Director of Planning, Preservation and Property Management

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the City’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Natural Lands and Urban Forestry unit of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is responsible for capital projects, grants management, land acquisitions, development and review of architectural designs and construction plans, and development of short and long-term planning. This unit also manages the department's properties, which includes licenses, leases and other property agreements.

The Director of Property, Preservation and Property Management is a senior management position providing oversight of system wide planning, preservation of historic assets, grant acquisition and management, natural lands and ecosystem management, and non-profit partnerships for special projects

This position provides assistance in Capital budget preparation, planning & strategic implementation of Capital and Ecosystem Management projects, as well as the evaluation of policy and operational and administrative functions.  Through an understanding of the social and economic climate, the Director will strategically investigate, recommend, and lead the implementation of projects in support of the department’s strategic plan.

Responsibilities

• Develop long range plans for the department, including park-wide master plans and individual park and trail plans
• Assist with planning and development of new trail systems throughout the City of Philadelphia, Conservation Plans with the Philadelphia Water Department, neighborhood park plans with local community groups and often with the Community Design Collaborative, plans for the department’s watershed parks, along with master plans and other studies
• Assist with the development and implementation of the capital program budget; Coordinates this funding with master plans and other studies, as well as the operating budget
• Acquire grants for park planning, capital projects, development and rehabilitation; Complete administrative grant requirements
• Act as department liaison to other City departments, City Council and other government officials, park users and community/friends groups
• Oversee the rehabilitation of structures, 206 of which are historic, including historic fountains, bridges, sculpture and other structures and infrastructure
• Supervise Planning, Property Management, Natural Lands, and Urban Forestry staff
• Responsible for the restoration and interpretation of the department’s historic and cultural resources
• Oversee the of the park’s professional resource archive, an important research and information tool for the city, park, Department of Public Property, students, professors and the general public
• Oversees property leases