Director, Parks & Recreation: Strategy, Growth & Impact

City-of-Leander,-Texa; Leander (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Leander seeks a seasoned Director of Parks and Recreation to provide strategic leadership and administrative direction for parks, trails, facilities, and special events. You will set standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and align programs with city priorities while supervising staff and managing the department budget.

The role requires a CPA-like grasp of operations, strong communication skills, and a proven track record in capital projects and master planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, Kinesiology, Psychology, or a related field.
• Seven years of experience in parks operations, project management, budgeting, recreation programming, and/or special events.
• Five years of supervisory experience in leadership or management capacity in Parks and Recreation administration for a municipality.
• Five years in an upper-level management role in Parks and Recreation for a municipality.
• Current CPRP certification and valid Texas Driver’s License.
• First Aid and CPR/AED certifications or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Direct the activities of the Parks and Recreation Department, including planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs and facilities.
• Lead department budget development, forecasting, expenditures, and capital projects approvals.
• Oversee contracts, procurement, and capital projects for department operations.
• Lead grant writing and submission to support programs and facilities.
• Foster a positive workplace culture and staff development through mentorship and training.
• Represent the department to community groups, boards, and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and city standards; monitor program utilization and customer satisfaction.
• Plan for department future via strategic planning, capital improvements, and master planning.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Communication

Staff development

Grant writing

Collaboration

Problem solving

Public administration

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Management

Tools

Computers & software

Job description

City of Leander seeks a seasoned Director of Parks and Recreation to provide strategic leadership and administrative direction for parks, trails, facilities, and special events. You will set standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and align programs with city priorities while supervising staff and managing the department budget.

The role requires a CPA-like grasp of operations, strong communication skills, and a proven track record in capital projects and master planning.