Parks & Recreation Director

Overview

Please see attached brochure. Parks & Recreation Director Brochure

First Review of applications will be March4, 2026
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* Posting will remain open until filled.

The Parks and Recreation Director is a key executive leadership role responsible for directing the full scope of operations for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. In coordination with residents, the City Commission, Parks Advisory Board, and City Manager, the Director establishes the vision for how parks, facilities, and recreation services enhance quality of life in Great Falls. This includes oversight of Recreational Programming, Aquatics, Parks, Trails, and Forestry.

The Director is also responsible for positioning the department to operate efficiently and effectively by implementing business-based practices, including cost recovery models, data-driven performance measures, and programming aligned with user interests and community demand. This ensures that Parks and Recreation services are responsive to residents, financially responsible, and strategically positioned to meet the City’s long-term goals. This position works under the general direction of the City Manager.

Operations – 40%

• Develops and applies performance-driven metrics and strategies to optimize operations, enhance service delivery, and ensure accountability across all departmental divisions.
• Leads a team of supervisors and staff with a focus on communication, accountability, clear expectations, and professional development to include staff succession planning and organizational culture.
• Ensures compliance with City procedures and public sector standards in all contract and procurement matters. policy regarding purchasing, human resources, financial management and collective bargaining agreements
• Communicates effectively with the public and stakeholders through clear, accurate, and timely presentations and written reports.
• Manages the department’s operational reporting, prepares commission agenda items, contracts, and interagency communications.
• Acts as the primary liaison to the City Commission, advisory boards, neighborhood councils, public events, and community organizations.

Program Management – 30%

• Leads the department with integrity and professionalism, aligning work with the goals of the City Manager and City Commission.
• Directs development and delivery of parks and recreation programs that are affordable, cost-effective, and responsive to community needs.
• Reviews and recommends changes to fee structures. Enhances user experience through point-of-sale (POS) technology implementation and optimization.
• Modernizes fee structures and enhances user experience through point-of-sale (POS) technology implementation and optimization.

Budget – 30%

• Ensures that all services are effective, financially sound, and aligned with the City s strategic goals.
• Oversees budget planning and program evaluation using industry-standard cost recovery models to ensure financial accountability, monitor performance against budget targets, assess program utilization, and discontinue underperforming programs.
• Prepares and submits the annual department budget to the City Manager for review and approval.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field (required).
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in a complex organization with responsibility for budgets, staff leadership, and operational oversight to include one or more of the following areas:
  Parks, Forestry, Aquatics, or Recreation Administration (required).
• Master’s degree (preferred) or equivalent professional experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven success in organizational change management, financial modeling, or strategic planning.
• Demonstrated experience in cost recovery, capital project development, and community engagement initiatives.
• Current CPRP (Certified Parks and Recreation Professional) certification, while not required, is preferred and will be considered a valuable credential.
• Proven experience in program sustainability and user fee development.
• Experience with facility maintenance planning and…