Under the supervision of the Parks Director, directs various enterprises and financial management responsibilities on behalf of Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC). Manages and oversees the Visitor and Business Services division (VBS). Serves as a member of the organization’s leadership team. Works closely with the Director, Parks staff and affiliated organizations to define origination priorities and execute strategic plans that support the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the OCPRC.
This is a full-time, benefited position working primarily Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm out of the Parks and Recreation Administration offices located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. Must be willing and able to work weekend, evening, and holiday shifts as necessary to accommodate scheduled park events and ensure proper supervision of park activities during peak use periods.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Directs and provides oversight for the planning and operation of the VBS enterprises and assigned by the Director. Organizes and manages service agreements administered by VBS. Leads and guides staff in establishing annual cost recovery goals for the VBS and ensures the department provides excellent customer experience.
Directs the agency’s cost recovery plan, identifying and tracking cost of service and use of revenue alternatives when applicable. Works closely with each division and/or department to implement, monitor and update the plan.
Supervises the Idema Explorers Camp, Ottawa Beach Marina, Pigeon Creek winter operations, Ottawa County Parks indoor rental facilities and assigned staff in performance of job duties and responsibilities.
Manage finances for VBS. Encumbers funds, processes invoices for payment, and processes statements for purchasing cards. Develops budgets, financial reporting and financial projections. Develops reports on business financial performance. Administers and implements the organization's cost of service and cost recovery program.
Manages assigned OCPRC visitor and enterprises including evaluation, analysis, customer services decisions, product communications, pricing, goal setting, projections, research and data compilation. Also provides support to other OCPRC division.
Develops, manages, and negotiates, manages written legal agreements and memorandums of understanding for contractors, concessionaires and program partners as related to assigned enterprises. Develops RFP's and/RFQ's for assigned enterprises and implements processes for selection of service providers.
Manages and supports VBS planning. Oversees development of business plans; leads teams regarding development of new OCPRC businesses; conducts related research, analyzes & prepares business proposals, reports and presentations.
Manages registration, promotion, equipment and inventory management, tracking, point of sale processing, membership, and facility bookings. Manages vendor relations and associated contracts and budgets.
Identifies business goals and provides input to the Community Engagement division for development of marketing campaigns for the organization's enterprises. Coordinate aspects of the collaborative efforts including proofing, editing and outlining content to be included in marketing and print advertisements, social media marketing, and electronic newsletters, and other marketing initiatives.
Works cooperatively between divisions on sponsorships and grants for the organization's enterprises. Develops program packages and identifies and implements and tracks grants.
Provides service to the public, responding to questions, offering assistance, and providing information.
Collaborates internally, within and across division boundaries, to provide information and service to others in the organization to contribute to the effective operation of the organization and all staff. Provides presentations to staff, Parks Commissioners, Board of Commissioners and outside groups regarding the organization's enterprise policies and practices.
Empowers and prepares the VBS team for achieving the mission and strategic initiatives of OCPRC. Develops leaders by providing mentoring, guidance, direction, and support. Ensures that department staffs are prepared to fulfill their individual responsibilities and fosters a sense of empowerment for decision-making at all levels.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education, Training and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Communications, Hospitality Management, Park Administration, or related field and at least three to five years’ experience in business management and planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses and Certifications: A valid Michigan driver's license to operate County work truck is required.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret detailed instructions, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from vendors and suppliers. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, management, clients and vendors.
Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written forms.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or verbal instructions.
Ability to deal with problems involving many variables.
Thorough knowledge of basic fund accounting.
Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
Ability to apply supervisory principles and practices to practical work situations.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff and vendors.
Ability to plan, schedule and implement multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to prioritize projects and work effectively with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and information.
Use of computer.
Thorough knowledge of software including Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Teams, Point of Sale, Credit Card Reporting Systems, and other job software.
Physical Requirements and Information Ability to physically access all Commission lands and natural resource features including trails of all surface types, and traverse steep and uneven terrain.
Must have sufficient visual acuity to perform extended work on a computer and with written materials.
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.
Working conditions Work is generally divided between a normal office environment and the facilities and outdoor environments of the County parks. There is frequent exposure to inclement weather and airborne particulates.
Must be willing and able to work weekend, evening, and holiday shifts as necessary to accommodate scheduled park events and ensure proper supervision of park activities during peak use periods.
With the intent of enhancing the delivery of recreational services to the residents of Ottawa County by increasing efficiency and coordinating county recreational services, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners (BOC) established the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission in 1987 pursuant to Act 261 of the Public Acts of 1965.
In 2023 the Parks Commission oversees the management of 45 properties including, 27 parks, 15 open space lands totaling over 7,300 acres and over 115 miles of trails across the county.
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission expressed goal for the park system is to provide the highest quality natural resource based recreational experience possible through creative park design, high quality interpretive programs, and by implementing high standards for parks maintenance, facility construction, and security. This goal has been pursued through the diligent efforts of park staff in all aspects of park planning, administration, educational programming and park maintenance and operations.
Primary funding for the Parks & Recreation Commission activities is provided by a dedicated, county-wide parks millage first approved in 1996 being renewed twice. Most recently in 2016 with 72.3% support.