Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

Job Type: Full Time (Exempt)

Shift: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or as required

Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred). Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in parks & recreation administration, including supervisory experience.

Valid driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record. CPRP or CPRE certification preferred.

Knowledge of municipal parks and recreation operations, best practices, and trends. Strong leadership, team‑building, and staff development skills. Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, public presentations). Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a dynamic environment. Skills in budgeting, data analysis, and performance management. Ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally; skilled in strategic planning, organizational development, and employee performance management.

Skilled in planning, organizing, assigning, directing, and reviewing work; supervising, motivating, and evaluating staff to obtain effective results and meet established time frames. Interpersonal skills necessary to provide effective leadership to subordinates, maintain a variety of internal and external contacts, and work cooperatively with superior and subordinate staff. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment in complex operational, personnel, and financial matters.

The Assistant Parks and Recreation Director oversees professional, skilled, maintenance, and administrative staff while supporting the Director in managing all departmental operations, programs, and services. The role provides leadership across multiple divisions, ensuring alignment with City policies, service standards, and organizational goals. It guides the development and execution of departmental initiatives, performance measures, and strategic priorities, and serves as acting Director when needed.

Assist the Director in long‑range planning, policy development, budgeting, and department‑wide initiatives. Manage daily departmental operations in recreation, parks maintenance, aquatics, athletics, events, and other functional areas. Coordinate with division supervisors to establish goals, monitor performance, and ensure program effectiveness. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement throughout the department. Serve as Acting Director in the Director’s absence.

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned division managers and staff; establish performance expectations, promote professional development and support succession planning. Lead cross‑functional team and collaborate with City departments to accomplish strategic initiatives and operational priorities. Promote a positive, inclusive work environment aligned with City values.

Oversee implementation of capital projects, facility improvements, grant‑funded initiatives, and special projects. Support the development and evaluation of recreation programs, community events, and service offerings. Ensure compliance with safety standards, policies, and federal/state/local regulations.

Assist in developing, administering, and monitoring the department’s operating and capital budgets while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources. Monitor expenditures and financial performance across divisions. Identify grant opportunities and support grant applications, tracking, and reporting.

Represent the department at public meetings, community events, advisory boards, and stakeholder gatherings. Build and maintain partnerships with schools, nonprofits, athletic associations, and community groups. Respond to citizen inquiries, complaints, and suggestions with professionalism and solutions‑oriented communication. Develop…