Director of Parks and Recreation

Des Moines is looking for a creative, energetic and collaborative leader who sees possibilities and is ready to roll up their sleeves. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and team builder who is equally comfortable navigating the practical realities of day to day operations.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial and operational judgement, communicate effectively with employees, city leadership, elected officials, community members and partners, and understand how to balance priorities with available resources.

Most importantly, the City is looking for someone who can see the potential in what Des Moines already has and bring the leadership, creativity and energy needed to turn that potential into meaningful results for the community.

Our Community Enrichment Services offers social, educational and recreational programs that support health and lifelong learning in Des Moines. Our program areas include Senior Services, Youth Programs, Camps, Sports, and Special Events.

Des Moines is a mostly residential community that is situated along Puget Sounds midway between Seattle and Tacoma in Washington State. The city is long and narrow, 603 miles long and 2.1 wide covering 4, 340 acres. It includes various parks, fields, waterfront and trails.

To learn more about the structure, budget and community programs within Parks and Recreation, see our attached recruitment flyer.

Open until filled. First review of applications on Monday, October 26, 2026.

$ - $ annually. DOE

The Parks & Recreation Director serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and provides strategic and operational leadership for the City's parks and recreation system. The Director is responsible for the overall direction, performance and administration of the department, including parks and open spaces, recreation programs, senior services, facilities, rentals, community events and other assigned services and initiatives.

The Director leads long-range planning and establishes department priorities that align with City Council direction, the City's Strategic Plan, community needs and available resources. The position is responsible for department operations, financial management, capital and asset planning, service delivery, community engagement, partnerships and the development of a high-performing team.

The Director leads in a dynamic, resource-conscious environment that requires the ability to move effectively between long-range strategy and day-to-day problem solving. The Director is expected to be visible, accessible and actively engaged with employees, programs, facilities and community activities while maintaining responsibility for the overall direction and performance of the department.

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for the City's parks and recreation system and establishes department goals, priorities, work plans and performance expectations consistent with City priorities and community needs.
• Leads the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of the City's Parks & Recreation Master Plan and other long-range plans, translating adopted priorities into realistic work plans, investments and measurable outcomes.
• Oversees the delivery and continuous improvement of recreation programs, senior services, parks, facilities, rentals, community events and other assigned services with a focus on community benefit, accessibility, quality and responsible use of City resources.
• Provides leadership for the stewardship, maintenance and improvement of City parks, open spaces, facilities and recreational assets and establishes priorities for…