Director of Parks and Recreation

Des Moines is looking for a creative, energetic and collaborative leader who sees possibilities and is ready to roll up their sleeves. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and team builder who is equally comfortable navigating the practical realities of day to day operations.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial and operational judgement, communicate effectively with employees, city leadership, elected officials, community members and partners, and understand how to balance priorities with available resources. 

Most importantly, the City is looking for someone who can see the potential in what Des Moines already has and bring the leadership, creativity and energy needed to turn that potential into meaningful results for the community. 

Our Community Enrichment Services offers social, educational and recreational programs that support health and lifelong learning in Des Moines. Our program areas include Senior Services, Youth Programs, Camps, Sports, and Special Events. 

Des Moines is a mostly residential community that is situated along Puget Sounds midway between Seattle and Tacoma in Washington State. The city is long and narrow, 603 miles long and 2.1 wide covering 4, 340 acres. It includes various parks, fields, waterfront and trails. 

To learn more about the structure, budget and community programs within Parks and Recreation, see our attached recruitment flyer.

Closing Date:

Open until filled. First review of applications on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Salary:

$156,362.23 - $197,662.30 annually. DOE

To Apply

Complete the online application at https://desmoineswa.applicantpro.com/jobs/and attach a resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant leadership experience. 

Nature of Work

The Parks & Recreation Director serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and provides strategic and operational leadership for the City's parks and recreation system. The Director is responsible for the overall direction, performance and administration of the department, including parks and open spaces, recreation programs, senior services, facilities, rentals, community events and other assigned services and initiatives.

The Director leads long-range planning and establishes department priorities that align with City Council direction, the City's Strategic Plan, community needs and available resources. The position is responsible for department operations, financial management, capital and asset planning, service delivery, community engagement, partnerships and the development of a high-performing team.

The Director leads in a dynamic, resource-conscious environment that requires the ability to move effectively between long-range strategy and day-to-day problem solving. The Director is expected to be visible, accessible and actively engaged with employees, programs, facilities and community activities while maintaining responsibility for the overall direction and performance of the department.

Essential Functions

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for the City's parks and recreation system and establishes department goals, priorities, work plans and performance expectations consistent with City priorities and community needs.
• Leads the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of the City's Parks & Recreation Master Plan and other long-range plans, translating adopted priorities into realistic work plans, investments and measurable outcomes.
• Oversees the delivery and continuous improvement of recreation programs, senior services, parks, facilities, rentals, community events and other assigned services with a focus on community benefit, accessibility, quality and responsible use of City resources.
• Provides leadership for the stewardship, maintenance and improvement of City parks, open spaces, facilities and recreational assets and establishes priorities for their long-term care and use.
• Develops and manages the department's operating and capital budgets; monitors revenues and expenditures, evaluates financial performance and recommends priorities and resource allocations consistent with available funding.
• Develops financially sustainable approaches to programs and services, including evaluation of fees, cost recovery, facility utilization, service delivery models, partnerships, grants and other funding opportunities.
• Uses financial, operational, participation and community information to evaluate programs and services, identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations regarding continuation, modification, expansion or development of services.
• Provides leadership for capital planning and park and facility improvement projects; establishes priorities, participates in project development and coordinates with Public Works (Engineering), consultants, contractors and other partners responsible for project delivery.
• Selects, develops, supervises and evaluates assigned employees; establishes clear expectations, promotes accountability and supports professional development and effective teamwork.
• Builds effective relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations and regional partners to expand opportunities, strengthen services and leverage community resources.
• Develops and supports meaningful community engagement processes to understand community needs, identify barriers to participation and ensure programs, services and investments respond to the community.
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with City advisory bodies and provides appropriate staff support, professional recommendations and guidance consistent with their established roles.
• Prepares and presents recommendations, reports and updates to the City Manager, City Council and advisory bodies regarding department operations, policies, programs, projects, budgets and emerging issues.
• Responds to complex or sensitive community concerns, operational issues and service challenges and develops practical solutions that balance community needs, City policies and available resources.
• Represents the City at community meetings, regional organizations, professional associations and other public forums.
• Participates as a member of the City's executive leadership team and contributes to Citywide strategic planning, organizational initiatives, policy development and problem solving.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and current trends in municipal parks and recreation administration, programming, facility operations and parks management.
• Strategic and long-range planning, including development and implementation of parks and recreation master plans.
• Municipal budgeting, financial management, revenue forecasting, cost recovery and capital planning.
• Methods for evaluating program performance, community benefit, participation, service levels and financial sustainability.
• Parks and facility asset management, maintenance planning and capital improvement practices.
• Recreation programming and community service delivery for diverse ages, abilities, backgrounds and interests.
• Community engagement practices and methods for identifying and responding to changing community needs.
• Principles of organizational leadership, supervision, employee development, performance management and team building.
• Public administration, municipal governance and the roles and relationships of the City Council, City Manager, departments and advisory bodies.
• Grant development and administration and public, private and nonprofit partnership models.
• Contract development, negotiation and administration.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies affecting parks and recreation operations.
• Principles of risk management and public safety as they relate to parks, facilities, programs and community events.
• Project management and the planning and delivery of capital and operational initiatives.

