Assistant Director, Austin Parks and Recreation

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information. Austin Parks and Recreation Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) has stewarded the City of Austin's public lands since 1928. As such, the department protects and maintains parkland and the city’s urban forest. APR preserves trails and offers a variety of sports, recreation, educational enrichment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, and nature and aquatic activities. APR is as diverse as the community it serves. As in so many aspects of life, the key to running a successful organization is striking a balance between young and old, tradition and innovation, and the needs of one versus the needs of many. Keeping this in mind, employees continually strive to honor the past while embracing the challenges of the future and to serve an entire community while maintaining meaningful connections with individual participants. Mission: Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Salary Range: The salary range is $160,000 to $170,000 annually. Location: 200 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704 Days and Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday – Friday. *Hours may vary depending upon business needs. This position is on-site. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a collaborative and approachable leader who excels in guiding organizations through change. They bring experience in strategic planning, performance management, and interdepartmental coordination within a public-sector setting. This leader values teamwork, accountability, and community connection, engaging staff at all levels and fostering inclusive decision‑making. With a clear focus on results and communication, they ensure that departmental priorities are well‑defined, aligned, and successfully implemented. They are also skilled at navigating complex organizational shifts and supporting leadership teams through periods of transformation and growth. The following core competencies are important for this role: Leadership & Change Management: Brings experience leading organizations through complex transitions, balancing strategic vision with hands‑on implementation and support for staff during change. Collaboration & Relationship Building: Demonstrates a strong commitment to teamwork and interdepartmental coordination; effectively engages with staff, community partners, and other City departments. Strategic Planning & Performance Management: Skilled at developing systems to measure outcomes, track progress, and ensure the department is aligned with its long‑term goals. Organizational Development: Supports leadership team growth and continuous improvement by building clear structures, communication pathways, and accountability systems across the department. Community Engagement & Communication: Builds genuine relationships with staff and community members, communicates with transparency, and represents the department’s mission with integrity and clarity. What to Expect in the Role The selected candidate will lead a team that provides administrative operations and support functions to various divisions within the department and to the community. Additionally, the position will serve on the executive leadership team, providing subject‑matter expertise in close collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director and other Assistant Directors, and represent Austin Parks and Recreation in navigating interdepartmental, City Council and City Manager Office business. The role includes responsibility for finance; contracts, procurement, and grants; communications and engagement; human resources; intergovernmental relations; equity; information technology; records management; and partnerships, with a scope that includes 5 direct reports and approximately 65 employees. Initial priorities may include coordinating initiatives related to Citywide strategic plans and departmental work plans, working with Austin Government Relations on Citywide priorities including Federal, State and Local legislative initiatives and grants, participating in the next iteration of the Long Range Plan, and supporting organizational development and operational efficiency improvements. The selected candidate should be prepared to navigate these areas while supporting strong operations, employee engagement, community trust, and long‑term service excellence. Application Requirements A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) is required. Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act. EEO Statement for City of Austin: The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation and Parks Administration, Recreation and Resources Development, Public Administration, or a related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible upper‑management level experience in public parks or recreation programs or a related field. Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of experience. Preferred Qualifications: Executive or senior‑level leadership experience within the City of Austin or a comparable municipal department or similar organization. Executive or senior‑level leadership experience managing a range of administrative functions, including finance, performance management, contracts, information technology, and human resources. Executive or senior‑level leadership experience overseeing operational and programmatic functions, including communications, community engagement, community partnerships, organizational culture, and government relations. Executive or senior‑level leadership experience supporting and facilitating organizational development and leading change management initiatives. Demonstrated expertise in leading departmental strategic initiatives in collaboration with leadership teams, including annual departmental plans, citywide and departmental strategic plans, and evaluation frameworks. #J-18808-Ljbffr Austin Parks and Recreation