Job Description
Parks & Recreation Director | Municipal Leadership
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Great communities don't just happen. They're built by people who care about making them better.
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We're partnering with a growing municipality in Eastern Washington to find an experienced, forward-thinking Parks & Recreation Director ready to make a lasting impact.
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This is more than managing parks and recreation programs. It's an opportunity to shape how a growing community lives, plays, connects, and thrives for years to come.
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As a key member of the municipal leadership team, you'll oversee parks, recreation, aquatics, community programs, facilities, and animal services while guiding long-term investments, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships.
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If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys developing people, building programs, and turning big ideas into meaningful community improvements, we'd love to connect!
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What You'll Be Doing
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- Lead & Inspire: Provide executive leadership across multiple divisions, develop managers and staff, and build a collaborative, high-performing team.
- Shape the Community: Oversee parks, trails, sports complexes, aquatic facilities, recreational programs, and public spaces.
- Drive Strategic Growth: Lead long-range planning, capital improvement projects, operational initiatives, and community development efforts.
- Manage Budgets & Resources: Direct operating and capital budgets, financial planning, resource allocation, and funding opportunities.
- Build Community Partnerships: Collaborate with elected officials, municipal leadership, schools, nonprofits, and regional organizations.
- Oversee Diverse Services: Provide strategic oversight of recreation, aquatics, community facilities, special events, and regional animal services.
- Make a Lasting Impact: Improve organizational systems, expand community access, and deliver financially sustainable services.
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What We're Looking For
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We're seeking an experienced leader who combines strategic thinking, operational excellence, financial responsibility, and a genuine commitment to public service.
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- Progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation, municipal government, community services, public administration, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, developing managers, and overseeing complex operations.
- Experience managing operating budgets, capital projects, strategic initiatives, and organizational resources.
- Strong communication, community engagement, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience collaborating with executive leadership, elected officials, public agencies, and community stakeholders.
- 10 years of combined relevant education and experience, with qualifying education counting toward the requirement.
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Preferred Certifications & Qualifications
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Candidates with professional credentials in parks, recreation, or aquatic facility management are especially encouraged to apply.
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- Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
- Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
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These certifications are highly valued but not required. Relevant municipal leadership experience, demonstrated operational expertise, and the ability to manage complex community services are equally important.
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Bilingual English/Spanish skills are strongly preferred.
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Additional requirements include a valid Washington driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days), CPR and First Aid certification within six months of hire, and successful completion of a background check.
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Compensation & Benefits
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- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Washington State public employee pension retirement plan.
- 457 deferred compensation plan with up to a 4% employer contribution.
- 12 vacation days and 12 sick days annually during the first year, accrued over time.
- 10 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
- Employer-paid basic life insurance.
- Tuition assistance, employee wellness resources, and additional benefits.
- Flexible scheduling opportunities, subject to department approval.
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Why You'll Love This Opportunity
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Big leadership opportunity. Growing community. Real impact.
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This is your chance to lead more than a department. You'll help shape the parks, programs, facilities, and public spaces that families and future generations will enjoy.
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Add a competitive executive salary, excellent public-sector benefits, retirement security, and the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy, and you've got a pretty compelling next chapter.
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Ready to help shape the future of a growing community? We'd love to hear from you!