Parks & Recreation Director

The Director of Parks and Recreation oversees all facets of the department including Parks Services, Kingsport Aquatic Center, Kingsport Senior Center, Recreation Services, and Cultural Services. This role is responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and management, while ensuring alignment with the City’s strategic focus area of offering exceptional cultural and recreational opportunities. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies, managing budgets and planning processes, overseeing hiring, and ensuring the effective delivery of services. The Director also serves as the City staff liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. 

Directing and Managing the Department

• Provide senior leadership and overall direction to all Parks and Recreation functions, including but not limited to operations, programming, park maintenance, and capital development.
• Oversee the management of all city parks, recreational facilities, greenways, trails, and public open spaces, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Develop, implement, and enforce department policies, procedures, and goals in alignment with city objectives and community needs.
• Monitor performance metrics, service delivery outcomes, and customer satisfaction to improve programs and services.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and manage risk across department operations.

Advisory Board & Community Meetings/Development

• Serve as primary liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, preparing reports, presenting departmental updates, and facilitating strategic discussions.
• Engage with community groups, neighborhood associations, and civic organizations to gather input and build partnerships that support departmental goals.
• Represent the department at public meetings, Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings, and community forums to advocate for parks and recreation initiatives.
• Promote transparency and collaboration through regular communication and outreach with stakeholders, volunteers, and partner organizations.
• Coordinate with local schools, non-profits, and businesses on shared use agreements, sponsorships, and joint programs.

Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans, master plans, and capital improvement programs in coordination with other city departments.
• Conduct needs assessments and demographic analyses to anticipate future recreational and park space requirements.
• Create and maintain a natural resource management plan.
• Evaluate emerging trends and technologies to enhance community recreation and accessibility.
• Align department goals with the city’s comprehensive plan and other strategic documents.

Budget/Financial Management

• Prepare, present, and manage the annual department operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with city-wide financial goals.
• Monitor expenditures, track revenues, and manage grant funding to support program growth and infrastructure investments.
• Identify and pursue alternative funding sources, including grants, partnerships, and fundraising opportunities.
• Oversee procurement processes, contracts, and vendor relationships in accordance with policies.
• Report regularly to city leadership on performance, needs, and resource allocation.

Staff/Personnel Development

• Recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and skilled workforce, including full-time staff, seasonal employees, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of excellence, performance, and innovation within the department.
• Provide training, professional development, and performance evaluations to ensure employee growth and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, workplace safety regulations, and labor laws.
• Encourage staff participation in community engagement efforts and leadership initiatives.
• Additional duties as assigned 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of Parks and Recreation Management 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Budgeting and Financial Management 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Strategic Planning and Development 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Public Administration  
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Personnel Management 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Safety and Risk Management 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Natural Resource Management  
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Project Management 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Contract/Lease Management 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Park Maintenance
• Ability to Set & Communicate a Strategic Vision 
• Ability to Make data driven and community sensitive decisions 
• Ability to Adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and community needs 
• Ability to Build a cohesive team center around the mission  
• Ability to Positive Stakeholder Management 
• Ability to Write and manage grants 
• Ability to Communicate effectively orally and in writing  
• Ability to Read blueprints, estimate material and personnel needs  
• Ability to Manage multiple projects simultaneously  

• Ability to Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, and withstand physically demanding work, such as lifting, bending, and hauling Skilled in Leadership  
• Skilled in Communication  
• Skilled in Project Management 
• Skilled in Problem-solving ability 
• Skilled in Conflict Resolution  
• Skilled in Public Speaking and Presentations   
• Skilled in Developing staff  
• Skilled in Plan, organize, and oversee the work others  
• Skilled in Delivering impactful presentations

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree with experience equivalent to five years Parks and Recreation or similar work in a governmental /corporate/private environment with increasing levels of supervisory and administrative responsibilities; CPRP (certified parks and recreation professional) certification required within 12 months of hire. CPR and first aid certification required within 12 months of hire. AFO or CPO within 12 months of hire or after eligibility. Current TN/VA Driver’s License. CPRE (certified parks and recreation executive) certification preferred within 60 months of hire. CPSI certification preferred within 24 months of hire.