Deputy Director of Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods

Deputy Director of Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods Internal Candidates must apply through Jobs Hub in Workday. All positions close Friday morning at 12:01am. Apply to join our team today! The City of Arvada promotes Equal Pay for Equal Work. Starting salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity. The range listed reflects the entire range and typical placement is entry to mid range. Pay Range: $130,897.95-$178,982.87 Annual . Job Overview The City of Arvada is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and visionary public sector leader to serve as our next Deputy Director of Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods. This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader who thrives in a shared leadership environment and is passionate about creating vibrant places, strengthening neighborhoods, and enhancing the quality of life for a growing community. A resume is required at time of application. Key Responsibilities Lead diverse teams and service areas, manage complex budgets and capital projects, and navigate politically sensitive issues with sound judgment, transparency, and professionalism. Balance community expectations, organizational priorities, and fiscal responsibility while empowering employees to innovate and continuously improve. Assume responsibilities in parks and urban design, parks operations, Majestic View Nature Center, golf operations, festivals and special events, public arts, housing and neighborhood services, or other functional areas based on organizational priorities. Provide executive leadership and oversight for assigned divisions, programs, services, and initiatives to ensure effective service delivery, operational excellence, and achievement of departmental and organizational objectives. Exercise delegated authority and provide leadership continuity during the Director’s absence, acting on behalf of the Director as assigned. Partner with the Director in developing, implementing, evaluating, and continuously improving departmental strategic plans, business plans, workforce strategies, and performance measures. Oversee financial operations, including development and administration of operating and capital budgets, long‑range financial planning, resource allocation, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning. Lead complex, high‑profile cross‑functional initiatives with significant community, organizational, operational, or financial impact. Evaluate emerging community needs, industry trends, regulatory requirements, and organizational opportunities to inform strategic planning, policy development, and service delivery decisions. Conduct executive‑level analysis of policy, operational, financial, and organizational issues, and develop recommendations for the Director, Executive Leadership Team, and City Council. Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with elected officials, community organizations, neighborhood groups, business leaders, governmental agencies, boards, commissions, and other stakeholders. Represent the department and the City before City Council, boards, commissions, community groups, professional organizations, governmental agencies, and the media as assigned. Provide executive oversight of contract negotiations, intergovernmental agreements, public‑private partnerships, leases, and other strategic agreements necessary to support departmental operations and community initiatives. Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, inclusion, continuous improvement, and customer service consistent with the City’s mission, vision, values, and leadership expectations. Direct organizational change initiatives and support the development of policies, procedures, systems, and business practices that improve organizational effectiveness and service delivery. Serve as a strategic advisor to the Director and executive leadership team on matters affecting assigned service areas, departmental operations, community priorities, and organizational performance. Respond to complex, sensitive, or high‑profile community concerns and issues, ensuring timely resolution and effective communication with stakeholders. Serve as a liaison between community, staff and City Council. Attend evening and weekend meetings, public events, community engagement activities, and emergency response situations as needed. Travel to and attend team and organizational meetings, training, events and activities, representing the department professionally. Essential Supervisory Duties Develop and/or participate in the development of staff work plans, measures, and track progress toward goals; prepare and conduct timely performance appraisals. Make decisions or recommendations for hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary action, and other personnel actions as necessary. Coach, counsel, and support staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Consistently educate and advise staff on organizational rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Promote creative thinking, problem solving, and participatory decision‑making. Provide training, job enrichment, and professional growth opportunities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge of public administration, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and municipal government operations. Advanced knowledge of budgeting, financial management, capital improvement programming, and long‑range financial planning. Solid knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing assigned service areas. Solid knowledge of community engagement, public participation, stakeholder relationship management, and public communication practices. Knowledge of policy development, legislative processes, and governmental decision‑making. Knowledge of contract administration, procurement practices, intergovernmental agreements, and public‑private partnerships. Ability to provide visionary and strategic leadership in a complex and dynamic public sector environment. Ability to effectively lead diverse operational areas, programs, services, and multidisciplinary teams. Ability to develop and implement long‑range strategies that align resources with community priorities and City Council direction. Ability to evaluate complex issues, analyze alternatives, and make sound recommendations considering operational, financial, legal, political, and community impacts. Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with elected officials, residents, business leaders, partner agencies, boards, commissions, and employees at all organizational levels. Ability to navigate politically sensitive situations with professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment. Ability to lead organizational change initiatives and foster innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Ability to negotiate and administer complex contracts, agreements, and partnerships. Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects while maintaining focus on strategic objectives and operational effectiveness. Ability to communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of parks and recreation services, urban design, open space management, neighborhood services, housing, cultural arts, environmental stewardship, community development, or related municipal functions. Experience leading multidisciplinary departments with diverse operational and community‑facing responsibilities. Experience working directly with elected officials, boards, commissions, and community advisory groups. Experience overseeing capital projects, public infrastructure investments, and large‑scale community initiatives. Familiarity with municipal performance management systems and continuous improvement methodologies. License & Certification A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required. Education Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BS, BBA) in Parks and Recreation, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resource, Housing, or related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Work Experience Eight (8) or more years of experience managing related issues and three (3) years of supervisory experience. Master’s Degree preferred. Physical Demands Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal. Hazards minimal exposure to injury or accident. Schedule and Work Environment Exposure to routine office noise and equipment. Position requires evening and weekend meetings, public events, community engagement activities, and emergency response situations as needed. Benefits The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package. Legal Notice The City of Arvada is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Arvada