Director of Parks and Recreation

About Us

The City of Norfolk’s Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to be nationally recognized as a 2019 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Finalist and a CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies)– accredited agency since 2017 – honors that reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service.

The City of Norfolk’s Department of Parks & Recreation is currently seeking a strategic and visionary Director of Parks & Recreation to be responsible for the management, comprehensive operations and maintenance programs for all City parks, cemeteries, gardens, recreation facilities, school grounds, waterfront land, beaches, management of open spaces to include trails, city wide facilities, and other public properties. You’ll oversee the administration, development, and implementation of our nationally recognized and accredited recreation program.

If you are passionate about making a difference through parks, programs, and community spaces, we’d love to hear from you!

The Director operates under the executive direction of the City Manager and requires significant independence and initiative in accomplishing program objectiveness and effective operations.

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.

With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

This position is a Senior Executive unclassified position which serves at the will of the City Manager.

• Provides leadership and direction to the Assistant Director, Business Systems Manager and division leaders to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage the performance of professional, technical, maintenance and clerical support personnel to achieve the strategic goals of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
• Responsible for overall management and leadership of the four bureaus within the Parks and Recreation Department;
  Bureau of Planning and Administration, Bureau of Recreation and Community Wellness, Bureau of Parks, Forestry Operations, and Bureau of Cemeteries. This includes budget preparation, development and monitoring.
• Develops and implements a flexible program of community-building activities (recreation, parks, and neighborhood improvement services) for all customer segments, social groups, ages, and interest levels within the community.
• Recommends acquisition and directs the development and maintenance of park and playground areas, structures and facilities, and waterways, trails, beaches, and city-wide facilities.
• Manages a flexible program of recreational activities for all segments, social groups, ages, and interest levels within the community.
• Cultivates collaboration and partnerships among city and external agencies, and residents; identifies and develops plans to address neighborhood, parks, recreation, and open space needs; and marketing of neighborhoods.
• Directs the preparation and administration of the departmental business plan, performance measurement system, work program and budget, to ensure cost effectiveness.
• Plans and coordinates neighborhood recreational strategies with other departments, schools, civic organizations, non-profit organizations, and other partners.
• Directs communications and promotional activities to encourage citizen support, participation, attendance, and interest in parks, recreation, and open space programs.
• Collaborates with various public, private, non-profit, and civic groups and individuals to promote departmental community-building activities and to ascertain desired or needed services.
• Reviews and analyzes systems and processes, equipment…