Parks & Recreation Director

OverviewResponsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the activities of the Parks and Recreation Department. Supports the development and maintenance of a comprehensive park and playground system and oversees recreation programs for all groups and age levels within the City.ResponsibilitiesProvide visionary leadership and strategic oversight of all department operations, guiding the parks and recreation divisions through effective management and supervision.Establish and execute strategic goals that promote equity, inclusion, safety, accessibility, and community well-being.Ensure delivery of exceptional facilities, open spaces, and recreational programs that enrich residents’ quality of life.Evaluate operations and implement policies to enhance efficiency, service quality, and organizational performance.Develop and administer the departmental budget with fiscal integrity, transparency, and strategic investment in programs and workforce development.Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.Partner with City leadership and departments to advance best‑in‑class project planning, capital improvements, maintenance systems, and technology integration.Collaborate with Public Works to coordinate facility maintenance and ensure compliance with state and national standards.Oversee the development and execution of a long‑term Capital Improvement Program to support sustainable infrastructure growth.Pursue alternative funding sources through partnerships, sponsorships, fundraising, and grants.Direct inclusive recreational programs that meet the diverse needs and interests of the community.Lead the acquisition, design, and development of park and recreation facilities to serve a broad range of users.Establish and uphold administrative and program standards to ensure operational consistency and excellence.Prepare and present analytical and performance reports to City leadership and oversight bodies.Coordinate activities with contractors, vendors, and governmental partners to ensure efficiency and compliance.Represent the department before City Council, boards, committees, and community organizations.Promote departmental programs through public relations, outreach, and community engagement efforts.Implement a comprehensive employee training and development program that encourages continuous learning and operational excellence.Minimum RequirementsComprehensive knowledge of all phases of community recreation activities and their administration; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of park and playground planning and development; thorough knowledge of management principles and techniques, and ability to manage the operations of the department economically and efficiently to attain the desired results; ability to develop and execute a well‑rounded program of recreational activities; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing; ability to cooperate with and interpret recreation philosophies to City authorities, public and private groups and agencies and the general public.SkillsMaster’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Management or Master’s Degree in management or Public administration with a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management plus extensive responsible professional experience in recreation or parks administration. Or, an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.BenefitsHealthcareGroup Health/Dental/Vision Insurance: HMO and dependent coverage is available.Life Insurance: One times employee’s gross annual salary. Dependent coverage is available.Disability Insurance: Optional coverage available.Flexible Spending Accounts/Dependent Care Savings Accounts.Employee Assistance Program (EAP).Wellness Events and Fitness Classes.On-The-Job Injury Benefits: Worker's Compensation and Supplemental Pay Benefits, when applicable.RetirementPension: (General Employees) Mandatory participation. Defined benefit plan/Florida Retirement System (FRS).Pension: (Sworn Police Personnel) Mandatory participation. Defined benefit plan/Florida Retirement System (FRS).Deferred Compensation: Optional employee contribution to IRA, and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans offered through Mission Square and Corbridge Financial.Work-Life BalanceVacation: Two weeks per year; after five years, three weeks; after fifteen years, four weeks. Accumulation starts on date of hire. There is a six-month waiting period for using vacation time.Holidays: Paid holidays, employee’s birthday, and two Floating/Personal Holidays.Sick Leave: Ten days per year; after three years, 11 days; after five years, 12 days. Accumulation starts on date of hire. There is a three-month waiting period for using sick time.Additional BenefitsStudent Loan Forgiveness: The U.S. Department of Education’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program may forgive your student loan balance after making 120 qualifying payments while working full-time with a governmental agency. For additional information please visit Federal Student Aid.Tuition Reimbursement.Employee Assistance Trust Fund: A trust fund set up by the City of North Miami to assist employees who are faced with unforeseen emergencies. Participation is on a volunteer basis.Reduced pricing for Transit and Tri-Rail Passes.Legal benefits coverage available - LegalShield.Pet Insurance available - Nationwide Pet Insurance.Free City Library Card.Merit Increase: Full time employees are eligible for an annual merit increase.Salary: Paid on a weekly basis for the previous work week.Direct Deposit.Benefit Documents: 2025 Employee Benefits Guide (PDF)Seniority levelDirectorEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionOtherIndustriesGovernment Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr