Director of Parks and Recreation

About This Role

Directing the Department of Parks & Recreation, this position provides full supervision of a large, dynamic agency responsible for delivering leisure and recreation services that reflect the changing needs of a growing, diverse population and enhance the community's quality of life. This is a high-visibility career opportunity that involves regular interaction with the Board of County Supervisors, the Parks Commission, other County departments, recreation leagues, community groups, and citizens. The Director serves as a senior leader responsible for the overall administration and operation of the department, including long-term vision, strategic planning, policy development, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and overall management of the County's Parks and Recreation Department, ensuring programs, facilities, and services align with the department's Mission, Vision, and Goals and support the County's long-term strategic objectives
• Develop, implement, and evaluate department-wide strategies, goals, and policies for recreation, parks, and cultural services, ensuring alignment with County priorities and community needs
• Direct, coordinate, and oversee multiple divisions and program areas, including recreation programming, park maintenance, facility operations, and capital development, ensuring effective collaboration, performance accountability, and achievement of departmental outcomes
• Oversee the development and administration of the department's operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility and identifying opportunities for revenue generation and cost efficiency
• Provide leadership and direction to department management staff, including setting priorities, assigning objectives, mentoring leaders, and fostering a high-performing, service-oriented organizational culture
• Direct and oversee major facility, park, and program development projects, ensuring alignment with community interests, County policies and standards, timelines, and budgets
• Review, approve, and monitor departmental programs and initiatives on an ongoing basis — analyzing costs, revenues, staffing levels, and population served — to ensure performance expectations are met and outcomes align with County-wide goals
• Develop and sustain strong internal and external partnerships, representing the department in meetings, committees, task forces, advisory groups, and effectively communicating priorities, opportunities, and community impact to County leadership and stakeholders
• Serve as a liaison to volunteer groups, sports leagues, environmental organizations, and civic partners, cultivating relationships that expand the department's reach and resources
• Maintain the department's public visibility and image as a valued community resource, meeting directly with citizens and community groups to promote available resources, gather input, and address concerns with a strong customer service standard