Town of Gilbert
Parks and Recreation Director - Town of Gilbert, Arizona
Town of Gilbert, Gilbert, Arizona, United States, 85233
Overview
Team Gilbert is seeking a Parks & Recreation Director to lead our Parks & Recreation department, consisting of 120 full time and over 250 part-time and seasonal employees providing first-class aquatics, recreation, parks, special events, and sports programs. The team has earned national recognition for innovation in parks and recreation programming, with multiple state and national awards and accolades for community engagement and facility excellence. Gilbert Parks & Recreation is proud to have been named a 2025 NRPA Gold Medal Finalist, while maintaining its CAPRA accreditation. Reporting to an Assistant Town Manager and guided by the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the Director establishes a vision for parks and recreation services and oversees a $1.3 billion, 10-year parks capital improvement program. Our ideal candidate is an inspiring and genuine leader who can provide a strong vision to meet strong community demand for parks and recreation services. They will be a strong communicator who can motivate others through a common vision, build partnerships, and execute a vision for the future. They will do all of this while creating an engaging, supportive environment for our current and future team members to grow, develop, and flourish. Read the full job description here. View the recruitment brochure slideshow here. Proposed Recruiting Timeline
Posting Opens: 9/19/25 Posting Closes: 10/12/25 One Way Virtual Video Invitations Sent: 10/16/25 Virtual Video Submission Deadline: 10/20 In-Person Interview Invites Sent: 10/27 In-Person Interviews: 11/12, with possible follow-up the morning of 11/13 New Hire Start Date: 12/8/25 Note: this timeline is subject to change, and is intended to aid in planning. If candidates have conflicts, please contact the HR team. Apply Today! You are a forward-thinking problem solver who is mission-driven and passionate about serving your local community, creating exceptional recreational experiences, and developing the workforce of tomorrow. You are a strong servant leader capable of unifying and motivating a skilled workforce, working collaboratively across the organization by being a strategic partner, and putting Gilbert in a position for long-term success. You understand the vital role parks and recreation plays in building healthy, connected communities and are excited to steward significant capital investments while maintaining operational excellence. You must not only embody our core values of being driven, kind, bold, and humble but also meet the following qualifications: Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation, Public Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred. 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a public agency, including a minimum of 5 years of management within a dynamic parks and recreation operation. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work. Preferred Certifications: Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
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Team Gilbert is seeking a Parks & Recreation Director to lead our Parks & Recreation department, consisting of 120 full time and over 250 part-time and seasonal employees providing first-class aquatics, recreation, parks, special events, and sports programs. The team has earned national recognition for innovation in parks and recreation programming, with multiple state and national awards and accolades for community engagement and facility excellence. Gilbert Parks & Recreation is proud to have been named a 2025 NRPA Gold Medal Finalist, while maintaining its CAPRA accreditation. Reporting to an Assistant Town Manager and guided by the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the Director establishes a vision for parks and recreation services and oversees a $1.3 billion, 10-year parks capital improvement program. Our ideal candidate is an inspiring and genuine leader who can provide a strong vision to meet strong community demand for parks and recreation services. They will be a strong communicator who can motivate others through a common vision, build partnerships, and execute a vision for the future. They will do all of this while creating an engaging, supportive environment for our current and future team members to grow, develop, and flourish. Read the full job description here. View the recruitment brochure slideshow here. Proposed Recruiting Timeline
Posting Opens: 9/19/25 Posting Closes: 10/12/25 One Way Virtual Video Invitations Sent: 10/16/25 Virtual Video Submission Deadline: 10/20 In-Person Interview Invites Sent: 10/27 In-Person Interviews: 11/12, with possible follow-up the morning of 11/13 New Hire Start Date: 12/8/25 Note: this timeline is subject to change, and is intended to aid in planning. If candidates have conflicts, please contact the HR team. Apply Today! You are a forward-thinking problem solver who is mission-driven and passionate about serving your local community, creating exceptional recreational experiences, and developing the workforce of tomorrow. You are a strong servant leader capable of unifying and motivating a skilled workforce, working collaboratively across the organization by being a strategic partner, and putting Gilbert in a position for long-term success. You understand the vital role parks and recreation plays in building healthy, connected communities and are excited to steward significant capital investments while maintaining operational excellence. You must not only embody our core values of being driven, kind, bold, and humble but also meet the following qualifications: Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Parks & Recreation, Public Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred. 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a public agency, including a minimum of 5 years of management within a dynamic parks and recreation operation. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work. Preferred Certifications: Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
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