This executive leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight for the City's parks and recreation system. The Director is responsible for the overall direction, performance, and administration of the department, including parks, open spaces, recreation programs, senior services, facilities, rentals, and community events. The position suits a creative, energetic, and collaborative leader who can balance long-range strategy with day-to-day problem-solving in a resource-conscious environment.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic and operational leadership for the City's parks and recreation system and establish department goals, priorities, work plans, and performance expectations consistent with City priorities and community needs
Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the City's Parks & Recreation Master Plan and other long-range plans, translating adopted priorities into realistic work plans, investments, and measurable outcomes
Oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of recreation programs, senior services, parks, facilities, rentals, community events, and other assigned services with a focus on community benefit, accessibility, quality, and responsible use of City resources
Provide leadership for the stewardship, maintenance, and improvement of City parks, open spaces, facilities, and recreational assets and establish priorities for their long-term care and use
Develop and manage the department's operating and capital budgets; monitor revenues and expenditures, evaluate financial performance, and recommend priorities and resource allocations consistent with available funding
Develop financially sustainable approaches to programs and services, including evaluation of fees, cost recovery, facility utilization, service delivery models, partnerships, grants, and other funding opportunities
Use financial, operational, participation, and community information to evaluate programs and services, identify opportunities for improvement, and make recommendations regarding continuation, modification, expansion, or development of services
Provide leadership for capital planning and park and facility improvement projects; establish priorities, participate in project development, and coordinate with Public Works (Engineering), consultants, contractors, and other partners responsible for project delivery
Select, develop, supervise, and evaluate assigned employees; establish clear expectations, promote accountability, and support professional development and effective teamwork
Build effective relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and regional partners to expand opportunities, strengthen services, and leverage community resources
Develop and support meaningful community engagement processes to understand community needs, identify barriers to participation, and ensure programs, services, and investments respond to the community
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Establish and maintain productive relationships with City advisory bodies and provide appropriate staff support, professional recommendations, and guidance consistent with their established roles
Prepare and present recommendations, reports, and updates to the City Manager, City Council, and advisory bodies regarding department operations, policies, programs, projects, budgets, and emerging issues
Respond to complex or sensitive community concerns, operational issues, and service challenges and develop practical solutions that balance community needs, City policies, and available resources
Represent the City at community meetings, regional organizations, professional associations, and other public forums
Participate as a member of the City's executive leadership team and contribute to Citywide strategic planning, organizational initiatives, policy development, and problem solving
Establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service
Report for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field
Five years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, public administration, or a closely related field, including significant responsibility for programs, personnel, budgets, facilities, and/or organizational operations, with at least three years in a supervisory or management capacity
A combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered
Knowledge of principles, practices, and current trends in municipal parks and recreation administration, programming, facility operations, and parks management
Knowledge of strategic and long-range planning, including development and implementation of parks and recreation master plans
Knowledge of municipal budgeting, financial management, revenue forecasting, cost recovery, and capital planning
Knowledge of methods for evaluating program performance, community benefit, participation, service levels, and financial sustainability
Knowledge of parks and facility asset management, maintenance planning, and capital improvement practices
Knowledge of recreation programming and community service delivery for diverse ages, abilities, backgrounds, and interests
Knowledge of community engagement practices and methods for identifying and responding to changing community needs
Knowledge of principles of organizational leadership, supervision, employee development, performance management, and team building
Knowledge of public administration, municipal governance, and the roles and relationships of the City Council, City Manager, departments, and advisory bodies
Knowledge of grant development and administration and public, private, and nonprofit partnership models
Knowledge of contract development, negotiation, and administration
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies affecting parks and recreation operations
Knowledge of principles of risk management and public safety as they relate to parks, facilities, programs, and community events
Knowledge of project management and the planning and delivery of capital and operational initiatives
Ability to provide both strategic and operational leadership within a multifaceted municipal department
Ability to develop a clear vision and translate long-range goals into achievable priorities, work plans, and measurable outcomes
Ability to move effectively between executive-level responsibilities and direct involvement in operational issues when needed
Ability to develop and manage complex operating and capital budgets and make sound recommendations regarding priorities, tradeoffs, and allocation of limited resources
Ability to evaluate programs, services, and operations using financial, performance, and community information and make recommendations for improvement
Ability to lead organizational change, establish expectations, and develop a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented team
Ability to coach, develop, supervise, and evaluate employees and effectively delegate responsibilities
Ability to build productive relationships with elected officials, employees, residents, community organizations, businesses, schools, and regional partners
Ability to understand community needs and develop programs, services, and partnerships that improve access and participation
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing
Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, advisory bodies, and community groups
Ability to navigate the political and organizational environment of local government with sound judgment, professionalism, and appropriate discretion
Ability to analyze complex issues, identify alternatives, and develop practical, financially responsible solutions
Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing operational needs and unexpected circumstances
Ability to negotiate and administer contracts, agreements, and partnerships
Ability to lead and coordinate projects involving multiple departments, consultants, contractors, and community partners
Ability to exercise independent judgment and make timely decisions within delegated authority
Ability to remain visible, accessible, and engaged with employees and department operations while maintaining an appropriate executive perspective
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License with a good driving record
Successful completion of a criminal history and pre-employment background check
Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings, programs, and community events as necessary
Ability to respond to significant operational issues or emergencies outside regular business hours when necessary
Nice to have:
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credential
Municipal or other public sector parks and recreation leadership experience
Experience with parks and recreation master planning, capital planning, community engagement, financial sustainability, and organizational development
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package for non-represented employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
Washington State PERS retirement
City contributions to a 457 deferred compensation plan
Social Security replacement plan
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Life and long-term disability insurance
Additional health and wellness benefits
Important Details
Application deadline: First review of applications on Monday, October 26, 2026
Work is performed in both office and field environments, with regular visits to parks, recreation facilities, community facilities, programs, events, and project sites
Work requires frequent interaction with employees, elected officials, community members, contractors, consultants, and partner organizations
Evening and weekend work is required periodically for City Council meetings, community meetings, programs, events, and other department activities
Field work may include exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, active construction or maintenance areas, and normal conditions associated with public parks, facilities, and community events
About the Company
Des Moines is a mostly residential community situated along Puget Sound, midway between Seattle and Tacoma in Washington State. The city is long and narrow, covering 4,340 acres, and includes various parks, fields, waterfront, and trails. Its Community Enrichment Services offers social, educational, and recreational programs that support health and lifelong learning, including Senior Services, Youth Programs, Camps, Sports, and Special Events.
Des Moines is a mostly residential community that is situated along Puget Sound midway between Seattle and Tacoma in Washington state.
