Director of Parks and Recreation

The Director of Parks and Recreation provides strategic leadership, administrative direction, and oversight of all activities of the Parks and Recreation Department (excluding Golf and Library), including, but not limited to city parks, special events, recreation programs and facilities, public art initiatives, trails, park operations and maintenance, facility operations and maintenance, capital, projects, and all relevant items pertaining to the department. This position develops, implements, and enforces policies, programs, and initiatives that enhance quality of life and promote community well-being. The Director enforces and sets expectations and standards of excellence, collaborating with department leadership to ensure quality and performance align accordingly. This position requires strong leadership, creativity, and independent judgement. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

• Provides high-level support to the Executive Director by driving the execution of department priorities, translating strategic direction into actionable initiatives, ensuring operational alignment across divisions, and advancing organizational goals through proactive leadership.
• Direct the activities of the Parks and Recreation Department, which include planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and / or service offerings; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and / or standards.
• Supervise direct reports including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, coaching and counseling, employees and recommendation for dismissal; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Act as a liaison to select community groups, private sector, quasi-public, and governmental agencies, educational institutions, businesses, non-profit groups, various boards and resident groups to advance the overall goals of the department.
• Establish appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of programs, service delivery methods and procedures; and allocate resources accordingly.
• Actively participate in City and department-wide initiatives, activities, and special events maintaining a strong and visible presence that supports staff, reinforces department priorities, and upholds established quality, safety, and service standards.
• Foster a positive workplace culture and support staff development through mentorship, training opportunities, and ongoing professional growth. 
• Support collaboration across the Parks and Recreation Department divisions by cultivating positive working relationships, encouraging cross-divisional partnerships, and aligning services with broader department goals.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and clear communication by fostering transparency, actively engaging staff, and representing the department’s interests while contributing to a unified vision. 
• Plan, manage, and monitor the proper allocation and utilization of staff according to projected needs and directives. Administer and carry out City policies and procedures in a supportive and productive manner. 
• Lead the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies, capital projects; approve expenditures; and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. 
• Lead grant writing and submission.
• Lead for department capital projects.
• Take lead in investigating and resolving complex or sensitive citizen complaints or problems. 
• Prepare reviews, analyze, and evaluate a variety of narrative and statistical data and feedback regarding division programs, services, and activities to monitor success in terms of utilization, customer satisfaction, cost effectiveness, and overall value to the community. 
• Plan for the department’s future in all aspects which includes, strategic planning and goal setting, capital improvement programs, alterations to existing buildings and construction of new facilities.
• Stay current with the profession’s methodology, practices, trends, and issues.
• Develop and strengthen professional and administrative knowledge and skills. Remain visible within the professional community.
• Leads the development and implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and other long-term strategic plans to ensure alignment with City priorities and goals.
• Collaborate with the Development Services Department to review and facilitate park dedication and development proposals.
• Oversee the protection, stewardship, and sustainable use of the City’s parks, trails, open spaces, and natural resources.
• Conducts community needs assessments and analyzes trends to guide program design, park development, and service delivery.
• Develops policy guidelines, including park and facility rules, fees and charges, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other matters related to department operations.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to parks, recreation, and facility operations.
• Oversee contracts, agreements, and procurement processes related to department operations.
• Fosters positive community relationships and promotes public awareness of parks, recreation programs, facilities, and special events.
• Champions a culture of excellent customer service by ensuring staff interactions with the public are courteous, responsive, and solution oriented.
• Oversee the development and quality control of department-created marketing materials, including print, digital, and social media content.
• Ensures citizen concerns, requests, and complaints are responded to with professionalism, including appropriate follow-up and resolution.
• Represents the department at community meetings, events, and regional forums to strengthen partnerships and enhance service delivery.
• Promote accessibility to programs and facilities.
• Prepares and presents agenda items, correspondence, memorandums, reports, and recommendations for supervisors, City Council, boards, and commissions. Serves as liaison as assigned.
• Provides staff support for community organizations and special events in partnership with local agencies and civic groups.
• Provides planning and oversight for the City’s parks, trails, recreation, and facility operations and maintenance divisions.
• Ensures parks and public facilities are maintained to City standards for safety, quality, and accessibility. Ensure recreation activities are executed to City standards.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs, facility inspections, and capital repair projects to extend asset life and ensure operational efficiency.
• Coordinates with contractors, engineers, and City departments to plan and implement facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades.
• Assists with emergency operations and provides department support during citywide emergencies and special circumstances.
• Maintain active involvement in professional organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) to stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and emerging standards.
• Encourages staff participation in relevant training and development opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, Kinesiology, Psychology, or a related field
• Seven years of experience in parks operations, project management, budgeting, recreation programming, and/or special events.
• Five years of supervisory experience in leadership or management capacity in Parks and Recreation administration for a municipality.
• Five years in an upper-level management role in Parks and Recreation for a municipality.

Required Certificates and Licenses

• Current Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).
• Texas Driver’s License or ability to obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days per state law. 
• First Aid and CPR/AED training certifications are required or must obtain within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, Kinesiology, Psychology, or a related field. 
• More than seven years of experience in a municipal or government parks and recreation administration in an executive leadership position.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in an Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Role or higher for a municipality.
• Current Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credentials, through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
• Current Certified Festival and Event Associate or Executive (CFEA or CFEA) credentials, through the International Festival and Events Association (IFEA).

• Knowledge of modern principles and practices of parks and recreation administration, programming, planning, and maintenance.
• Knowledge in parks operations, project management, budgeting, recreation programming, and special events.
• Strong recreation programming skills for delivering high-quality services, with the ability to support and enhance department activities and special events.
• Strong leadership, teambuilding, organizational, and supervisory skills with the ability to develop and mentor staff, oversee quality control, and ensure effective performance.
• Ability to plan strategically, analyze complex issues, and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, community organizations, and the public.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles and fiscal management practices applicable to municipal Parks and Recreation.
• Knowledge of personnel management; ability to foster a positive organizational culture and to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
• Knowledge of community engagement practices and service delivery.
• Knowledge of interdepartmental collaboration and municipal government operations. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend documents related to operation and training manuals, memos, policies and procedures.  
• Ability to communicate with other employees and the public in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effect, and reasonable courses of action.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. 
• Ability to plan and schedule operations.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing with proper punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic goals and policies.
• Skilled in problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
• Skilled in public speaking, advocacy, and representing the department to the community and stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary department.
• Ability to assess community needs and adapt services accordingly. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle and feel items, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. On occasion, you may need to carry up to 50 pounds; or pull, push, or drag up to 50 pounds of materials and supplies. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.