Gerald Plock Associates, Inc. 101 E. Park Blvd, Suite 600, PMB 634 Plano, Texas 75074 Phone: 1-866-748-7704 GeraldPlock@GeraldPlockAssoc.com

Director of Parks and Recreation

(Population 570,000)

Nashville and Davidson County, located in the north central part of Tennessee, is the capital of the state of Tennessee and the state?’s second largest metropolitan area. The City offers all the advantages of a thriving metropolitan area, yet still prides itself on maintaining an atmosphere of friendliness and hospitality that is not readily found in today?’s fast-paced society. Nashville?’s location and environmental setting provide many advantages. The city also offers a prime housing market to residents and newcomers alike. All sections of the city, from the renovated downtown homes to quiet established neighborhoods, offer both residents and visitors something unique and interesting, each providing a small town community with the benefits of proximity to a major urban center.

Nashville is the center of activity for a region of one and a half-million people stretching across Davidson and surrounding counties. The city?’s economy has grown significantly over the years. The area has benefited from a diverse economy, low unemployment, and consistent job growth. According to Money magazine, Nashville has the fifth best-educated workforce in the United States. This, along with the location, services and low taxes, attracts many new companies to the area. The City?’s major industries include publishing, health care, banking, education, tourism and insurance. Tennessee has no income tax on personal income and Nashville?’s property taxes are among the lowest in the country. The cost of living in Nashville is consistently below the national average. Nashville has 127 public schools serving over 75,000 students and 43 private schools in the city serving students from pre-kindergarten to adult. Nashville is also home to 18 colleges and universities, including two medical colleges. Total higher education enrollment exceeds 30,000 students annually. Seven of Nashville?’s institutions of higher education offer graduate programs. Nashville is also a leading center for medical research and education with Vanderbilt University emphasizing medical research and Meharry Medical College specializing in health care.

Cultural attractions include the Tennessee State Museum, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Fine Arts Center, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Adventure Science Center, the Parthenon, the Nashville Zoo, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Ryman Auditorium, as well as the Nashville City Ballet, and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Sports enthusiasts, residents and visitors alike, enjoy watching professional sports including: The NFL Tennessee Titans football team playing in a 68,000 seat coliseum located downtown on the east bank of the Cumberland River; the NFL Nashville Predators hockey team playing in the 17,500 seat Gaylord Entertainment Center, located in the heart of downtown; and the AAA baseball club, the Nashville Sounds, playing in Greer Stadium (owned by the Parks Department), seating 10,000 and located just south of downtown Nashville. The new state-of-the-art Coliseum is home to the Titans and also plays host to the annual NCAA Music City Bowl. This 68,000 seat stadium, an open-air facility with a natural grass field, is located downtown on the east bank of the Cumberland River.

Nashville was the first and is still one of a few U.S. cities to have a consolidated city/county government. The combination makes Metropolitan Government unique, with a diverse mixture of services. Along with Police and Fire, and ?‘traditional?’ city services, Metro also runs an extensive library system with a 300,000 square foot facility in the heart of downtown and 20 branches located throughout the county. Over 50 agencies carry out the many ?‘businesses?’ of the Metropolitan Government. Ten thousand plus employees staff these many operations, making Metro the city?’s third largest employer.

The Mayor is the chief executive, and is elected to four-year terms. The current Mayor is Bill Purcell, reelected in 2003 to a second 4-year term.

The Legislative authority of the Metropolitan Government is the Metro Council. The Council consists of 40 members, plus the Vice-Mayor, who serves as presiding officer. Members of the Council are elected for a term of four years and are limited to serving two consecutive terms.

The Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation for Nashville/Davidson County oversees the management and administration of a comprehensive park system that serves a population of approximately 570,000 and a geographic area of 533 square miles. With the first ever comprehensive Master Plan for Parks and Greenways approved in 2002, the department has received first phase funding in the amount of $34 million as part of a $260 million, ten-year capital improvements budget which will add 2,000 acres of new parklands, five new regional scale community centers, a new state of the art youth sports complex, the expansion of educational, environmental, teen, and cultural programming. The Master Plan goals include: Provide park space within ?? mile of ever resident; provide a greenway trail within 2 miles of every resident; make all facilities ADA compliant; provide neighborhood playgrounds by partnering with the local elementary schools; improve revenue generating facilities; and improving the overall operation and maintenance of the park system. The department?’s FY-04 operating budget is $28 million.

