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Parks Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gfoat

Director of Parks and Recreation

University Park, TX · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Summary Under general direction of the City Manager/Assistant City Manager, the Director of Parks and Recreation oversees, manages, administers, and directs operations divisions within the Parks and ...

Floyd County

Parks Program Director

New Albany, IN · On-site

$50K/yr

The Program Director for the Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for supervising and directing assigned staff and organizing and promoting recreation programs within the ...

City of Jonestown

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Leander, TX · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Assistant Public Works Director, Public Works and Parks Department staff. EXAMPLES OF WORK Essential Duties* · Manages special projects. Responsible for planning; both short term and long term. ...

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Parks Director information

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 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.
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Parks Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parks Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Vice President, Operations & Organizational Development

HUDSON HIGHLANDS FJORD TRAIL INC

Beacon, NY • On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Title:           Vice President, Operations & Organizational Development        

Reporting to:            Chief Executive Officer

Location:                   Beacon, New York

Our Mission:             

To create and steward a 7.5-mile linear park along the Hudson River that solves existing safety concerns around visitation, provides welcoming access to people of all abilities, restores and protects natural resources, and enhances quality of life for local communities.

Mission of Position: 

The Vice President, Operations & Organizational Development is a senior leadership role responsible for building the internal capacity required to support rapid organizational growth and long-term operational excellence. 

This is primarily an internal-facing role focused on human capital, organizational systems, culture, and operational performance. The VP will support and oversee day-to-day organizational operations, work with staff to optimize the operating budget, and lead the development of a high-performing, mission-driven team.   Working in close partnership with the CEO, the VP will ensure the organization is structured, staffed, and supported to deliver on its ambitious goals. 

Principal Responsibilities may include:


Organizational Leadership & Strategy

  • Partner with the CEO to design and implement organizational structure and growth plans 
  • Lead organizational development efforts to support scaling from startup to a more mature institution 
  • Build organizational systems and processes that enable high performance and accountability 
  • Collaborate with other members of executive leadership team in advancing the organizational mission and facilitating cross departmental integration
  • Directly manage and support key leaders, including Parks Director, Director of Finance & Operations, and future administrative and operational staff

Human Capital & Talent Development 

  • Develop and implement recruitment, hiring, and onboarding systems to support rapid staff growth 
  • Lead performance management, evaluation, and professional development frameworks 
  • Foster a strong, cohesive organizational culture grounded in mission, accountability, and collaboration 
  • Ensure staff are supported, empowered, and equipped to succeed 

Operations & Administration 

  • Oversee day-to-day organizational operations across departments 
  • Manage and optimize the annual operating budget in partnership with the Director of Finance 
  • Supervise administrative systems, policies, and compliance 
  • Oversee the organization’s use of technology and the responsible integration of AI into the organization’s systems to enhance delivery of programmatic outcomes.
  • Oversee park operations and visitor services in partnership with the Parks Director 
  • Support readiness for Phase One opening, including staffing, systems, and service delivery 
  • Manage facilities and operational infrastructure, including offices and rental properties 
  • 10 years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofitor similar mission-driven organization.
  • Proven success in scaling organizations and managing growth
  • Experienced in team leadership, operations, and organizational developmentNon-profit financial literacy
  • Track recordof building high-performing teams and systems
  • High integrity and strong judgment
  • Excellent communicator and relationship builder
  • Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
  • Deep commitment to people management and team development
  • Ability to balancehigh standardswith strong staff support

Compensation:

Full-Time, Salary range $145,000- $170,000, with competitive benefits.

Contact:

Please submit a resume and cover letter as one combined document and brief writing sample as part of your application. Further information can be found on our website: https://hhft.org/news/opportunities/. No phone calls

Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail andScenic Hudson provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. Decisions related to all terms and conditions of employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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