Director of Parks and Recreation

2 days ago

Garden City, MI, United States City of Garden City, MI Full time
Salary: $90,000.00 - $95,000.00 Annually
Location : Garden City, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 12122025
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 12/15/2025
Closing Date: 2/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Are you a dedicated individual committed to enhancing community well-being by leading innovative parks and recreation programs and welcoming public spaces?

Submit your application
Salary range is up to $95,000.00.

While the first review of applications will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, the position will be open until filled. A short list may be developed, with chosen candidates asked to answer additional questions.
Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Manager and is reviewed through conferences, meetings, and reports for results obtained.
Minimum qualifications & Requirements
An equivalent combination of education and on-the-job experience will be considered. Education in public or business administration is preferred, including coursework in:
  • Management
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Information systems
Certifications related to the operation of municipal parks, an ice arena, a community center, and/or food service are a plus.

Qualifying experience may include:
  • Municipal experience at a supervisory level or higher
  • Grant administration
  • Policy formation
  • Business management
  • Information systems
  • Budgeting
  • Program management
  • Project management
  • Special event production and coordination
  • Facility and/or asset management
  • Municipal purchasing
  • Marketing
  • Active leadership and administration of local civic groups
Experience in local government is preferred, including program management, special event coordination, supervisory duties, and budgetary responsibilities.

Ability to work non-traditional hours and schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to be present during events and programs.
Supplemental information
  • Plans, develops, organizes, schedules, directs, publicizes and participates as necessary in sports, physical education, instructional, special event, cultural, and general recreational and leisure time activity programs for all age and interest groups.
  • Attends City Council meetings/workshops to present budgets, activity reports and plans for future activities.
  • Directs the expansion of existing park facilities; recommends the acquisition of property, oversees the design and development of newly acquired land to best serve the needs and interests of the community; oversees the operation and development of the City's Civic Arena and a variety of other City properties, including the maintenance and care of grounds and facilities.
  • Supervises a large staff of part-time and seasonal employees engaged in the operation of City recreation programs.
  • Recommends the hiring of new employees following defined guidelines and procedures; assures new employees receive proper training; monitors staff performance; and counsels and disciplines as necessary.
  • Directs departmental purchasing activities, reviewing requisitions and specifications, authorizing purchases and monitoring expenditures.
  • Conducts studies of park and recreational needs to assess the effectiveness of various programs and staff; keeps informed of developments in the recreational field through participation and membership in regional, state and national parks and recreational organizations.
  • Develops, plans and manages various City festivities and special events.
  • Participates in the planning, development, and expansion of City recreational facilities.
  • Receives and investigates complaints from facility users and public concerning the work of the crews and the conditions that need to be repaired.
  • Plans, organizes, trains, counsels, and reviews the performance of subordinates.
  • Initiates and recommends disciplinary actions.
  • Prepares or reviews a variety of records and reports to make recommendations for improvements or additions to buildings and grounds facilities and equipment.
  • Researches and develops specifications for the purchase of equipment and supplies.
  • Represents the department at meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, school officials, community groups, and other government officials.
  • Prepares a variety of supportive reports dealing with matters such as program activities, financial status, conformity to master plan expectations, and general maintenance of facilities.
  • Serves as liaison to and attends meetings of the Recreation Commission; submits information and discusses programs to facilitate the deliberations of this group.
  • Encourages use of facilities and participation in programs by speaking to community groups and explaining programs; receives citizen input, prepares a variety of correspondence and arranges publicity and news releases to promote athletic, cultural, and social programs; keeps residents informed and maintains positive public relations.
  • Responsible for the formulation and execution of the annual Departmental budget; seeks sources of funding and prepares necessary applications and documentation.
  • Confers with subordinates to assign, discuss work programs and problems. Provides administrative, professional and technical guidance to subordinates as needed.
  • Provides customer service and dispute resolution, as appropriate.
  • Researches and prepares reports at the discretion of the City Manager on a variety of topics related to community and economic development.
  • Attends meetings, seminars and conferences of professional associates and other organizations in order to keep abreast of trends and developments in the parks and recreation field and to represent the City of Garden City's interests before these groups.
  • May perform other work as required.

Garden City provides a comprehensive benefits package to our employees. To read more about our Benefits, please visit
01

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a degree in parks and recreation, public administration, business management, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02

What is your highest level of education?
  • High School Graduate
  • GED
  • Attended College
  • College Graduate
  • Attended Graduate School
  • Master's Degree
  • Graduate study beyond Master's
  • Ph.D. or professional degree

03

Do you currently possess a CPRP or CPRE License?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Which of the options below best describes your experience in supervising the staff and services of a municipal department?
  • No experience
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • 4-5 years of experience
  • 6-9 years of experience
  • 10 or more years of experience

05

Which of the options below best describes your experience in overseeing budgets and financial matters?
  • No experience
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • 4-5 years of experience
  • 6-9 years of experience
  • 10 or more years of experience

06

Which of the options below best describes your experience in creating and overseeing municipal projects?
  • No experience
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • 4-5 years of experience
  • 6-9 years of experience
  • 10 or more years of experience

07

Which of the options below best describes your experience in developing and overseeing athletic programs, recreation classes and other programing?
  • No experience
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • 4-5 years of experience
  • 6-9 years of experience
  • 10 or more years of experience

08

Which of the options below best describes your experience in creating and overseeing community special events?
  • No experience
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • 4-5 years of experience
  • 6-9 years of experience
  • 10 or more years of experience

09

Which of the options below best describes your experience in park maintenance?
  • No experience
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • 4-5 years of experience
  • 6-9 years of experience
  • 10 or more years of experience

10

I understand that this position will require work be performed during non-standard work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and I would be willing to work extended hours to accomplish job duties.
  • Yes
  • No

11

I understand that if offered employment in this position I will be required to complete and successfully pass a criminal background check and drug test.
  • Yes
  • No

12

I understand this position is exempt from overtime.
  • Yes
  • No

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