Executive Director, Parks, Recreation & Forestry

Gulfshoresal; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Brookings seeks a Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry to provide executive oversight for parks, recreation, facilities, golf, urban forestry, and senior services. You'll lead planning, budgeting, partnerships, and operations to deliver safe, sustainable, inclusive public amenities that enhance quality of life.

Reporting to the City Manager, you will guide a diverse team, manage capital improvements, and ensure services meet community needs while maintaining strong governance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field with progressive leadership experience.
• Experience managing complex operations, budgets, employees, programs, facilities, and capital projects.
• Ability to use financial data, operational data, and community input to guide decisions.
• Proven ability to lead a diverse workforce with change management and accountability.
• Proficient with technology and software for communication, reporting, budgeting, data analysis, and operations.
• Must have valid driver’s license and be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Parks, Recreation, Forestry, golf, community enrichment, and senior services.
• Develop departmental goals and long-range plans aligned with City goals and community needs.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement across programs, facilities, and services.
• Oversee budgets, capital projects, contracts, grants, and asset management.
• Direct planning, development, marketing, evaluation of programs and events.
• Ensure operations comply with laws, policies, accessibility, safety, and risk standards.
• Supervise managers and staff, provide coaching, and manage performance.
• Collaborate with partners and communicate departmental outcomes to the public.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Diplomacy

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, public administration, business administration, leisure services, natural resources, or related field

Master’s degree in parks and recreation management, public administration, business administration, or related field

Job description

City of Brookings seeks a Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry to provide executive oversight for parks, recreation, facilities, golf, urban forestry, and senior services. You'll lead planning, budgeting, partnerships, and operations to deliver safe, sustainable, inclusive public amenities that enhance quality of life.

Reporting to the City Manager, you will guide a diverse team, manage capital improvements, and ensure services meet community needs while maintaining strong governance and