NCPRD Recreation Services Division Director

Clackamas County; Milwaukie (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust sick and vacation plan

Health and wellness programs

Cost-of-living adjustments

Job summary

North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (NCPRD) is seeking a collaborative and people-centered Recreation Services Division Director to lead one of the region’s most dynamic recreation systems.

This senior leader will oversee aquatics, recreation programming, sports, older adult services, community centers, facility rentals, special events, and recreation facilities, guiding budgets and strategic planning for 106,000 residents.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years in parks and recreation administration or closely related field.
• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory/management experience.
• Experience developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets.
• Strategic leadership for multiple programs or facilities.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships.
• Experience negotiating contracts, intergovernmental agreements, grants, or partnerships.
• Knowledge of recreation programming, facility operations, risk management, and cost recovery.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for aquatics, programs, facilities, and events.
• Oversee budgets, financial performance, and cost-recovery goals.
• Lead managers, build high-performing teams, and develop future leaders.
• Cultivate partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in public meetings or forums.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Recreation Management, or a closely related field

Tools

CPRP/CPRE credential

Job description

The North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (NCPRD) seeks a collaborative and people-centered Recreation Services Division Director to lead one of the region’s most dynamic recreation systems. This is an opportunity for an experienced parks and recreation leader to shape the programs, facilities, and services enriching the lives of more than 106,000 residents of the district.

As Recreation Services Division Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for aquatics, recreation programming, sports, older adult services, community centers, facility rentals, special events, and recreation facilities. You will serve as a member of the NCPRD Executive Management Team and guide long-range planning, establish operational priorities, and lead talented managers in delivering innovative, accessible, and high-quality recreation experiences that evolve based on community needs.

Working closely with NCPRD leadership, you will oversee major recreation facilities including the North Clackamas Aquatic Park, Milwaukie Community Center, Concord Community Center, and other recreation sites. You will administer operating and capital budgets, monitor financial performance, advance cost recovery goals, negotiate contracts and partnerships, and help plan the future of the district’s recreation facilities. You will also cultivate strong relationships with employees, residents and visitors, community organizations, and partner agencies to ensure NCPRD remains a trusted and valued community resource.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, innovative leader who inspires others through integrity, accountability, and service. They will excel at building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, directing complex operations, and balancing strategic vision with sound financial stewardship. Our next Recreation Services Division Director must understand that exceptional recreation services are built through engaged employees, meaningful partnerships, and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity to deliver a lasting impact on the district. Your leadership will influence the future of recreation in NCPRD by creating welcoming spaces, expanding opportunities for residents of all ages, and delivering programs and experiences that strengthen the community for generations.

Required Minimum Qualifications/Transferrable Skills:*

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration, recreation management, public facility management, community services, or a closely related field that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required to perform the responsibilities of this position
• A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience, including responsibility for leading professional staff, conducting performance evaluations, coaching employee development, and handling performance issues
• Experience developing, administering, and monitoring operating and capital budgets
• Experience providing strategic leadership for multiple programs, facilities, or operational areas, including developing long-range plans, establishing organizational priorities, and implementing operational improvements
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with community organizations, elected officials, partner agencies, advisory groups, or other stakeholders, and representing an organization in public meetings or community forums.
• Experience negotiating, administering, or managing contracts, intergovernmental agreements, grants, or public-private partnerships
• Knowledge of principles and practices of parks and recreation administration, including recreation programming, facility operations, risk management, customer service, and cost recovery strategies
• Knowledge of cost recovery models and recreation business practice
• Working knowledge of aquatic operations, programming, and risk management
• A flexible, detail-oriented, and customer-focused approach to service delivery
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications/Transferrable Skills:*

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credential
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Recreation Management, or a closely related field
• Experience managing municipal or special district recreation systems serving diverse communities
• Experience overseeing aquatics, community centers, sports, older adult services, or multi-use recreation facilities
• Experience implementing cost recovery models, business planning, or operational performance metrics
• Experience with capital improvement planning, facility development, or major recreation construction projects

North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (NCPRD) is a service district of Clackamas County dedicated to providing exceptional parks and recreation programs, facilities, and services. Voters approved the formation of the District in 1990 because they saw the need for greater parks and recreation services in the north end of the county. The District — which serves more than 106,000 residents in a 27-square mile area — includes the city of Milwaukie and a large area of unincorporated Clackamas County.

NCPRD offers 38 developed parks, natural areas, trails, and greenways. Additionally, NCPRD provides a wide range of programs, services, and events, and operates several recreational facilities including North Clackamas Aquatic Park, Milwaukie Community Center, and the Concord Community Center.

MISSION STATEMENT

To enrich community vitality and promote healthy living through connections to nature and play, now and for the future.

VISION STATEMENT

Enhancing community with exceptional parks, natural areas, and recreation opportunities that welcome all.

This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be on Monday, August 31, 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.

Compensation

Annual Pay Range: $119,614.73 – $161,479.39

Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees. We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle.