City of Grand Rapids
About Grand Rapids
Nestled along the scenic Grand River and just 25 miles from Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban opportunity. Only a three-hour drive from Chicago, the city provides easy access to beaches, trails, and year-round outdoor recreation.
As West Michigan’s economic and cultural hub, Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant downtown filled with award‑winning museums, diverse dining, and a nationally acclaimed craft beer scene. This growing metropolitan area is recognized for its strong economy, affordable cost of living, and welcoming neighborhoods—making it not only an ideal place to build your career, but also a wonderful place to call home.
Honors & Recognition (2025)
#1 - LinkedIn Cities on the Rise 2025: The 25 fastest‑growing U.S. metros for jobs and newtalent (LinkedIn)
#20 - Best U.S. Cities for Women in the Workplace (Checkr)
#20 - Best Run Cities in America (WalletHub)
#20 - 25 Best Places to Live, Quality of Life (US News)
#5 - Metros Where Young Homeownership is Most Accessible (Consumer Affairs)
#28 - Best Cities for Jobs (WalletHub)
#40 - Best Place to Retire in US (U.S. News & World Report)
#40 - Best Cities to Buy a House in America (Niche)
#41 - Best Cities for Young Professionals in America
Named Beer City 2025 USA Today
Named AARP Age‑Friendly Community
City Government Grand Rapids operates under a Council–Manager form of government, with strategic direction from an elected City Commission and daily operations led by a professional City Manager. As one of Michigan’s largest municipal organizations, the city employs over 1,700 full‑time staff across 30 departments, serving a diverse and growing population.
The FY 2026 budget totals approximately $735 million, including nearly $196 million in the General Operating Fund to support core services like public safety, parks, and administration. This investment reflects Grand Rapids’ commitment to fiscal responsibility, innovation, and service excellence.
Vision: Grand Rapids will be nationally recognized as an equitable, welcoming, innovative and collaborative city with a robust economy, safe and healthy community, and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all. Mission: To elevate quality of life through excellent City services. Values: The City of Grand Rapids' core values are embodied in its strategic plan, emphasizing Accountability, Collaboration, Customer Service, Innovation, Equity, and Sustainability.
The Candidate The Director of Parks and Recreation is responsible for leading the overall operations of the City's park system, recreational programming, forestry, and cemeteries for the City of Grand Rapids.
The ideal candidate is a visionary, emotionally intelligent leader with a deep commitment to public service, community engagement, and operational excellence. This individual must demonstrate unwavering integrity, transparency, and honesty in all interactions, serving as both the face and voice of Parks and Recreation across diverse constituencies. They are politically astute and possess the acumen to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes—balancing multiple local interests while fostering inclusive, collaborative partnerships. With proven experience in parks and recreation departments, they understand both the current and future needs of the community and are skilled in translating vision into actionable, strategic plans.
Director of Parks and Recreation The purpose of this job is to plan, organize, coordinate and direct administration, operations and maintenance of the City's park system, recreational programming, forestry, cemeteries and special events office. Oversees and manages the entire department's distinct division's professional staff and subordinate staff.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Supervises the work of assigned personnel; participates in hiring, training and disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; conducts performance evaluations.
Plans, organizes, prioritizes and directs the activities of the department; assures the total operational effectiveness of the department. Assists advisory board in fulfilling the board's responsibilities; serves as a spokesperson for the department.
Initiates, develops and implements innovative programs and solutions consistent with the department's transformation plan priorities.
Establishes and implements operational policies, goals and objectives for the department; ensures park operations and public recreational programs are carried out according to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
Develops and implements continuous transformational plans for the parks system; creates long and short range planning objectives and effective strategies for the department and establishes goals.
Conducts needs assessments for the improvement of the parks system and public recreational programs; manages, updates and implements department 5‑year planning document.
Oversees project management team; develops annual capital improvement plan to implement parks improvements plans.
Prepares and presents the annual department budget; determines resources needed; prepares financial requests; develops financial analytics, strategies and performance metrics to meet priority goals.
Monitors the financial operations for the department and each division; seeks additional and alternative funding for various initiatives through local, state and federal grants and foundations.
Directs and participates in the development of capital and land acquisitions and project plans and specifications; directs and coordinates project development to completion; coordinates with internal and external agencies for projects, including consultant engineers, landscape architects, architects and other professional staff.
Plans, develops and acquires professional services as appropriate to conduct or participate in technical and administrative studies, reviews and reports; maintains department records; reports on needs and department status.
Reviews periodicals, legal developments and other materials to keep abreast of developments and best practices in the field of parks, recreation, cemeteries, special events, operations and management; implements business efficiency procedures and processes to ensure effective outcomes for staff and the department.
Develops and implements public information programs; explains recreational programs, parks system, initiatives and departmental goals. Performs related work as required.
Salary The City of Grand Rapids offers a competitive salary range ($121,204 - $159,189) and a comprehensive benefits package. Fringe Benefits. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out of area candidate.
How to Apply Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, 3 references and resume to: dsellers@nationalcareergroup.com.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Seven (7) to nine (9) years of experience in parks management and public recreation programs, including supervisory or managerial experience.
--OR--
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
Required Licenses or Certifications None
Knowledge of:
Board composition, structures and responsibilities
Policy opportunity identification and policy development
Business unit related federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations
Standard planning practices and procedures and needs assessment approaches
Public finance, accounting and funding practices and opportunities
Public budget structures and budget development practices
Various financial statements and operational balance sheets
Principles and practices of employee supervision
Legal terminology and court procedures
Principles and practices of basic bookkeeping
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Skill in:
Project and program management
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
Ability to:
Develop, write and publish planning documents
Negotiate contracts, fees and term agreements
Prepare and present clear and concise reports
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
Understand and carry out oral and written directions
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As West Michigan’s economic and cultural hub, Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant downtown filled with award‑winning museums, diverse dining, and a nationally acclaimed craft beer scene. This growing metropolitan area is recognized for its strong economy, affordable cost of living, and welcoming neighborhoods—making it not only an ideal place to build your career, but also a wonderful place to call home.
