GovHR USA
University City, MO – Director of Parks and Recreation
GovHR USA, University City, Missouri, United States
Overview
The City of University City, MO (population 35,172) is seeking a creative, collaborative and community-focused leader to serve as its next Director of Parks and Recreation. This executive-level position reports to the Deputy City Manager – Development and is responsible for all operations and programs in parks, recreation, streets, and forestry. The Director will establish and administer strategic goals, objectives and long-range planning for operations and programs within the department. The work includes supervising all department activities, including the maintenance of parks, trees, streets, and the golf course. University City is a historic inner-ring suburb of St. Louis adjacent to Washington University. It is a diverse urban community with cultural, ethnic, social, and economic diversity. The Delmar Boulevard in the University City Loop is designated as one of the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association. The Department of Parks and Recreation administers and operates City parks, recreation programs and events, street maintenance, and maintains over 30,000 trees. The department enhances quality of life by offering recreational opportunities and green spaces and engages with the community through events, sports leagues, and programs for all ages. Street maintenance includes 96.6 miles of city-controlled streets and facilities, repairs, traffic control, street sweeping, leaf collection, snow/ice removal, and maintenance of bridges and structures. As a Tree City, the focus on forestry preserves the natural environment and green infrastructure. The department operates with a FY25 adopted budget of over $4 million and 30 FTEs plus seasonal staff. Key Responsibilities
Plans, organizes, directs, supervises, and reviews all operations and programs in Parks, Recreation, Streets, and Forestry; plans staff organization and assigns personnel. Directs and evaluates subordinates; reviews operating and performance records and reports of departmental supervisors; prescribes and enforces departmental and City rules and regulations. Develops positive relations and partnerships with the community; coordinates responses to citizen concerns and complaints; liaises with the Park Commission and Senior Commission; resolves issues; develops public understanding and participation in programs through public-relations activities; ensures coordination of marketing efforts and develops cooperative intergovernmental planning and working relationships. Consults with engineers, architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, recreation staff, and other specialists on department problems, activities, and programs; participates in activities of professional organizations. Prepares or directs the preparation of monthly and annual reports and special reports on department activities and operations; prepares, administers, and monitors the departmental budget. Serves as a member of the City leadership team. Candidate Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in parks and/or recreation management, sports management, public administration, or related field. Master’s degree is desired. Seven plus years of increasingly responsible experience in the management of public parks and recreation systems and public areas maintenance, or similar client-based organization. A similar combination of education and experience may be considered. CPRP preferred. Experience managing enterprise-based, or self-supporting recreation programs is a plus. Salary Range and Benefits
The salary range is $102,700 to $151,446 DOQ with excellent benefits. The City offers group health insurance which includes major medical, prescription, vision and dental, an FSA, a defined benefit pension plan, life insurance, 457 deferred compensation plan, Traditional and Roth IRAs, long term disability, paid vacation and sick leave and holidays, funeral leave, employee assistance program, as well as other ancillary benefits. How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online by Friday, October 24, 2025, with a resume, cover letter and contact information for 5 professional references to Joe DeLuce, MGT Senior Consultant, TEL: 217-714-2333 or Margaret Resnick, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, TEL: 847-971-1655. University City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, especially those who reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community. Application Deadline: October 24, 2025 Posted: 2025-09-23
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The City of University City, MO (population 35,172) is seeking a creative, collaborative and community-focused leader to serve as its next Director of Parks and Recreation. This executive-level position reports to the Deputy City Manager – Development and is responsible for all operations and programs in parks, recreation, streets, and forestry. The Director will establish and administer strategic goals, objectives and long-range planning for operations and programs within the department. The work includes supervising all department activities, including the maintenance of parks, trees, streets, and the golf course. University City is a historic inner-ring suburb of St. Louis adjacent to Washington University. It is a diverse urban community with cultural, ethnic, social, and economic diversity. The Delmar Boulevard in the University City Loop is designated as one of the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association. The Department of Parks and Recreation administers and operates City parks, recreation programs and events, street maintenance, and maintains over 30,000 trees. The department enhances quality of life by offering recreational opportunities and green spaces and engages with the community through events, sports leagues, and programs for all ages. Street maintenance includes 96.6 miles of city-controlled streets and facilities, repairs, traffic control, street sweeping, leaf collection, snow/ice removal, and maintenance of bridges and structures. As a Tree City, the focus on forestry preserves the natural environment and green infrastructure. The department operates with a FY25 adopted budget of over $4 million and 30 FTEs plus seasonal staff. Key Responsibilities
Plans, organizes, directs, supervises, and reviews all operations and programs in Parks, Recreation, Streets, and Forestry; plans staff organization and assigns personnel. Directs and evaluates subordinates; reviews operating and performance records and reports of departmental supervisors; prescribes and enforces departmental and City rules and regulations. Develops positive relations and partnerships with the community; coordinates responses to citizen concerns and complaints; liaises with the Park Commission and Senior Commission; resolves issues; develops public understanding and participation in programs through public-relations activities; ensures coordination of marketing efforts and develops cooperative intergovernmental planning and working relationships. Consults with engineers, architects, landscape designers, horticulturists, recreation staff, and other specialists on department problems, activities, and programs; participates in activities of professional organizations. Prepares or directs the preparation of monthly and annual reports and special reports on department activities and operations; prepares, administers, and monitors the departmental budget. Serves as a member of the City leadership team. Candidate Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in parks and/or recreation management, sports management, public administration, or related field. Master’s degree is desired. Seven plus years of increasingly responsible experience in the management of public parks and recreation systems and public areas maintenance, or similar client-based organization. A similar combination of education and experience may be considered. CPRP preferred. Experience managing enterprise-based, or self-supporting recreation programs is a plus. Salary Range and Benefits
The salary range is $102,700 to $151,446 DOQ with excellent benefits. The City offers group health insurance which includes major medical, prescription, vision and dental, an FSA, a defined benefit pension plan, life insurance, 457 deferred compensation plan, Traditional and Roth IRAs, long term disability, paid vacation and sick leave and holidays, funeral leave, employee assistance program, as well as other ancillary benefits. How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online by Friday, October 24, 2025, with a resume, cover letter and contact information for 5 professional references to Joe DeLuce, MGT Senior Consultant, TEL: 217-714-2333 or Margaret Resnick, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, TEL: 847-971-1655. University City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, especially those who reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community. Application Deadline: October 24, 2025 Posted: 2025-09-23
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