PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR

San Benito PD; Parks (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

San Benito PD is seeking a Parks and Recreation Director to lead the planning, management, and execution of parks, facilities, programs, and events. You will oversee budgets, capital improvements, and grant activities while aligning with city goals.

In this role you will coordinate with departments, serve on executive teams, and present to the City Manager and Council. Evening/weekend availability is required to meet community needs.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field, plus five years of directing experience.
• Master’s degree in public administration preferred.
• Knowledge of planning, budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of maintenance and use of public buildings and park facilities.
• Leadership, office management, and work organization.
• Ability to manage community programs and coordinate with agencies.
• Experience with grant procurement and administration.

Responsibilities

• Directs staff in development and maintenance of public buildings and facilities.
• Provide executive leadership on multi-department projects.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to City Manager and Council.
• Oversee parks, recreation programs, and events to attract tourism.
• Serve as liaison at boards and committees.
• Develop capital improvement plans and budgets.
• Seeks grant opportunities and coordinates with the City Manager.
• Coordinate with School District and community entities.
• Respond to public inquiries and resolve complaints.

Skills

Public Administration

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration

Master's degree in Public Administration

Job description

PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR

Positions Available: One (1)

DOE/DOQ - GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Under the direction of the City Manager, is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of parks, sports complexes, recreational programs, public facilities and grounds, city cemeteries, health & wellness, city events, grant procurement and administration. In addition, assigned to City Manager’s executive team to provide managerial oversight of assigned special projects.

• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work
• Performs after work hours as required (nights and weekends)
• Provide directions to assigned divisions, departments, offices, programs and staff regarding how to advance the assigned outcomes and its associated strategies and policies, including policy and procedural revisions.
• Directs professional, technical, and other employees in the assigned sections in the development, operation, and maintenance of construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing repairs, painting, and custodial services of public buildings.
• Provide executive leadership on multi-department, community and council related special projects.
• Provides professional & administrative level support to the City Manager.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to City Manager and Council on special projects or community related services.
• Provides managerial oversight of facility and ground assets.
• Oversees the planning, organizing, and execution of community & major events, recreation programs, services, and activities to attract tourism and economic activity.
• Under the direction of the City Manager, may serve as the City’s representative at local, regional and state meetings and functions.
• Serves as the City Manager’s Liaison on the Special Events Advisory Board and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
• Responsible for the administration and managerial oversight of facilities, parks, sports complexes, recreational programs, and health & wellness initiatives; inclusive of aquatic activities.
• Responsible for administrative matters pertaining to the operations of City facilities and grounds.
• Develops programs, philosophies and objectives to meet community needs; works with community, local, school, state, federal, and volunteer organizations in developing and promoting community and support services.
• Responsible for planning and development of ongoing capital improvements to all public facilities and grounds.
• Prepares departmental budget proposal and manages ongoing budgets for Parks & Recreation, General Maintenance, City Cemeteries, Public Grounds, and Health & Wellness.
• Evaluates full time department employees, part time employees, seasonal employees and volunteers.
• Researches and recommends programs, policies and administrative techniques to the City Manager for a more effective operation of the departments.
• Seeks out grant opportunities to help fund objectives, and coordinates with the City Manager on grant applications.
• Coordinates with School District and other community entities to make best use of community facilities and other resources.
• Effectively responds to public inquiries and resolves complaints.
• Administers and provides managerial oversight of the parks and recreation department, general maintenance department, and health & wellness department to ensure conformance with community expectations and applicable laws and regulations, to maximize safety and minimize risk.
• Participates in the City’s Emergency Management Committee and Plan.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field is required, plus five (5) years of experience in managing and directing.
• Master’s degree in public administration preferred.
• Knowledge of current principles and practices related to planning, development, budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of maintenance and use of public buildings and park facilities.
• Strong understanding of leadership principles and practices, office management functions, and work organization.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement a comprehensive community and support services programs.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, analyze, and utilize a variety of reports and records to improve performance and programs.
• Ability to work effectively with others, and to maintain effective interpersonal and customer relation skills.
• Ability to write clear and concise memos, reports, proposals, and other written documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, including the ability to make clear and effective proposals and presentations.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Valid Texas State Driver’s License and evidence of a good driving record.
• Ability to schedule time to accommodate evening and weekend work.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES

• Hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation skills to operate computers and various office machinery
• Good listening skills
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings
• Ability to sit for long periods
• Physical stamina to sustain long work days, including evening meetings
• Physical ability to have access to parks and recreation facilities sufficient to monitor programs and evaluate staff performance.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the City’s demands change, so will the essential functions of this position.

Category City Jobs Status Open Posted September 21, 2026 8:00 AM Closing Open Until Filled