Parks Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $90,500.00 - $130,000.00 Annually
Location : Mooresville, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300514
Department: RECREATION ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Distinguishing Features of the Class
About the Town of Mooresville
As one of North Carolina's fastest-growing communities, the Town of Mooresville combines innovation, teamwork, and community pride to deliver exceptional public service. Mooresville is a thriving, connected community dedicated to providing outstanding services that foster inclusivity and vibrancy for all. Guided by our PAC-IQ values (People, Agility, Communication, Innovation, and Quality), we empower employees to collaborate, think ahead, and make a meaningful impact every day.
Work alongside a team committed to innovation and collaboration, creating positive change for the community!
Why Join the Town of Mooresville
We value our employees and invest in their success with a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits are among the most competitive in the region and include:

• 5% Town contribution to your 401(k), no employee match required
• Choice of three medical plans, including an HSA plan with Town contributions
• Town-paid life insurance at 1.5× annual salary
• Fully paid short- and long-term disability coverage (up to $8,000 per month)
• Wellness Incentive Program, with A discount of $240 annually on medical premium for participation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering 24/7 mental health and work-life support
• Volunteer Time-Off: 16 hours per calendar year to volunteer at any approved agency or organization
• Vacation Leave: Starting 2026, new hires receive 14 vacation days upfront!
• Holidays: Employees accrue 13-14 paid holidays per year
• Floating Holiday and Wellness Day: New hires receive one Floating Holiday and one Wellness Day up front each year
• Bereavement Leave: Up to five days per occurrence for deaths within the employee's immediate family
• On-site clinic for eligible employees and dependents coming in 2026!
• Additional perks include down payment assistance, pet insurance, gym reimbursement, and more!

About the Role
The Assistant Parks & Recreation Director provides strategic leadership and daily operational oversight for the Recreation, Athletics, and Buildings & Grounds Divisions of the Parks & Recreation Department. This position is responsible for managing staff, overseeing recreational programming and park maintenance operations, developing budgets, administering grants, and supporting the Department's mission of providing high-quality parks, facilities, programs, and services to the community.
The Assistant Parks & Recreation Director works collaboratively with Town departments, community organizations, schools, and residents to ensure the effective delivery of services and long-term planning for the department. This position also serves as the Director of Parks & Recreation in the Director's absence. Work requires strong leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and public engagement skills. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Parks & Recreation.
Duties and Responsibilites
• Oversee the daily operations of the Recreation, Athletics, and Buildings & Grounds Divisions
• Manage and administer a comprehensive system of recreation programs, athletics, parks, facilities, and maintenance services
• Coordinate communication and collaboration between programming and maintenance staff to ensure efficient service delivery
• Direct the planning, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of youth and adult recreation programs, athletics, camps, after-school programs, cultural arts, special events, and other community offerings
• Evaluate program performance and community needs to develop new programs and improve existing services
• Oversee the department website to ensure program information is accurate, current, and accessible
• Supervise the maintenance of parks, athletic facilities, cemeteries, landscapes, Town buildings, and other public facilities
• Assist in developing preventive maintenance plans and capital asset replacement schedules
• Ensure parks and facilities are safe, well-maintained, and ready for public use through routine inspections and ongoing maintenance programs
• Develop, prepare, justify, and administer division budgets while monitoring expenditures and achieving revenue goals
• Recommend fees for recreation programs based on cost recovery objectives
• Research, prepare, and administer grant applications to support departmental initiatives and capital projects
• Recruit, hire, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate full-time, part-time, seasonal, and intermittent staff
• Establish performance expectations, provide coaching, and promote employee development and accountability
• Assist staff in resolving operational issues, customer concerns, and employee relations matters
• Develop, update, and implement departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards
• Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, elected officials, and Town departments
• Represent the Parks & Recreation Department through community meetings, committees, public events, and other outreach opportunities
• Respond to public inquiries regarding programs, facilities, services, and departmental operations
• Coordinate schedules, maintain departmental records, and prepare operational reports and statistics
• Communicate departmental plans, policies, and procedures to staff and the public
• Operate a Town vehicle in the performance of assigned duties
• Serve as Director of Parks & Recreation in the Director's absence
• Perform other related duties as assigned
Minimum Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Parks & Recreation Administration, Leisure Studies, Public Administration, or a closely related field
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal parks and recreation, including recreation programming and parks maintenance management
• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience
OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience
Special Requirements
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification within three (3) years of hire
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License
The Town of Mooresville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the workforce.
Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a background check and pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 30 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, click the following link.