Parks & Recreation Director — Community Impact Leader

City of Brookings; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Brookings seeks a senior leader to oversee Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, including facilities, golf, urban forestry, and senior services. The role guides long-range plans, manages budgets and capital projects, and champions inclusive, high-quality public amenities for Brookings residents.

The Director will work with City leadership, advisory boards, and the public to align services with community needs, ensure safety, sustainability, and responsive programs across city departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management, public administration, business administration, leisure services, natural resources, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in parks, recreation, facilities, or a related field with administrative and supervisory duties.
• Experience managing complex operations, budgets, employees, programs, facilities, and capital projects.
• Ability to use financial information, data, and community input to guide decisions and improve services.
• Proven ability to lead a diverse workforce and navigate sensitive matters with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency with technology and software for communication, reporting, budgeting, data analysis, and operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for parks, recreation, forestry, golf, and community services.
• Establish departmental goals and long-range plans aligned with City priorities.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement across programs and facilities.
• Oversee capital projects, budgets, contracts, grants, and asset management.
• Direct planning, development, marketing, and evaluation of programs and events.
• Build partnerships with City departments, agencies, and community organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Policy development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

CPRE/CPRP designation

Job description

City of Brookings seeks a senior leader to oversee Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, including facilities, golf, urban forestry, and senior services. The role guides long-range plans, manages budgets and capital projects, and champions inclusive, high-quality public amenities for Brookings residents.

The Director will work with City leadership, advisory boards, and the public to align services with community needs, ensure safety, sustainability, and responsive programs across city departments.