With over 500 full and part-time employees and several hundred seasonal employees, the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation manages and maintains:

• 100 parks and greenways encompassing more than 10,200 acres including several large wilderness parks
• 75 playgrounds
• 21 community centers
• 7 Golf Courses, including "The Vinny Links" a junior course and learning center
• 2 senior centers
• 2 special use centers
• 16 swimming pools
• 117 ball fields
• 175 tennis courts
• 165 slip sail-boat marina
• Two art centers
• The Parthenon Museum
• The Centennial Sportsplex, including two ice rinks, aquatics, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor tennis
• Wave Country (wave pool)
• New Skate Park (under development)
• Comprehensive system of greenway trails
• Beautification and environmental program
• Cultural programming including arts and dance
• Warner Parks, including Steeplechase and equestrian facilities
• Nature Center
• Athletic facilities and programs for baseball, softball soccer, tennis and basketball.
• Park Ranger program with certified Law Enforcement Officers

It is the mission of the Board of Parks and Recreation to provide every citizen of Nashville and Davidson County with an equal opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities within a network of parks and greenways that preserves and protects the region?’s natural resources. A key component of this service is the operation of 21 community recreation centers, the majority of which are located in inner-city neighborhoods. These centers are a vital part of the neighborhoods served and provide a variety of recreational programming for both children and adults. Metro Parks offers everything from art classes and galleries, to sports leagues, golf courses, and programs for people with disabilities. Metro Parks also plans and coordinates special events, including the nationally recognized July 4^th Celebration.

The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in admission, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities. The department does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

For more information, visit Metro Parks website: www/Nashville.gov/parks.

Under the general direction of the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, the Director of Parks and Recreation is the chief administrative officer and

responsible for overall management and supervision of the department. As a department head, the Director of Parks and Recreation consults closely with the

Mayor and Metropolitan Council and other officials concerning departmental issues. The Director also consults with civic and neighborhood groups regarding park and recreational needs.

The Parks and Recreation Director performs a full range of administrative duties, including: supervising and managing the operations, programs, services and fiscal affairs of the department; providing professional staff support and implementing all established policies, ordinances and resolutions as adopted by the Parks Board; assisting in the implementation of the Parks and Greenways Master Plan; and preparing and administering the operating and capital budget.

The Board of Parks and Recreation is a policy making board and consists of seven (7) members. One of the members of the board is a member of the Board of Education. Another member of the board is a member of the Planning Commission. Five (5) members of the board are appointed by the Mayor. Subject to civil service provisions, the Park Board is responsible for employing the Director of Parks and Recreation.

The director of parks and recreation shall have at least five (5) years?’ experience in park or recreation administration in a supervisory or executive capacity. Bachelor?’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required. Professional certification in parks and recreation management is desirable. Management experience in a large urban park system is preferred.

This person should also have knowledge/skills in:

• Principles and practices of modern parks and recreation administration, parks acquisition and maintenance.
• ADA compliance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Preparation and administration of operating and capital budgets.
• Knowledge of recreational programming for all age groups and a diverse population.
• Organizational development skills.
• Knowledge of effective practices in Human Resources and Financial Management
• Knowledge of legal issues impacting the workplace and the operation of recreation programs.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a good communicator who will keep staff informed, but who will also be willing to listen and learn.
• Be innovative and creative.
• Be able to work effectively with the Mayor, Metropolitan Council, Parks and Recreation Board and other city agencies and boards, community groups and individuals in a professional manner.
• Be comfortable working in a diverse environment.
• Be able to foster teamwork and cooperation among department employees.
• Possess a high level of professional and personal integrity.
• Be straight- forward in interactions and dealings with others.
• Possess strong leadership skills.
• Bring a strong record of outstanding leadership experience in a challenging and progressive work environment.

Salary $90,000?’s to low $100,000 depending upon qualifications and experience. In addition to salary, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County offers an excellent benefit package which includes vacation, holiday, and sick leave; health, dental, mental health and life insurance. Other available benefits include a flexible spending account, deferred compensation and a voluntary insurance program.

Interested candidates should send their resume to Gerald Plock Associates Inc., 7501 Stallion Circle, Flower Mound, TX 75022. Tel 817-464-4610 or fax to 817/464-4061. Email: geraldplock@geraldplockassoc.com. Final candidates will be subject to background check. In compliance with Tennessee Law all applications are subject to public disclosure. A complete profile/brochure can be viewed at www.Nashville.gov/parks. An Equal opportunity employer/recruiter.

To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by December 19, 2003.

Home | Who We Are | About Gerald Plock | Who We Serve | Diversity
Associates | Current Positions

?© 2001 Gerald Plock Associates, Inc. No part of this site may be reproduced (either electronically or in printed form) without written permission of Gerald Plock Associates, Inc.