Parks Director — Lead Strategy, Parks & Community Growth

Colorado Psychiatric; Colorado; On-site; USD 108,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Paid Time Off - 4+ weeks/year

8 paid holidays + floating holiday

Job summary

Foothills Recreation District in Colorado is seeking a Director of Parks to lead the planning, operation, and development of parks, trails, and related facilities. The role emphasizes strategic leadership, capital improvement coordination, and collaboration with District departments and community partners.

The candidate will oversee budgeting, staffing, and contracts, while aligning initiatives with community needs and District goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Park Management, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Ten years supervisory experience in planning and construction projects and/or parks/grounds maintenance.
• Experience with Boards, Commissions, community associations and/or partner agencies for at least five years.
• Management experience in a department with similar facilities, functions and programming, preferably serving populations of 50,000+.
• Knowledge of park planning, administration and maintenance including renovations.
• Grant application development and funding knowledge.
• Knowledge of budget planning, development and control.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies governing park operation.
• Basic knowledge of water management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the District's parks, planning, property management, fleet services, capital improvements, and related operations.
• Develop and implement the Department's vision, goals, master plans, policies, and procedures.
• Serve on the District leadership team and advise the Executive Director on park planning and long-range initiatives.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance measures; monitor progress.
• Direct planning, design, construction, maintenance and improvement of parks, trails, and associated facilities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Grant writing

Contract management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Parks/Related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Project management tools

Job description

Foothills Recreation District in Colorado is seeking a Director of Parks to lead the planning, operation, and development of parks, trails, and related facilities. The role emphasizes strategic leadership, capital improvement coordination, and collaboration with District departments and community partners.

The candidate will oversee budgeting, staffing, and contracts, while aligning initiatives with community needs and District goals.