JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
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This is an outstanding opportunity to live and work in a progressive urban Midwestern county government located in America’s heartland. Jackson County is the home of both Kansas City and Independence, key Midwestern communities with much historic significance and cities that are currently important to the making of a modern regional economic hub. Jackson County is seeking a highly qualified individual to become its Director of Parks and Recreation. The selected individual should be dedicated to providing the public a standard of excellence in service, facilities, programs and preservation of resources. The ideal candidate for Director of Parks and Recreation should be committed to provide the highest quality of service with honesty and integrity to the Jackson County community. In addition, the successful individual should possess professional experience and training in the overall administration and operation of a diverse inventory of parkland, waterways, and recreation venues. It is required that the successful candidate possess a Bachelor’s degree in recreation, leisure administration or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. The selected candidate will also have five or more years of progressively responsible management experience, three years of this experience at the supervisory level. This experience can include acting as a Parks and Recreation Director in a smaller jurisdiction or as a director or division manager in the parks and recreation department of a large jurisdiction. The new Director of Parks and Recreation should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, a proven track record of results, be open to criticism and provide suggestions for improvement. Other desired characteristics of the successful candidate include honesty, excellent verbal and written communications skills, leadership ability, experience with funding, a track record in conservation, able to work effectively in a political environment and experience with the business of parks. In addition, the selected individual should possess strategic planning and implementation skills, an effective decision maker, and someone who will stand up for staff. The new Parks and Recreation Director will report to a professional Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (Deputy CAO) who will work with the recently appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Residence within Jackson County will be required within a reasonable time after appointment. On December 15, 1826, the Missouri State Legislature authorized the "County of Jackson," named after the 7th president of the United States of America, Andrew Jackson. Jackson County is one of 114 counties in Missouri and contains most of Kansas City, Missouri and 17 other cities and towns. It has a total population of approximately 662,959 within 609 square miles. There are 12 municipalities in Jackson County, which account for 97 percent of the County population. The county maintains one of the most beautiful and comprehensive parks systems in the nation. The Jackson County Parks System traces its beginning to 1922 with the development of Hayes Park near the banks of the Missouri River. A program of constant expansion and improvement since 1926 has seen the system grow from its original 32 acres to 22,000 acres. As a thriving metropolis, Jackson County is home to numerous universities offering technical, associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and is one of the fastest growing business centers in Missouri. As a community rich in the high quality of life, low crime rates, affordable tax rates, short commute times and huge residential booms are fueling unsurpassed growth. The Jackson County Department of Parks and Recreation employs 220 people and maintains one of the most beautiful and comprehensive parks systems in the nation. Today, it is the third largest county park system in the country, comprised of more than 22,000 acres of parkland, more than 3,000 acres of lakes and stream ways, with over 44 different park locations throughout the County. The Department of Parks and Recreation manages two softball and soccer complexes, twenty-six parks, three major lakes (Lake Jacomo with 970 acres of water. Longview Lake, 930 acres of water and Blue Springs Lake with 720 acres of water), three full service marinas, two public beaches, three campgrounds, an archery range, intriguing historic sites, hiking trails, bike paths, an equestrian park, polo field, outdoor education center and a 100-acre animal enclosure. Jackson County Parks and Recreation is financed solely by two funding sources. The Park Fund is based on a property tax levy of nine cents on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation, last approved by the qualified voters in Jackson County in 1990. This supports basic park maintenance operations and Ranger enforcement. In addition, the annual funding commitment of $3.5 million for the Jackson County Sports Complex (Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums) comes from this fund. The Jackson County Department of Parks and Recreation has a projected operating budget of $17,216,166. County governments are territorial and political subdivisions of the State of Missouri created by statute to aid in the administration of government and charged with the performance of state functions of governance and delivery of public services at the local level. This places the responsibility of such duties at the local level subject to statutes and the Constitution of Missouri. Jackson County operates under a home rule Charter, adopted in 1970. This Constitutional Home Rule Charter provides for a separation of the legislative and executive functions. Through an elected executive, a legislature, an elected sheriff and prosecuting attorney. The heart of the Charter is a strong elected executive, accountable to all the voters, who has the power to appoint the administrative officers of his government, the power to veto legislation, and both the responsibility and the means at hand with which to operate an effective, efficient county government. The nine-member legislature (six of whom are elected from districts and three elected at-large), is given broad legislative power and is so construed as to be truly representative of all of the people of Jackson County. Independence is the county seat; however, the main courthouse is in downtown Kansas City. Some departments of the county and the courts have offices in both Kansas City and Independence. Jackson County provides a number of services to the probate, family and circuit courts and the medical examiner. Jackson County employs 1980 persons, of which 580 work in judicial functions. The starting salary for the Director of Parks and Recreation for Jackson County will be market competitive, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected individual. The expected starting salary will be in the range of $66,980-$110,520. In addition, Jackson County will provide an excellent fringe benefit package to the successful candidate. Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business April 30, 2007, to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 West Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Voice: 505-466-9500; Fax: 505-466-1274. E-Mail: mercer@mindspring.com; Website: www.mercergroupinc.com. Jackson County is committed to workforce diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority and Female Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.