Assistant Parks & Rec Director

Job Title: Assistant Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation

Reports to: Parks & Recreation Director

Rate of Pay: $75,442 - $91,936/Annually DOQ 

Position Summary:

The purpose of this position is to provide strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the Recreation Division within the Parks and Recreation Department, including oversight and supervision of the department’s operational staff; coordination of the development and management of the departmental budget and cost recovery planning; and partnership, contract, cost recovery planning, and the continuous evaluation of division  operations. This position oversees and assists in the development of marketing and promotional processes and actions and collaborates on external resource development to support the department’s operations.  

The position assists the Director and Division Managers in planning for and reporting on the programs and services provided by the department, including coordination of evaluation processes, performance reporting, and staff training. The person in the position regularly engages with staff, community members, and partners regarding a wide variety of concerns and issues and utilizes an Equity and Inclusion lens in the performance of their duties. The position reports to the Director of Parks and Recreation and provides complex administrative support to the Director, City Management, advisory boards, and commissions as needed. The Assistant Director of Recreation serves as Acting Director in their absence and performs other duties as assigned.

Decatur Parks & Recreation is comprised of three divisions – Facilities Operations, Recreation, Out-of-School Time (OST) – and this role provides direct or indirect supervision to the leaders of each of these areas. The department features 4 community recreation centers, 9 tennis courts, 8 playgrounds, 6 basketball courts, 2 pickleball courts, 1 community track facility, 1 indoor pool and 3 outdoor pools, 22 parks. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Serves as the leader of the Recreation Division, ensuring alignment with the department's strategic goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. Oversees day-to-day operations and directly supervises Division Managers and Section Supervisors, providing support in staff management and team development. Acts as the Department Director in their absence.

• Guides staff to create and implement recreation programs and services that reflect the diverse needs of the community, ensuring program quality, accessibility, and innovation.
• Oversees departmental budgets, providing leadership in budget preparation, monitoring, and adjustments to ensure fiscal responsibility and effective use of resources. Coordinates with Division Managers to review and prioritize budget requests, forecasts, and financial planning.
• Leads recruitment, staff training, and performance evaluations; develops work plans and implements corrective action procedures in accordance with City policies.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement by training and mentoring employees, supporting leadership development, and fostering technical and managerial excellence within the team.
• Monitors and evaluates community satisfaction with programs and services, implementing changes and improvements as needed to meet community needs effectively.
• Coordinates the development and review of division manuals, policies, and procedures, ensuring updates are communicated to staff and implemented appropriately.
• Provides strategic direction for recreation program offerings based on data-driven evaluations, community feedback, and operational goals, balancing cost efficiency and service impact.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with staff, community members, and external partners to achieve departmental and citywide goals.
• Participates in the development of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, CAPRA accreditation efforts, and long-range capital improvement planning.
• Manages Recreation Division payroll and ensures accurate and timely submissions.
• Coordinates ongoing and annual evaluation services to align program outcomes with goals and improve operational effectiveness.
• Conducts analysis of trends, resource utilization, and program operations to develop actionable strategies and protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required duties.

Education and/or Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, exercise / sports science, business management, public administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in parks and recreation management, exercise / sports science, business management, public administration, or a related fie is preferred. 
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation management, community services, or related field, including supervision, budgeting and personnel functions. Seven (7) progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation management, community services, or related field, including supervision, budgeting and personnel functions. is preferred. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional or Certified Parks and Recreation Executive or the ability to obtain within six months is preferred.
• Aquatic Facility Operator or Certified Pool Operator is preferred
• Certified Youth Sports Administrator is preferred
• Possess a valid Georgia Driver’s license (class C) and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
• CPR, First Aid, and Prevent Child Abuse certifications or the ability to obtain within six months is preferred.  

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods in both indoor and outdoor settings with a variety of extreme weather conditions.
• Can lift and carry heavy objects (10-50 lbs.), sit, bend, squat, and twist on daily; must be able to physically operate city vehicle.
• Have the ability to sit for long periods using office equipment and computers.
• Must deal with constant interruptions, noise, and meet with others regularly.
• Have a personal vehicle to drive for daily business on a mileage reimbursement basis.
• Must be available to work weekdays, weekends, nights, and holidays. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Salary : $75,442 - $91,936