Strategic Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director

City of Brookings; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 112,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Brookings seeks a Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director to provide executive oversight for parks, recreation programs, facilities, and senior services. Lead planning, budgeting, and partnerships to enhance community quality of life and safety.

The role requires strong leadership, fiscal acumen, and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable programming across departments and facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, public administration, business administration, leisure services, natural resources, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks, recreation, facilities, or a related field, including administrative and supervisory responsibility.
• Experience managing complex operations, budgets, employees, programs, facilities, and capital projects.
• Experience using financial information, operational data, community input, and performance measures to guide decisions and improve services.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse workforce, manage organizational change, and foster a culture of service, collaboration, and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive or politically challenging matters with sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Proficiency with technology and software used for communication, reporting, budgeting, data analysis, and departmental operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for parks, recreation, forestry, golf course, and related services.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and long-range plans aligned with City goals.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement across programs and facilities.
• Monitor community needs and trends to inform service delivery decisions.
• Develop and review departmental policies, procedures, and standards.

Job description

City of Brookings seeks a Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director to provide executive oversight for parks, recreation programs, facilities, and senior services. Lead planning, budgeting, and partnerships to enhance community quality of life and safety.

The role requires strong leadership, fiscal acumen, and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable programming across departments and facilities.