Senior Director, Parks & Recreation Strategy

Patriot Talent Solutions; Tennessee; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Patriot Talent Solutions seeks a strategic Senior Director to oversee Knox County's premier parks and recreation system. You will lead operations for 60+ sites, manage a $9M+ budget, and guide long-range planning, development, and partnerships to sustain assets serving residents countywide.

You will build collaborations with officials, nonprofits, and communities while directing programs, events, and youth activities to enhance quality of life and economic vitality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation or similarly complex service organizations.
• Experience managing operating budgets, capital projects, and large teams.
• Proven success leading community-facing operations and developing partnerships.
• Strong financial, strategic planning, project management, and leadership skills.
• CPRE or CPRP certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within two years.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operations, maintenance, programming, and long-range planning for Knox County's parks and recreation system.
• Oversee 60+ parks and recreation sites, athletic facilities, aquatic centers, and public spaces.
• Manage operating budgets and capital improvement programs with fiscal responsibility.
• Direct park development, facility construction, renovations, and capital projects.
• Grow revenue through programs, sponsorships, grants, concessions, leases, and fundraising.
• Build relationships with community organizations, officials, nonprofits, and residents.
• Provide leadership for recreation programming, events, youth sports, and community engagement.
• Represent the department before public boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Project management

Partnership development

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

CPRE/CPRP certification

Tools

Budget management tools

Capital projects oversight

Job description

Patriot Talent Solutions seeks a strategic Senior Director to oversee Knox County's premier parks and recreation system. You will lead operations for 60+ sites, manage a $9M+ budget, and guide long-range planning, development, and partnerships to sustain assets serving residents countywide.

You will build collaborations with officials, nonprofits, and communities while directing programs, events, and youth activities to enhance quality of life and economic vitality.