Honors & Recognition (2025)
#1 - LinkedIn Cities on the Rise 2025: The 25 fastest‑growing U.S. metros for jobs and newtalent (LinkedIn)
#20 - Best U.S. Cities for Women in the Workplace (Checkr)
#20 - Best Run Cities in America (WalletHub)
#20 - 25 Best Places to Live, Quality of Life (US News)
#5 - Metros Where Young Homeownership is Most Accessible (Consumer Affairs)
#28 - Best Cities for Jobs (WalletHub)
#40 - Best Place to Retire in US (U.S. News & World Report)
#40 - Best Cities to Buy a House in America (Niche)
#41 - Best Cities for Young Professionals in America
Named Beer City 2025 USA Today
Named AARP Age‑Friendly Community
City Government Grand Rapids operates under a Council–Manager form of government, with strategic direction from an elected City Commission and daily operations led by a professional City Manager. As one of Michigan’s largest municipal organizations, the city employs over 1,700 full‑time staff across 30 departments, serving a diverse and growing population.
The FY 2026 budget totals approximately $735 million, including nearly $196 million in the General Operating Fund to support core services like public safety, parks, and administration. This investment reflects Grand Rapids’ commitment to fiscal responsibility, innovation, and service excellence.
Vision: Grand Rapids will be nationally recognized as an equitable, welcoming, innovative and collaborative city with a robust economy, safe and healthy community, and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all. Mission: To elevate quality of life through excellent City services. Values: The City of Grand Rapids' core values are embodied in its strategic plan, emphasizing Accountability, Collaboration, Customer Service, Innovation, Equity, and Sustainability.
The Candidate The Director of Parks and Recreation is responsible for leading the overall operations of the City's park system, recreational programming, forestry, and cemeteries for the City of Grand Rapids.
The ideal candidate is a visionary, emotionally intelligent leader with a deep commitment to public service, community engagement, and operational excellence. This individual must demonstrate unwavering integrity, transparency, and honesty in all interactions, serving as both the face and voice of Parks and Recreation across diverse constituencies. They are politically astute and possess the acumen to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes—balancing multiple local interests while fostering inclusive, collaborative partnerships. With proven experience in parks and recreation departments, they understand both the current and future needs of the community and are skilled in translating vision into actionable, strategic plans.
Director of Parks and Recreation The purpose of this job is to plan, organize, coordinate and direct administration, operations and maintenance of the City's park system, recreational programming, forestry, cemeteries and special events office. Oversees and manages the entire department's distinct division's professional staff and subordinate staff.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Supervises the work of assigned personnel; participates in hiring, training and disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; conducts performance evaluations.
Plans, organizes, prioritizes and directs the activities of the department; assures the total operational effectiveness of the department. Assists advisory board in fulfilling the board's responsibilities; serves as a spokesperson for the department.
Initiates, develops and implements innovative programs and solutions consistent with the department's transformation plan priorities.
Establishes and implements operational policies, goals and objectives for the department; ensures park operations and public recreational programs are carried out according to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
Develops and implements continuous transformational plans for the parks system; creates long and short range planning objectives and effective strategies for the department and establishes goals.
Conducts needs assessments for the improvement of the parks system and public recreational programs; manages, updates and implements department 5‑year planning document.
Oversees project management team; develops annual capital improvement plan to implement parks improvements plans.
Prepares and presents the annual department budget; determines resources needed; prepares financial requests; develops financial analytics, strategies and performance metrics to meet priority goals.
Monitors the financial operations for the department and each division; seeks additional and alternative funding for various initiatives through local, state and federal grants and foundations.
Directs and participates in the development of capital and land acquisitions and project plans and specifications; directs and coordinates project development to completion; coordinates with internal and external agencies for projects, including consultant engineers, landscape architects, architects and other professional staff.
Plans, develops and acquires professional services as appropriate to conduct or participate in technical and administrative studies, reviews and reports; maintains department records; reports on needs and department status.
Reviews periodicals, legal developments and other materials to keep abreast of developments and best practices in the field of parks, recreation, cemeteries, special events, operations and management; implements business efficiency procedures and processes to ensure effective outcomes for staff and the department.
Develops and implements public information programs; explains recreational programs, parks system, initiatives and departmental goals. Performs related work as required.
Salary The City of Grand Rapids offers a competitive salary range ($121,204 - $159,189) and a comprehensive benefits package. Fringe Benefits. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out of area candidate.
How to Apply Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, 3 references and resume to: dsellers@nationalcareergroup.com.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Seven (7) to nine (9) years of experience in parks management and public recreation programs, including supervisory or managerial experience.
--OR--
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
Required Licenses or Certifications None
Knowledge of:
Board composition, structures and responsibilities
Policy opportunity identification and policy development
Business unit related federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations
Standard planning practices and procedures and needs assessment approaches
Public finance, accounting and funding practices and opportunities
Public budget structures and budget development practices
Various financial statements and operational balance sheets
Principles and practices of employee supervision
Legal terminology and court procedures
Principles and practices of basic bookkeeping
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Skill in:
Project and program management
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
Ability to:
Develop, write and publish planning documents
Negotiate contracts, fees and term agreements
Prepare and present clear and concise reports
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
Understand and carry out oral and written directions
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
#J-18808-Ljbffr