Director – Parks & Recreation

Salary Range: $142,178+   Job Code: 61001  Pay Grade: 32  FLSA Status: Exempt  

This position is non-merit and serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

DeKalb County is seeking a strategic and visionary leader to guide its Parks and Recreation Department. The ideal candidate will bring over a decade of progressive experience in parks and recreation administration, a strong educational foundation, and active involvement in professional organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association. This high-impact role oversees all departmental operations, programs, and services, ensuring alignment with county goals and community needs. The Director will play a key role in shaping inclusive, vibrant public spaces and delivering innovative recreational opportunities that leave a lasting legacy. 

The ideal candidate will perform the following key responsibilities:

• Oversight of division managers and cross-functional coordination 

• Decision-making and problem-solving in complex situations 

• Benchmarking and performance evaluation 

• Policy development and implementation and regulatory compliance (local, state, federal) 

• Budget preparation, financial oversight, resource allocation, capital improvement planning, and master planning for parks, recreation, and natural resources 

• Facility and equipment maintenance supervision, long- and short-term planning for facilities and programming 

• Recreation program planning and evaluation, marketing and public engagement for programs 

• Partnership building and inter-agency collaboration, vendor management and contract oversight 

• Public communication and complaint resolution, liaison with officials, community groups, and patrons 

• Departmental administration and organizational management 

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides direction and oversight to subordinate managers regarding the operation and activities of their divisions; establishes strategic plans, goals and objectives for the department to include individual division work plans; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; conducts staff meetings; confers with management team to assists with complex/problem situations, provides technical expertise, and provides approval where needed; and ensures the divisions work together to maximize department performance and the use of resources.

Develops benchmarks and performance measures for the department; monitors and evaluates the programs, services and operations provided by the department; identifies performance shortcomings and accomplishments; identifies and directs the implementation of changes in work plans, priorities, resource allocation, policies, and procedures as needed to improve department services and performance; and ensures all department programs, operations and services comply with applicable County, state and federal regulations, statutes, ordinances and policies, and that the department is meeting the needs of the County and community.

Develops and maintains the comprehensive master plan for parks and recreation; oversees short and long-range department planning for facilities, programming, and natural resources; prioritizes and oversees parks and recreation programming and activities and shifts resources as needed to meet organizational needs; identifies new processes and alternatives to resolve problems or improve/enhance operations; develops and implements department operational policies and procedures; and ensures that operations support the master plan and comply with established policies, procedures, and related regulations.

Serves as the chief liaison between County officials, the community, patrons, and staff for all matters pertaining to parks, recreation and natural resources; establishes and maintains partnerships and effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, community groups, and professional organizations; collaborates with parties to maximize resources; responds to inquiries from the general public regarding various department operations and services, provides information, or directs inquiries to appropriate department resources; responds to and resolves inquiries and complaints; meets with prospective contractors, and professional service providers; meets with civic groups; and prepares and presents information regarding the department.

Prepares and administers the departmental operating and capital improvement budget; monitors and approves expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; adjusts priorities as needed with input from the appropriate governing authorities; identifies needs and obtains and allocates resources for the department; develops alternative funding proposals; and oversees allocation of equipment, materials and supplies and ensures their proper inventory, record keeping, repair and maintenance.

Manages the maintenance of park facilities and property through supervision of subordinate managers and oversight of capital projects; directs the construction, management and maintenance of the department’s physical resources including parks, buildings, and facilities

Manages the maintenance of recreational programming through supervision of subordinate managers; plans and prioritizes the development of recreation programs, events, and other activities; plans and coordinates youth and adult programs; coordinates development, publication and distribution of marketing materials; contracts with and monitors outside vendors running recreation programs; and ensures programs and services provide quality services that meet the needs and interests of the community.

Oversees the administrative management of the department.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation or a related field required (Master's Degree preferred); ten years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration, with five years of management experience for a comparably sized organization or as a director for a smaller organization; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. 

DeKalb County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.