Ability to:

• Provide both strategic and operational leadership within a multifaceted municipal department.
• Develop a clear vision and translate long-range goals into achievable priorities, work plans and measurable outcomes.
• Move effectively between executive-level responsibilities and direct involvement in operational issues when needed.
• Develop and manage complex operating and capital budgets and make sound recommendations regarding priorities, tradeoffs and allocation of limited resources.
• Evaluate programs, services and operations using financial, performance and community information and make recommendations for improvement.
• Lead organizational change, establish expectations and develop a collaborative, accountable and service-oriented team.
• Coach, develop, supervise and evaluate employees and effectively delegate responsibilities.
• Build productive relationships with elected officials, employees, residents, community organizations, businesses, schools and regional partners.
• Understand community needs and develop programs, services and partnerships that improve access and participation.
• Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and deliver effective presentations and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, advisory bodies and community groups.
• Navigate the political and organizational environment of local government with sound judgment, professionalism and appropriate discretion.
• Analyze complex issues, identify alternatives and develop practical, financially responsible solutions.
• Manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing operational needs and unexpected circumstances.
• Negotiate and administer contracts, agreements and partnerships.
• Lead and coordinate projects involving multiple departments, consultants, contractors and community partners.
• Exercise independent judgment and make timely decisions within delegated authority.
• Remain visible, accessible and engaged with employees and department operations while maintaining an appropriate executive perspective.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration or a closely related field; AND
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, public administration or a closely related field, including significant responsibility for programs, personnel, budgets, facilities and/or organizational operations, with at least three years in a supervisory or management capacity; OR
• A combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credential is preferred.
• Municipal or other public sector parks and recreation leadership experience is highly desirable.
• Experience with parks and recreation master planning, capital planning, community engagement, financial sustainability and organizational development is desirable.

Special Requirements

• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License with a good driving record.
• Successful completion of a criminal history and pre-employment background check.
• Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings, programs and community events as necessary.
• Ability to respond to significant operational issues or emergencies outside regular business hours when necessary.

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities

• Work is performed in both office and field environments. The Director regularly visits parks, recreation facilities, community facilities, programs, events, project sites and other City locations.
• Work requires frequent interaction with employees, elected officials, community members, contractors, consultants and partner organizations and may involve resolving sensitive, complex or contentious issues.
• Evening and weekend work is required periodically for City Council meetings, community meetings, programs, events and other department activities.
• Field work may include exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, active construction or maintenance areas and normal conditions associated with public parks, facilities and community events.
• The position requires the ability to communicate effectively, use standard office technology, travel between City facilities and sites and perform the physical activities necessary to observe and participate in department operations.