What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Services Director position at City of Show Low?
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
City of Show Low, Arizona
Salary Range: $92,776 – $115,000 DOE Excellent Benefits
First Review: April 11, 2025 | Open Until Filled
Contact Stephanie McQuillan, HR Manager, at 928-532-4027 with questions
Live Where Others Vacation
The City of Show Low, nestled in Arizona’s stunning White Mountains, offers a lifestyle most only dream of—clean air, four mild seasons, a small-town feel with big-city amenities, and an outdoor recreation paradise. Located just three hours from Phoenix, Show Low is a vibrant regional hub with year-round hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, and family-friendly events.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking an innovative and driven Community Services Director to lead one of the most respected departments in the region. This executive-level role reports directly to the City Manager and oversees Parks & Recreation, Library Services, Public Information (City TV). The Director sets vision and strategy, manages staff and budgets, leads capital project planning, builds regional partnerships, and ensures outstanding service to residents and visitors alike.
Why Show Low?
- Population: ~12,500 permanent; swells to 30,000 seasonally
- Major draws: Sunrise Ski Resort, 180 miles of trails, top-rated schools, Torreon Golf Club, and 2M acres of National Forest
- Healthcare: Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center – full-service hospital with 100 beds
- Education: Local access to Northland Pioneer College and Northern Arizona University satellite programs
Department Highlights
- 176 acres of parks, lighted sports fields, dog park, disc golf, BMX & skate parks, inclusive playgrounds, pickleball, and a robust recreation program (youth and adult)
- Year-round Family Aquatic Center with swim lessons, events, and lap swimming
- Award-winning Library (largest circulation in Navajo County)
- Active senior center and community partnerships with local nonprofits
- 32 FTEs
Current Priorities
- Participate in the construction of a new sports and events center
- Expand programs and events that drive tourism (e.g., rodeo, tournaments)
- Work with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to improve offerings
- Strengthen regional outreach and communications strategy
- Lead long-range open space and trail development projects
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for a results-oriented, people-first leader with:
- Strong vision, high integrity, and a collaborative management style
- Ability to work with elected officials, community leaders, and staff alike
- Experience in parks, library services, and capital project delivery
- Skilled communicator with a customer service mindset
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth environments
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, parks & recreation, or related field (Master’s Degree preferred)
- At least 5 years of increasingly responsible leadership in community services
- Experience managing staff, budgets, and capital projects
- Certified Parks and Recreation Professional certification through NRPA Preferred
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $92,776 – $115,000 DOE
- Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
- City-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off starting at 19 days/year 12 holidays
- Short-term disability, deferred comp (457), wellness program
- Relocation assistance available
GENERAL PURPOSE
Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Community Services Department, ensuring high-functioning, innovative, and responsive delivery of parks, recreation, open space, and community programs. Leads multi-faceted operations that include planning and development of recreational infrastructure, trail systems, capital projects, and quality-of-life initiatives aligned with economic development, tourism, and community identity. Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, and long-range thinking. Operates with considerable autonomy under the direction of the City Manager.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports to the City Manager with latitude for independent judgment and decision-making in alignment with organizational priorities.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Provides direct and indirect supervision to all Community Services Department staff, including Parks and Recreation, Aquatic Center, Library, Public Information, and supporting administrative personnel.
Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all department operations, including parks and recreation programming, facility operations, open space, trail development, senior services, and special projects.
Serves as the primary architect of department vision, culture, and direction; leads the execution of key strategic initiatives, including regional trail planning, community engagement, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Supervises and mentors department leadership; supports staff development and succession planning.
Develops and manages operating and capital budgets with emphasis on transparency, long-range sustainability, and alignment with Council and community goals.
Oversees development and implementation of policies and procedures to guide department operations, maintain compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and promote consistency and fairness.
Leads cross-departmental and interagency coordination efforts, including NEPA compliance, grant administration, and major capital improvement projects.
Facilitates interdepartmental collaboration with Public Works, Economic Development, and other divisions to optimize service delivery and amplify impact.
Represents the City at public meetings, Council work sessions, regional planning forums, and external committees.
Prepares reports, policy recommendations, and presentations for the City Manager, City Council, and the public.
Evaluates department performance, ensures accountability, and identifies opportunities for increased efficiency and innovation.
Leads grant writing efforts and identifies funding mechanisms for major initiatives; oversees grant compliance and reporting.
Coordinates closely with tourism and economic development partners to ensure programs and facilities support broader community goals.
Champions inclusive community engagement, ensuring programming and amenities serve diverse populations.
Oversees design and execution of master plans for parks, trails, and facilities.
Manages vendor agreements, MOUs, and leases with outside entities; leads negotiations as needed.
Upholds safety standards across all operations; supports training, field safety practices, and emergency protocols.
Participates in regional leadership discussions and professional networks to maintain best practices and continuous improvement.
Performs other related duties as assigned or required.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
Leads regional partnerships and task forces related to outdoor recreation, trails, tourism, or conservation.
Coordinates major community volunteer programs and events in partnership with civic organizations.
Supports economic development strategy through recreation-driven tourism initiatives.
Education and Experience:- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Parks & Recreation, Natural Resource Management, Urban Planning, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a public sector or comparable setting, including substantial supervisory and budgetary responsibility.
- Demonstrated success managing diverse teams, community-facing services, and large capital projects.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Deep understanding of community services programming, municipal budgeting, parks/trail planning, capital improvement processes, and public engagement.
- Skilled in policy development, strategic planning, and interagency collaboration.
- Ability to lead high-performing teams, inspire innovation, and maintain high morale.
- Strong communicator—able to write effectively, present to Council and the public, and navigate sensitive political and social contexts with diplomacy.
- Proficient in project management and process improvement across complex operations.
- Ability to lead through ambiguity and adapt to changing political, social, and environmental conditions.
- Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
- Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work required, particularly for public events, Council meetings, and emergency response situations.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Computer and standard office equipment; Microsoft Office Suite; GIS and recreation management software; City vehicle; phones; trail and site field tools when needed.
Salary : $92,776 - $115,000
