Division Manager (parks/planning AND Design)

Job Title: Planning & Design Division Leader

Cincinnati Parks is seeking a collaborative, innovative, and motivational leader for our Planning & Design Division. The primary focus of the Planning & Design Division is to manage Parks' Capital Improvement Program, which is seeing an infusion of funding through the newly created Cincinnati Southern Railway Trust. This position reports directly to the Director of Parks and is part of the Parks senior leadership team. The new leader of Planning & Design will help develop and implement the plan to preserve, renovate, and improve parks, greenspaces, facilities, and amenities throughout the city.

Future projects include neighborhood park renovations, such as Owl's Nest, Glenway, Inwood, McEvoy, and MLK Parks; playground replacements; operations facilities renovations; multi-use trail projects; a riverfront marina; stream restoration in California Woods; the restoration of Krohn Conservatory; and other transformative projects. Planning & Design also manages smaller ongoing maintenance projects, including sinkholes and stormwater, masonry steps, handrails and accessibility improvements, roofs, water infrastructure, roads, and sidewalks, among others. In addition to overseeing design and planning, this position is heavily focused on construction management. The leader will be responsible for managing large-scale capital construction projects from planning through closeout, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with all codes, regulations, and City standards. This includes coordinating with contractors, architects, engineers, and consultants; reviewing and approving plans, specifications, and change orders; monitoring construction progress; resolving field conflicts; and ensuring quality assurance throughout all phases of project delivery. The role also requires implementing effective contract administration and procurement strategies, maintaining strong relationships with vendors and community stakeholders, and providing regular updates on project status to Parks leadership and City officials. The position directs the work assignments and projects of employees such as architects, engineers, planners, and project managers. The ideal candidate is a strong team builder, focused on creating a positive and engaging workplace culture that is mission-driven and works collaboratively to preserve and improve parks and public greenspaces for the Cincinnati community.