Assistant Director Parks and Recreation

NRPA Leadership Development Network; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 106,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Plano seeks an accomplished leader to serve as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. This executive role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for an expansive portfolio of parks, trails, athletic fields, and open spaces.

The position requires five years of management experience in a public agency, a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of managerial and budgetary practices and procedures; codes and ordinances regulating recreational facilities.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; providing management and supervision to assigned staff.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field.
• Experience: Five (5) years in progressively responsible management and supervisory roles in a public agency.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid Class C Driver’s license; NRPA certification preferred.
• Conditions of employment include drug tests and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational oversight for an expansive portfolio of parks and facilities.
• Provide financial oversight, planning, and management for city parks and recreation programs.
• Collaborate across departments to advance national accreditation and awards for excellence.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Staff supervision

Budget management

Strategic leadership

Managerial knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field

Job description

Salary Details Car allowance plus benefits including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Disability, and more.

Details. Posted: Unknown. Location: Salary Summary: Summary here. Details. Posted: 05-Aug-26. Location: Plano, Texas. Type: Full-time. Salary: $125,000 annually. Categories Leadership, Operations, Parks. Sector Parks. Salary Details Car allowance plus benefits including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Disability, and more. Required Education 4 Year Degree. Internal Number 1X1401. Ready to lead one of the nation\'s most highly regarded parks and recreation systems? The City of Plano is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. This executive-level position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for an expansive portfolio of award-winning parks, trails, athletic fields, public grounds, roadway medians, open spaces, and community amenities. Why Plano?

• Five-time National Gold Medal Award winner
• CAPRA accredited since 1994
• Ranked #1 municipal park system in Texas by the Trust for Public Land
• 5,300+ acres of parks and open space
• 106 miles of trails and 87 parks
• $40.8 million in voter-approved investments in park improvements

We\'re looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with the vision, operational expertise, financial acumen, and commitment to public service needed to lead in a nationally recognized organization—and help write its next chapter of excellence.

If you are ready to make a lasting impact on the quality of life of a dynamic community and help shape the future of an award-winning parks and recreation system, we\'d love to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Managerial and budgetary practices and procedures; codes and ordinances regulating recreational facilities; grounds maintenance, park planning, and construction techniques and philosophies; long-range planning techniques and public relations methods; facilities and equipment asset management.

Skills and Abilities: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; providing management and supervision to assigned staff.

Education Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field(s).

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible management and supervisory experience in a public agency. Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above minimum qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid Class C Driver’s license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law). Registration through the National Parks and Recreation Association as a Certified Leisure Professional is preferred.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, driver license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check. Employees who use their personal vehicle for City business are required to maintain proof of financial responsibility under the Texas Transportation Code 601, which includes carrying the minimum liability insurance limits as defined by the Texas Department of Insurance.

About City Of Plano

Plano Parks and Recreation is ranked #1 in Texas by the Trust for Public Land, is a five-time winner of NRPA\’s Gold Medal Award (most recently in 2023), and has been nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies since 1994. The City of Plano offers a collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on improving quality of life for all residents.

Connections working at City of Plano

https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/22479806/assistant-director-parks-and-recreation