate to all persons in the Have the ability to prioritize, direct, carry out, and complete multiple activities and assignments at the same time. Be well organized and efficient, paying attention to detail, as well as, having a big picture approach. Be comfortable in managing multiple priority projects simultaneously. Promote a strong, service-oriented, customer service/ relations approach by all Park and Recreation employees in dealing with residential and corporate citizens. Be enthusiastic about participating and being active in community affairs.