Government Jobs
Director of Parks and Recreation
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.
This candidate thrives in dynamic environments, multitasks with precision, and brings creativity to problem-solving. They are detail-oriented, future-focused, and committed to building lasting community partnerships. Above all, they are open and honest about the process it takes to achieve meaningful results and they bring the right people to the table to make it happen.
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 and Responsibilities
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
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
Skills 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
Salary The City of Grand Rapids offers a competitive salary range ($121,204 - $159,189) and a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out‑of‑area candidate.
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, 3 references and resume to: dsellers@nationalcareergroup.com
The City of Grand Rapids is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
This candidate thrives in dynamic environments, multitasks with precision, and brings creativity to problem-solving. They are detail-oriented, future-focused, and committed to building lasting community partnerships. Above all, they are open and honest about the process it takes to achieve meaningful results and they bring the right people to the table to make it happen.
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 and Responsibilities
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
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
Skills 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
Salary The City of Grand Rapids offers a competitive salary range ($121,204 - $159,189) and a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out‑of‑area candidate.
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, 3 references and resume to: dsellers@nationalcareergroup.com
The City of Grand Rapids is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr