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Parks Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Xanitos

Regional Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

As a Regional Director, you will serve as the primary representative of Xanitos. The incumbent is ... Employee Discounts to Theme Parks, Theaters, Sporting Events, Movies and More Xanitos, Inc. is a ...

Streamside Parks

Staff Accountant

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... parks and campgrounds across the United States. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a detail ... You will work closely with the Controller, Senior Director of Finance, and other team members to ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Manager

Lakewood, TN

Cultivate a team environment that provides exceptional customer service while directing the team ... Experience in hospitality is preferred (Theme Parks, Family Entertainment Centers, Hotels, Resorts ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Manager

Cordova, TN · On-site

Cultivate a team environment that provides exceptional customer service while directing the team ... Experience in hospitality is preferred (Theme Parks, Family Entertainment Centers, Hotels, Resorts ...

Urban Air Adventure Parks

Manager

Chattanooga, TN

$12 - $16/hr

Cultivate a team environment that provides exceptional customer service while directing the team ... Experience in hospitality is preferred (Theme Parks, Family Entertainment Centers, Hotels, Resorts ...

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Parks Director information

What does a parks director do?

A Parks Director is responsible for managing and overseeing the operations, maintenance, and improvement of public parks and recreation facilities within a city or municipality. Their duties include planning and implementing recreational programs, managing budgets, supervising staff, and ensuring parks are safe, clean, and accessible to the public. They also collaborate with community organizations and government agencies to enhance park services and facilities, promoting community engagement and outdoor recreation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a parks director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parks Director, you need expertise in public administration, park management, budgeting, and typically a degree in parks and recreation management or a related field. Familiarity with facility management software, GIS mapping tools, and relevant certifications like CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and community engagement skills help build consensus and manage diverse teams. These abilities are essential for ensuring safe, sustainable, and well-maintained parks that meet community needs.

What are some common challenges a parks director faces in balancing community needs and budget constraints?

A Parks Director often encounters the challenge of meeting diverse community expectations for recreational facilities, green spaces, and programs while working within limited municipal budgets. This requires prioritizing projects, seeking alternative funding sources like grants or partnerships, and engaging with the public to ensure resources are allocated effectively. Successful Parks Directors are proactive in fostering collaboration with stakeholders and transparent in communicating decisions, helping to build community trust and maximize impact.

What is the difference between Parks Director vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectParks DirectorRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in parks and recreation, public administration, or related field; often requires experience in park managementAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees parks, facilities, and staff; manages budgets and policiesCoordinates recreational programs and activities; works directly with community members
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks departments, government agenciesCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilities

The Parks Director typically holds a higher-level management role, overseeing entire park systems and staff, while the Recreation Coordinator focuses on planning and implementing recreational programs. Both roles require related credentials and work within public recreation settings, but the Parks Director has broader administrative responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Parks jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Parks jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Parks Director jobs in Tennessee?

For Parks Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Parks Director jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Parks Director jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Parks Director jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Parks Director job openings:

Parks Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parks Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Director - Parks and Recreation

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Patriot Talent Solutions
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Patriot Talent Solutionsexternal

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Senior Director, Parks & Recreation

Knox County, Tennessee

Knox County is seeking a strategic and community-focused leader to oversee one of the region's premier parks and recreation systems. This executive role is responsible for the vision, operations, financial performance, and long-term sustainability of more than 3,000 acres of parks, trails, athletic facilities, aquatic centers, and recreation assets serving residents throughout the county.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director will lead a team of approximately 60 full-time and 80 seasonal employees while overseeing a $9M+ operating budget and capital improvement program.

What You'll Do
  • Lead all operations, maintenance, programming, and long-range planning for the County's parks and recreation system.
  • Oversee a portfolio of 60+ parks and recreation sites, including athletic facilities, aquatic centers, greenways, playgrounds, and public spaces.
  • Manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term asset sustainability.
  • Direct park development, facility construction, renovations, and capital improvement projects.
  • Grow revenue through programs, sponsorships, partnerships, grants, concessions, leases, and community fundraising initiatives.
  • Build strong relationships with community organizations, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and residents.
  • Provide leadership for recreation programming, special events, youth sports, and community engagement efforts.
  • Represent the department before public boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups.
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation, municipal operations, public administration, hospitality, venue management, or a similarly complex service organization.
  • Experience managing significant 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.
  • Ability to balance public service, operational excellence, and fiscal stewardship.
  • CPRE or CPRP certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification within two years.
Ideal Background

We're interested in leaders who have successfully managed large-scale facilities, recreation systems, sports complexes, public venues, parks systems, community organizations, or similar multi-site operations. Experience driving operational performance, capital improvements, revenue growth, and community engagement is highly valued.

Why This Opportunity?

This is a rare chance to lead a highly visible parks and recreation system that plays a vital role in quality of life, economic development, tourism, environmental stewardship, and community wellness across Knox County.

Apply