Project Lead, Strategic Recreation Initiatives

Scope of Position:
Under the general guidance of the Director, Recreation, the Project Lead, Strategic Recreation Initiatives, will provide strategic planning, project management and coordination, in addition to communication, oversight of administrative support functions and confidential services to advance key departmental priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- The Project Lead will manage the implementation of key strategic projects/priorities of the Department. This may include leading the preparation of master plans and facility reviews, new or existing policy reviews, continuous process improvement, community engagement and awareness, or other strategic initiatives.
- Provide support to the department through strategic guidance and facilitation.
- Provide advice and recommend activities relating to departmental and cross-divisional policy-driven projects and programs identified by the Director, Recreation and/or General Manager Community Development.
- Contribute as a member of the Recreation Department team in the formulation of philosophy, mission, goals and objectives related to the provision of excellent services and programs.
- Assist in the development and management of key initiatives from inception and business case to deployment and post implementation review for the Recreation Department.
- Accountable for assisting in the execution of projects and plans through research, analysis and monitoring of relevant factors such as technological and organizational resources to meet service standards, budget, timelines, policies and guidelines in alignment with Recreation and Corporate Strategic Direction.
- Lead projects and initiatives on behalf of the Director, working with elected officials, members of the Corporate Leadership Team, and other senior leaders within the organization.
- Proactively research key priorities to ensure project initiatives gain stakeholder support and commitment.
- Develop and formulate a clear understanding of Norfolk County’s position, and role in delivering amenities, services, program integration and support facilities that will support the vibrancy of the community’s Recreation infrastructure where applicable.
- In consultation with the Director, Recreation, define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and performance indicators.
- In consultation with the Director, Recreation, develop project schedules, workplan, budgets, milestones, and resource requirements.
- Conduct Recreation specific research using internal and external resources to gain insight of market trends, current programs, processes and practices to support management and recommend ways to improve operations, programs, services, processes and communication messaging.
- Build and foster strong working relationships and collaborative arrangements with internal and external customers, stakeholders, consultants, business and community leaders, municipal and provincial partners, and the public to meet the divisional goals and objectives and result in customer service satisfaction.
- Present and convey concepts and conditions to stakeholders; develop reports, proposals and make recommendations to management for effective decision-making.
- Analyze and report on the impacts of current or contemplated business decisions and their impact on budget, resourcing, partnership development, user group impact, etc.
- Troubleshoot and provide recommendations to aid in resolution in matters of importance which may be political, sensitive, and in some cases, confidential in nature.
- Anticipate and identify emerging issues and challenges to enable informed decision-making.
- Prepare staff reports for Council on project-related activities.
- Prepare purchasing/bid documents, when applicable
- Work collaboratively with Norfolk County staff, industry, and community partners to implement project tasks and build strong connections that will enable other strategic initiatives.
- Coordinate and manage progress with project vendors and oversee timely delivery of contractor tasks, when applicable

**Requirements**:
Knowledge and Experience:

- Post-Secondary degree or diploma in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Sports Management, Event Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years working in Community Development (or a related field) and building relationships with external and internal stakeholder business consulting services organization in a development or project implementation/coordination role.
- Certification in disciplines such as quality assurance, project management, change management, strategic planning, municipal administration considered an asset.

Skill and Abilities:

- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate project work and deliverables, including project budget, scope, quality, and timelines.
- Ability to effectively prioritize across multiple projects in a complex, multi-sta