City of East Lansing
Director of Parks, Recreation & Arts
City of East Lansing, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48823
The City of East Lansing occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.
Career Opportunities
The City of East Lansing occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. East Lansing is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The City of East Lansing is committed to becoming a fully inclusive place to live work, visit and do business. We believe an organization functions at its highest ability when a shared culture that promotes accepting, respecting, and valuing differences that include attributes such as age, income, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, language, family circumstances and cultural backgrounds is fostered. We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to equity, inclusion and reflects the community we serve. The City of East Lansing, Michigan invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation. The City of East Lansing is committed to cultivating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and culture that is reflective of the communities we serve. embedded in our mission is to provide all employees, visitors and residents with a high-quality experience that is underscored by exceptional customer service and respect and value for individuals and their lived experiences. The City of East Lansing is a dynamic community with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy, located in the heart of mid-Michigan. Home to Big 10 Michigan State University (MSU), the City blends academic excellence, innovation and a welcoming atmosphere. With MSU at its core, East Lansing thrives as a hub of academic and research excellence, attracting top talent from around the world and fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual growth. Boasting a diverse economy with opportunities in education, healthcare, technology and more, East Lansing offers a robust job market and a supportive environment for startups and businesses. The City provides a high quality of life with beautiful parks, recreational facilities and a variety of cultural events. Known for its friendly residents, safe neighborhoods and excellent public schools, East Lansing is more than just a place to live, it's a place to thrive. Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts leads the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Arts. This includes 5.8 miles of trails and 27 parks comprising 514 acres, including an outdoor baseball/softball complex, soccer complex and aquatic center. The department offers a wide range of active, healthy, creative, and environmentally friendly activities, programs, festivals and community events, including a seasonal farmers market. Many of the activities are housed in the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, which includes a 500-seat theater, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, dance studio and meeting and classroom spaces. The department is also responsible for the planning, development and reinvestment of the city’s parks, trail system and recreation facilities. The Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts also oversees the planning, operations and maintenance provided by the city’s government buildings division. Additionally, the Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts provides strategic and professional policy advice to the City Manager, City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. The Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts oversees a staff of 16 full-time and more than 120 part-time/seasonal employees. The FY2026 operating budget for the department is $6,234,460. Additionally, This position is in charge of the Capital Improvement Budget of $2,711,935 and the Parks Capital Projects Budget is $1,712,470. Candidate Profile
Upholds the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and is able to provide visionary leadership. The candidate will be prepared to invest in a long-term commitment to the community. Committed to cultivating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and culture that is reflective of the communities that the department serves and to ensuring that all individuals’ lived experiences are respected and valued. Have a history of effective communication with multi-generational and culturally diverse audiences on complex issues/projects. Will have a track record of innovative and proactive financial management and a demonstrative understanding of public sector budgeting for parks and recreation and the ability to seamlessly assume a leadership role in the budget preparation process. Thoughtful and innovative in dealing with important issues in the community. Very often, this will require the Director to serve as a facilitator with respect to both organizational and community issues that require consensus. The ideal candidate must be clear and consistent in communication with both the public and staff. Knowledge of and experience in general overall parks and recreation operations, personnel, and budgets.
Able to establish effective working relationships with administration, employees, and the public.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work performed by staff.
Experience working with a diverse workforce and community.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, interested groups and individuals.
Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major pertaining to Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation Administration, Parks and Recreation Resources, Business Administration or a closely related field and a minimum of ten (10) years of diverse managerial experience, including at least five (5) years in a leadership or management role. A Master’s Degree is preferred. A certified Parks and Recreation Professional or certified Parks and Recreation Executive or ability to obtain either or both certifications is preferred. Special Requirements
Application review begins on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. After this date the City Manager and Human Resources will evaluate applications and may invite selected applicants for additional assignments or interviews. This announcement will remain posted until the City of East Lansing extends an offer to a finalist. Download General Employment Application (PDF)
The materials are in PDF form and may be filled out electronically and saved and e-mailed as an attachment to Human Resources. Or, the application may be printed out, completed and mailed to:
City of East Lansing: Att: Human Resources 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823: Email: HR@cityofeastlansing.com Category Full-Time Employment Status Open Salary $100,946.82, to $141,434.02, depending on qualifications and experience. Posted June 13, 2025 3:30 PM Closing Open Until Filled Attached Files Dir PRA Brochure 2025 General Employment Application (PDF)
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The City of East Lansing occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw. East Lansing is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The City of East Lansing is committed to becoming a fully inclusive place to live work, visit and do business. We believe an organization functions at its highest ability when a shared culture that promotes accepting, respecting, and valuing differences that include attributes such as age, income, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, language, family circumstances and cultural backgrounds is fostered. We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to equity, inclusion and reflects the community we serve. The City of East Lansing, Michigan invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation. The City of East Lansing is committed to cultivating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and culture that is reflective of the communities we serve. embedded in our mission is to provide all employees, visitors and residents with a high-quality experience that is underscored by exceptional customer service and respect and value for individuals and their lived experiences. The City of East Lansing is a dynamic community with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving economy, located in the heart of mid-Michigan. Home to Big 10 Michigan State University (MSU), the City blends academic excellence, innovation and a welcoming atmosphere. With MSU at its core, East Lansing thrives as a hub of academic and research excellence, attracting top talent from around the world and fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual growth. Boasting a diverse economy with opportunities in education, healthcare, technology and more, East Lansing offers a robust job market and a supportive environment for startups and businesses. The City provides a high quality of life with beautiful parks, recreational facilities and a variety of cultural events. Known for its friendly residents, safe neighborhoods and excellent public schools, East Lansing is more than just a place to live, it's a place to thrive. Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts leads the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Arts. This includes 5.8 miles of trails and 27 parks comprising 514 acres, including an outdoor baseball/softball complex, soccer complex and aquatic center. The department offers a wide range of active, healthy, creative, and environmentally friendly activities, programs, festivals and community events, including a seasonal farmers market. Many of the activities are housed in the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, which includes a 500-seat theater, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, dance studio and meeting and classroom spaces. The department is also responsible for the planning, development and reinvestment of the city’s parks, trail system and recreation facilities. The Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts also oversees the planning, operations and maintenance provided by the city’s government buildings division. Additionally, the Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts provides strategic and professional policy advice to the City Manager, City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. The Director of Parks, Recreation and Arts oversees a staff of 16 full-time and more than 120 part-time/seasonal employees. The FY2026 operating budget for the department is $6,234,460. Additionally, This position is in charge of the Capital Improvement Budget of $2,711,935 and the Parks Capital Projects Budget is $1,712,470. Candidate Profile
Upholds the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and is able to provide visionary leadership. The candidate will be prepared to invest in a long-term commitment to the community. Committed to cultivating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and culture that is reflective of the communities that the department serves and to ensuring that all individuals’ lived experiences are respected and valued. Have a history of effective communication with multi-generational and culturally diverse audiences on complex issues/projects. Will have a track record of innovative and proactive financial management and a demonstrative understanding of public sector budgeting for parks and recreation and the ability to seamlessly assume a leadership role in the budget preparation process. Thoughtful and innovative in dealing with important issues in the community. Very often, this will require the Director to serve as a facilitator with respect to both organizational and community issues that require consensus. The ideal candidate must be clear and consistent in communication with both the public and staff. Knowledge of and experience in general overall parks and recreation operations, personnel, and budgets.
Able to establish effective working relationships with administration, employees, and the public.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work performed by staff.
Experience working with a diverse workforce and community.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, interested groups and individuals.
Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major pertaining to Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation Administration, Parks and Recreation Resources, Business Administration or a closely related field and a minimum of ten (10) years of diverse managerial experience, including at least five (5) years in a leadership or management role. A Master’s Degree is preferred. A certified Parks and Recreation Professional or certified Parks and Recreation Executive or ability to obtain either or both certifications is preferred. Special Requirements
Application review begins on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. After this date the City Manager and Human Resources will evaluate applications and may invite selected applicants for additional assignments or interviews. This announcement will remain posted until the City of East Lansing extends an offer to a finalist. Download General Employment Application (PDF)
The materials are in PDF form and may be filled out electronically and saved and e-mailed as an attachment to Human Resources. Or, the application may be printed out, completed and mailed to:
City of East Lansing: Att: Human Resources 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823: Email: HR@cityofeastlansing.com Category Full-Time Employment Status Open Salary $100,946.82, to $141,434.02, depending on qualifications and experience. Posted June 13, 2025 3:30 PM Closing Open Until Filled Attached Files Dir PRA Brochure 2025 General Employment Application (PDF)
#J-18808-Ljbffr