Recreation Services Director – Position Description

Reports to: Deputy City Manager

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the City’s Recreation Services Department, one of the City’s primary quality-of-life service providers. Directs the planning, development, operation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive recreation system that includes parks, beaches, aquatic facilities, athletic programs and facilities, tennis and racquet facilities, golf operations, community centers, cultural and educational programs, nature-based services, camps, special events, and other community amenities.

Aligns departmental priorities with the City’s Strategic Plan, the Department’s Strategic Plan, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and capital improvement initiatives while ensuring exceptional customer experiences through the responsible stewardship of public resources, operational excellence, service innovation, fiscal sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Provides executive leadership for departmental operations, workforce development, facility planning, capital investments, program development and service delivery strategies that enhance the quality of life for residents, visitors, and the broader Boca Raton community.

• Provides executive leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the Recreation Services Department in alignment with the City’s Strategic Plan, the Department’s Strategic Plan, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and organizational priorities.
• Serves as the City’s principal advisor on recreation facilities and services, community wellness, quality-of-life initiatives, and emerging industry trends.
• Leads all departmental operations through subordinate managers, ensuring organizational effectiveness, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service.
• Shapes, implements, and monitors the Department’s Strategic Plan, long-range initiatives, departmental goals, performance measures, and service standards that support continuous improvement in alignment with City priorities.
• Guides the planning, delivery, evaluation, and enhancement of comprehensive recreation services, including park, preserve and athletic field maintenance, libraries, aquatics, athletics, racquet sports, golf, community centers, adaptive recreation, nature center, special events, outdoor recreation, and other community programs.
• Directs the planning, design, construction, renovation, replacement, and lifecycle management of recreation facilities and related capital improvement projects.
• Coordinates capital improvement planning and project implementation in collaboration with City departments, consultants, contractors, and other public agencies.
• Develops and maintains a collaborative working relationship with the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District to coordinate strategic planning, capital improvement initiatives, funding opportunities, recreation programming and policies, and shared community pride.
• Evaluates community needs, demographic trends, and industry best practices to develop innovative recreation programs, facilities, and services.
• Ensures effective stewardship of public assets through sound risk management, regulatory compliance, and responsible operational oversight.
• Promotes sustainable, resilient, and accessible facility design and operational practices.
• Develops departmental policies, operating procedures, and administrative practices that ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and City policies.
• Oversees the recruitment, selection, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and professional development of management and supervisory…