DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION

Open until filled. Posted June 8, 2026.

About the role

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Director of Parks & Recreation is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of parks, sports complexes, recreational programs, public facilities and grounds, city cemeteries, health & wellness, city events, grant procurement and administration. Additionally, assigned to the City Manager’s executive team to provide managerial oversight of assigned special projects.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work.
• Perform after work hours as required (nights and weekends).
• Provide directions to assigned divisions, departments, offices, programs, and staff regarding how to advance assigned outcomes and associated strategies and policies, including policy and procedural revisions.
• Direct professional, technical, and other employees in the assigned sections in the development, operation, and maintenance of construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing repairs, painting, and custodial services of public buildings.
• Provide executive leadership on multi-department, community, and council-related special projects.
• Provide professional and administrative-level support to the City Manager.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to City Manager and Council on special projects or community-related services.
• Provide managerial oversight of facility and ground assets.
• Oversee the planning, organizing, and execution of community and major events, recreation programs, services, and activities to attract tourism and economic activity.
• Under the direction of the City Manager, may serve as the City’s representative at local, regional, and state meetings and functions.
• Serve as the City Manager’s Liaison on the Special Events Advisory Board and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
• Responsible for the administration and managerial oversight of facilities, parks, sports complexes, recreational programs, and health & wellness initiatives; inclusive of aquatic activities.
• Responsible for administrative matters pertaining to the operations of City facilities and grounds.
• Develop programs, philosophies, and objectives to meet community needs; work with community, local, school, state, federal, and volunteer organizations in developing and promoting community and support services.
• Responsible for planning and development of ongoing capital improvements to all public facilities and grounds.
• Prepare departmental budget proposal and manage ongoing budgets for Parks & Recreation, General Maintenance, City Cemeteries, Public Grounds, and Health & Wellness.
• Evaluate full-time department employees, part-time employees, seasonal employees, and volunteers.
• Research and recommend programs, policies, and administrative techniques to the City Manager for a more effective operation of the departments.
• Seek out grant opportunities to help fund objectives and coordinate with the City Manager on grant applications.
• Coordinate with School District and other community entities to make best use of community facilities and other resources.
• Effectively respond to public inquiries and resolve complaints.
• Administer and provide managerial oversight of the parks and recreation department, general maintenance department, and health & wellness department to ensure conformance with community expectations and applicable laws and regulations, to maximize safety and minimize risk.
• Participate in the City’s Emergency Management Committee and Plan.
• Complete all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field is required, plus five (5) years of experience in managing and directing.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration preferred.
• Valid Texas State Driver’s License and evidence of a good driving record.
• Ability to schedule time to accommodate evening and weekend work.

Skills

• Knowledge of current principles and practices related to planning, development, budget preparation, and administration.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of maintenance and use of public buildings and park facilities.
• Strong understanding of leadership principles and practices, office management functions, and work organization.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and implement comprehensive community and support services programs.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, analyze, and utilize a variety of reports and records to improve performance and programs.
• Ability to work effectively with others and maintain effective interpersonal and customer relation skills.
• Ability to write clear and concise memos, reports, proposals, and other written documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, including the ability to make clear and effective proposals and presentations.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Working Conditions and Physical Capabilities

Work is performed in office settings and at various on-site activities and events. The following physical capabilities are required:

• Hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation skills to operate computers and various office machinery.
• Good listening skills.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings.
• Ability to sit for long periods.
• Physical stamina to sustain long work days, including evening meetings.
• Physical ability to access parks and recreation facilities sufficient to monitor programs and evaluate staff performance.

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 made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.