Parks & Recreation Director

Salary: $ - $ Annually

Read more about this exciting opportunity here:

City of Wilsonville Parks & Recreation Director (Download PDF reader)

The Parks and Recreation Department fosters a healthy, active, and connected community through innovative programs and exceptional service. Wilsonville’s parks encompass nearly 300 acres of open space and attract families, sports groups, and visitors from across the region. The department delivers this mission through strategic planning, capital improvements, and diverse programs and events. With 23.5 full‑time equivalent staff, including seasonal employees, the team works closely with three advisory bodies—the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Arts, Culture & Heritage Commission (ACHC), and the Kitakata Sister City Advisory Board—to recommend improvements, support cultural initiatives, and enhance community spaces.

The department reflects the perfect balance of tradition and progress. We respect time‑honored processes while embracing new ideas that drive growth and innovation. Our parks are valued whether they have been part of Wilsonville for decades or joined the system recently, and our programs combine beloved classics with fresh, creative offerings that keep the community engaged. Through recent challenges, the team has shown resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.

We support one another across all levels of the organization and appreciate every member for the unique perspectives and skills they bring. While we do not always agree, we always find a way forward. The Wilsonville way is more than a phrase or a mindset. It is a shared commitment to collaboration, growth, and community.

We are seeking a dynamic and forward‑thinking leader to serve as the Parks & Recreation Director, providing strategic, visionary, and collaborative leadership to the department. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional managerial, communication, and critical thinking skills. We value individuals who take a long‑term view, adapt quickly to new information, and adjust priorities effectively in response to changing demands. Resilience, flexibility, creativity, and innovation are essential for success in this role.

Leading with humility, the Director will see organizational successes and challenges as shared opportunities for growth. This individual will approach strategy development collaboratively, leveraging the talents of the team and fostering an environment that strives for excellence while maintaining a supportive culture. The Director will champion an organizational climate that values the whole person and encourages respectful dialogue in pursuit of the best outcomes.

The successful candidate will be an advocate for quality service and accountability, demonstrate a commitment to follow‑through, and build trusted relationships. They will approach challenges with professionalism, confidence, energy, and a positive outlook. Balancing active listening with decisive leadership, the Director will inspire innovation and guide the department toward shared goals. Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences are critical.

This may be the perfect opportunity for you and for Wilsonville! To become our newest team member, please complete and submit an application, ensuring you provide a letter of interest.

You will find more information about the position, including minimum and preferred qualifications, in the recruitment brochure (Download PDF reader) or in the job description below.

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Plans, directs, and oversees the Parks and Recreation Department which consists of parks maintenance, recreation programs, senior services, and parks and recreation facilities. The position is responsible for development and implementation of various city master plans, setting goals and priorities, development of department budget, and supervision of staff.

The Park and Recreation Director reports to the Assistant City Manager.

Essential Responsibilities

Develop,…