Director of Parks & Recreation

City of Morden; Morden; On-site; CAD 107,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Morden invites applications for the role of Director of Parks and Recreation Services. This full-time, permanent position leads Parks, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Recreation and Facilities, Hospitality, and the Campground, reporting to the Deputy City Manager.

The successful candidate will oversee strategic planning, budgeting, program delivery, and staff supervision while building inclusive, community-focused services in Manitoba’s growing city.

Qualifications

• Degree in Natural Sciences, Parks and Recreation, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience (municipal or public sector experience is considered a strong asset).
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams, complex operations, or community programs.
• Practical knowledge of parks, urban forestry, recreation facilities, and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership aligned with the City of Morden’s strategic plans; advise on policy; prepare and deliver presentations and reports for Council and executive leadership; and oversee grant procurement and management.
• Direct daily operations, manage capital and operating budgets, and oversee work plans across all division areas.
• Lead, evaluate, and support both unionized and non-union staff; ensure full safety compliance for staff, user groups, and facilities.
• Build strategic partnerships and ensure programs and facilities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Natural Sciences, Parks and Recreation

Job description

The City of Morden is seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader to join our team as the Director of Parks and Recreation Services on a full-time, permanent basis.

At the City of Morden, we are deeply committed to the continuous growth, learning, and success of our community and workforce. We believe in investing in strong leadership and providing meaningful support to foster professional excellence. To ensure success in this role, the City provides comprehensive onboarding and ongoing professional development support.

Position Summary

Working under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, the Director of Parks and Recreation Services provides strategic leadership, operational budgeting, service delivery management, and staff supervision across all departmental service areas: Parks, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Recreation and Facilities, Hospitality, and the Campground.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership aligned with the City of Morden’s strategic plans; advise on policy; prepare and deliver presentations and reports for Council and executive leadership; and oversee grant procurement and management.
• Direct daily operations, manage capital and operating budgets, and oversee work plans across all division areas.
• Lead, evaluate, and support both unionized and non-union staff; ensure full safety compliance for staff, user groups, and facilities.
• Build strategic partnerships and ensure programs and facilities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Degree in Natural Sciences, Parks and Recreation, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience (municipal or public sector experience is considered a strong asset).
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams, complex operations, or community programs.
• Practical knowledge of parks, urban forestry, recreation facilities, and safety procedures

Working Conditions

• Full-time, primarily office-based with regular site visits across parks, recreation facilities, and project locations requiring outdoor mobility.
• Requires strong multitasking, organization, and stakeholder engagement skills in time-sensitive environments.

Salary Range:

Anticipated starting salary: $106,750 – $113,051 per year.

The City of Morden is committed to building an inclusive, barrier-free workplace and community. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please let us know when contacted, and we will work with you to meet your needs.