Parks and Recreation Director

Job Description

Parks & Recreation Director | Municipal Leadership

Great communities don't just happen. They're built by people who care about making them better.

We're partnering with a growing municipality in Eastern Washington to find an experienced, forward-thinking Parks & Recreation Director ready to make a lasting impact.

This is more than managing parks and recreation programs. It's an opportunity to shape how a growing community lives, plays, connects, and thrives for years to come.

As a key member of the municipal leadership team, you'll oversee parks, recreation, aquatics, community programs, facilities, and animal services while guiding long-term investments, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships.

If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys developing people, building programs, and turning big ideas into meaningful community improvements, we'd love to connect!

What You'll Be Doing

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• Lead & Inspire: Provide executive leadership across multiple divisions, develop managers and staff, and build a collaborative, high-performing team.
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• Shape the Community: Oversee parks, trails, sports complexes, aquatic facilities, recreational programs, and public spaces.
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• Drive Strategic Growth: Lead long-range planning, capital improvement projects, operational initiatives, and community development efforts.
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• Manage Budgets & Resources: Direct operating and capital budgets, financial planning, resource allocation, and funding opportunities.
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• Build Community Partnerships: Collaborate with elected officials, municipal leadership, schools, nonprofits, and regional organizations.
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• Oversee Diverse Services: Provide strategic oversight of recreation, aquatics, community facilities, special events, and regional animal services.
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• Make a Lasting Impact: Improve organizational systems, expand community access, and deliver financially sustainable services.
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What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced leader who combines strategic thinking, operational excellence, financial responsibility, and a genuine commitment to public service.

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• Progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation, municipal government, community services, public administration, or a closely related field.
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• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, developing managers, and overseeing complex operations.
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• Experience managing operating budgets, capital projects, strategic initiatives, and organizational resources.
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• Strong communication, community engagement, and relationship-building skills.
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• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, elected officials, public agencies, and community stakeholders.
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• 10 years of combined relevant education and experience, with qualifying education counting toward the requirement.
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Preferred Certifications & Qualifications

Candidates with professional credentials in parks, recreation, or aquatic facility management are especially encouraged to apply.

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• Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
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• Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
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• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
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These certifications are highly valued but not required . Relevant municipal leadership experience, demonstrated operational expertise, and the ability to manage complex community services are equally important.

Bilingual English/Spanish skills are strongly preferred.

Additional requirements include a valid Washington driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days), CPR and First Aid certification within six months of hire, and successful completion of a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

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• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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• Washington State public employee pension retirement plan.
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• 457 deferred compensation plan with up to a 4% employer contribution.
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• 12 vacation days and 12 sick days annually during the first year, accrued over time.
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• 10 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
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• Employer-paid basic life insurance.
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• Tuition assistance, employee wellness resources, and additional benefits.
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• Flexible scheduling opportunities, subject to department approval.
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Why You'll Love This Opportunity

Big leadership opportunity. Growing community. Real impact.

This is your chance to lead more than a department. You'll help shape the parks, programs, facilities, and public spaces that families and future generations will enjoy.

Add a competitive executive salary, excellent public-sector benefits, retirement security, and the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy, and you've got a pretty compelling next chapter.

Ready to help shape the future of a growing community? We'd love to hear from you!