Recreation Program Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Description The City of Fairfield, Ohio is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as its next Parks and Recreation Director. Located in southwest Ohio just north of Cincinnati, Fairfield encompasses approximately 22 square miles with nearly 45,000 residents and more than 1,200 businesses. The Parks and Recreation Director leads a team of 19 full-time employees, 30 part-time employees, and approximately 80 seasonal employees across multiple functional divisions including park operations, recreation programming, arts and cultural services, and golf operations.

See our full recruitment brochure at: Parks and Recreation Director Candidates must have demonstrated skills in the following areas: organizational leadership, strategic planning, communication and interpersonal skills, budgeting and community relations. Minimum qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience in parks and recreation or a closely related public sector organization.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification through the National Recreation and Park Association is preferred or to be obtained within a reasonable period following appointment. Demonstrated experience in budget development and administration, personnel management, capital project oversight, and recreation programming. Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and written and verbal communication skills.

Valid driver's license with the ability to maintain insurability under the City's insurance provider. Interested candidates should submit an employment application, cover letter, and resume through the City's online employment portal: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfieldoh The recruitment will remain open through July 14, 2026. Following the application deadline, the City Manager will review application materials and identify candidates to advance in the selection process

Selected candidates will participate in an initial interview, with finalists invited to participate in a final interview that will include the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Board. Examples of Duties Provide leadership and direction to the department's full-time, part-time, and seasonal workforce through effective supervision, professional development, performance management, and succession planning. Develop and implement a comprehensive system of parks, recreation, golf, arts, cultural, and leisure programs that meets the evolving needs of residents of all ages and abilities.

Direct the operation and long-term planning of the City's parks, golf courses, aquatic center, Community Arts Center, Village Green Amphitheater, and other recreational facilities. Prepare and administer the department's annual operating and capital budgets while ensuring sound financial management and responsible stewardship of public resources. Lead the planning, design, and implementation of capital improvement projects and oversee consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, and vendor contracts.

Foster a collaborative, interdepartmental approach by working closely with other City departments to coordinate capital projects, special events, strategic initiatives, and the delivery of exceptional services. Serve as the primary liaison to the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Board and cultivate productive partnerships with City Council, the Fairfield City School District, community organizations, foundations, businesses, residents, and other City departments to advance community priorities and successfully deliver department initiatives. Develop departmental policies, establish performance expectations, benchmark best practices, and promote continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the City Manager, City Council, Parks and Recreation Board, and other stakeholders. Represent the City in professional organizations, regional partnerships, and community events while promoting the department's mission and strategic initiatives. Perform other related duties as assigned by the City Manager and Assistant City Manager - Infrastructure.

Typical Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience in parks and recreation or a closely related public sector organization. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification through the National Recreation and Park Association is preferred or to be obtained within a reasonable period following appointment.

Demonstrated experience in budget development and administration, personnel management, capital project oversight, and recreation programming. Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and written and verbal communication skills. Valid driver's license with the ability to maintain insurability under the City's insurance provider.

Supplemental Information The City of Fairfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. The City of Fairfield prohibits harassment, discrimination, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to Human Resources at 513-867-5352.