Director of Recreation & Facility Services

Position Summary

The Director of Recreation and Facility Services is responsible for the overall efficient and effective management along with the day-to-day operation of the Department including the delivery of recreation and leisure programs, facilities, community & cultural development and sport tourism. This position is responsible for the maintenance of municipal facilities including the Ilderton Arena, Komoka Wellness & Recreation Complex, buildings, parks, community centres and sports fields, along with other municipal facilities including the municipal office, operations centres and libraries.  The Director of Recreation and Facility Services liaises with the Community Services Advisory Committee and a wide variety of customers, stakeholders, volunteer organizations, businesses and media.

Responsibilities

Strategic & People Leadership

• Develops and implements various policies & procedures related to the Recreation and Facility Services Department.
• Conducts ongoing reviews of existing documents.
• Develops new documents and gains support through the Community Services Advisory Committee prior to implementation.
• Develops the annual Business Plan for the Recreation and Facility Services Department setting goals that are in line with the Municipalities Strategic Plan.
• Creates performance goals individually and works with direct reports in setting their work plans for the year.
• Researches and develops new ways to deliver programs and services by encouraging partnerships.
• Provides leadership and direction to the Recreation and Facility Services department.
• Directs the conduct of regular performance reviews, appraisals and follow up action. Takes and/or recommends action for employees, i.e., pay increases, new assignments, promotions, training, disciplinary action, or dismissal.
• Recommends organizational structure changes, leads recruitment processes, and makes effective hiring and/or promotion recommendations/decisions.
• Provides functional advice and leadership to senior management team, including staff development, performance management/review, coaching and mentoring, staff engagement, rewards and recognition, disability management, health, safety, and discipline.

Community Outreach

• Liaises with various organizations and groups in the delivery of services.
• Acts as the main contact for the municipality with all community groups.
• Works towards a positive relationship with the various groups such as, service clubs, minor sport, businesses, and volunteer organizations.
• Attends various meetings with each of the groups on a regular basis to promote the services of the municipality and develops relationships that could facilitate partnerships with groups. 
• Responds to inquiries weekly on a number of issues brought forward from the groups.
• Liaises with internal stakeholders such as the Library and YMCA in the successful delivery of services and programs.

Financial Management

• Prepares the annual budget for the department consistent with Municipal policies and Council’s directions.
• Ensures completion of capital projects including the development of tender documents and specifications.
• Monitors expenditures in relevant budget areas and recommends adjustments as needed.

Facilities & Asset Management

• Provide strategic leadership in community asset management, ensuring facilities meet operational, safety, and accessibility standards
• Collaborate with internal departments to coordinate preventative maintenance programs, optimizing service delivery and minimizing disruptions
• Oversee capital planning for municipal buildings and infrastructure, aligning with long-term community goals and budgetary frameworks
• Direct and monitor facility improvement projects, ensuring timely delivery, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance

Sustainability & Energy Leadership

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive municipal energy plan, integrating conservation strategies and performance metrics
• Lead initiatives to advance sustainability goals, including net-zero targets, green building practices, and community education
• Champion innovative approaches to energy efficiency, working across departments and with external partners to implement impactful solutions
• Promote a culture of environmental stewardship within the organization and the broader community

Other Responsibilities

• Acts as a member of the Emergency Control Group.
• Undertakes special projects and performs other duties as assigned in accordance with departmental or corporate objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• University degree in a relevant field of study, such as Recreation and Leisure, Recreation, Facility and Park Management, Public Administration, or equivalent post-secondary education and/or experience.
• Additional specialized courses related to Recreation and Facility Services.

Experience

• 10-15 years of progressive experience working in an office environment, ideally in a municipal, recreation or facility management role.

Skills & Abilities

• An understanding of how municipal budgets work.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of Facility Operations.
• Knowledge of Recreational Programming and Planning.
• Superior leadership, organizational, interpersonal relations, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with elected and non-elected officials and staff at all levels.
• Understanding of word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software, web/eservices in a municipal environment; the Internet as a research tool; and knowledge of network and records security management.
• Have sound judgment and poses the ability to champion the department to stakeholders, city staff and the public.

Other Requirements

• Minimum of a valid Ontario class G driver’s license in good standing.
• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.

Middlesex Centre offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive employee benefit plan, including participation in the OMERS pension plan for this position. Compensation for this position is currently $137,494.50 to $163,683.00 per year.

We can offer you:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits with a health care spending account
• An employee and family assistance program
• A culture that supports ongoing training and professional development.