Parks Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Town of Garner is searching for an experienced performing arts administrator to serve as the Cultural Arts Manager in the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department. This position will manage and grow the Town's arts and cultural programs and partnerships focusing on the 471-seat Garner Performing Arts Center (GPAC). The position performs professional, managerial, and administrative work managing the GPAC and planning, designing, and implementing arts-centered programs and events. Reflecting GPAC’s operations, the work schedule for this position will include frequent evening and weekend hours aligned with the venue’s schedule of presenting events and rental events by local groups. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills, experience managing a performing arts venue and arts and cultural programs, business acumen, and a strong interest in collaborating with and serving the community. This position reports to the department director and supervises the Performing Arts Center Technical Supervisor.

Garner, North Carolina-the Triangle's All-America City-is an idyllic town of over 40,000 residents in the heart of Wake County, one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. Despite all the growth experienced in the past decade, Garner has retained its hometown charm and strong sense of community. Just minutes from downtown Raleigh, Garner residents have easy access to one of the nation's premier metropolitan areas, yet they also reap the benefits of a community with competitively priced housing, outstanding parks and trails, and numerous cultural, educational and entertainment venues. Recent public and private investment in Garner's historic downtown-including the Town's investment in a new $9 million recreation center-have made it a growing hub of recreation, entertainment, and entrepreneurialism.

Founded in 1967, the Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The department provides an impressive array of recreational programming for people of all ages.

White Deer Park and neighboring Lake Benson Park-located in the heart of Garner near or adjacent to numerous neighborhoods-have 160 acres of open space and several miles of paved and unpaved trails. White Deer Park's LEED Gold-certified Nature Center offers educational programming year-round for kids and adults. The Garner Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is located in the Historic District of Downtown Garner in the historic Garner High School building. The 471-seat auditorium is home GPAC's "It's Showtime" a curated series that brings eight regional and national touring artists throughout the year. GPAC also hosts events by regional cultural groups including Towne Players of Garner, the Neuse River Band, local dance studios, and others. The venue's lobby features rotating visual arts exhibitions of local artists.

Examples of Duties:

• Leadership & Staff Supervision: Lead and guide staff in the delivery of arts and cultural programs. Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the full- and part-time staff assigned to their area.
• Programming, Events & Rentals: As the department subject matter expert, manages the Town's arts and cultural programming, developing and implementing programs that address the interests and needs of the community, and supporting local partners in the delivery of performing arts programs.
• Operations & Budget: Administers and monitors the approved operating budget for assigned areas; Identifies grants and other opportunities to enhance programs and services.
• Planning & Evaluation: Participates in the implementation of the Town's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Comprehensive Plan, PRCR Strategic Plan, and CAPRA Accreditation, developing and monitoring objectives and strategies to achieve short- and long-range arts and cultural goals.
• Community Relations & Customer Service: Maintains working relationships with existing community and program partners and participates in community outreach and special Town events.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must:

• Have an Associate's Degree in Business Administration or related field and at least 5 years' experience in recreational or cultural facility management and operations experience

OR

• Have a Bachelor's Degree in Arts or Recreation Administration, Business or Public Administration, or related field and at least 3 years' experience in recreational or cultural facility management and operations experience
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and implementing arts and cultural programs.
• A driver's license valid in North Carolina with good driving history.
• CPR and first aid certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Flexibility to work frequent evening and weekend hours to manage or support the performing arts events at the venue.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation is highly desirable.

A Master's Degree in Arts Management, Business Administration or related field is also desirable.

Additional Information:

The salary range shown is the hiring range. The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.

Interested candidates are encouraged to complete the application form as well as upload a current resume and cover letter no later than September 18, 2026. Application reviews begin immediately.

Initial interviews may be conducted before the application deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employer