Director of Parks and Open Space

Job Description

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) APRIL 28, 2025

Hiring Range is $120,000 to $155,000 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary

Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, this position is responsible for all management and operations of the Parks & Open Space Department. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to formulating, implementing, and administering a comprehensive public parks program to meet the recreational and leisure needs of the District; selects, trains, supervises, evaluates, and coordinates activities of subordinate Department personnel and delegates appropriate responsibilities; prepares and administers the Parks & Open Space Department budget, develops and maintains necessary records on a current and accurate basis; and submits various reports to the Deputy Director of Operations and Board of Directors as requested. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.

Essential Duties

• Establishes and communicates direction and objectives of the department, ensuring alignment with and support of broad District direction/goals. Oversees efforts to conduct the departments vision, mission, and goals. Promotes and fosters an organizational culture based on superior customer service, the guiding principles and values of the District, and its mission to the community. Provides leadership in monitoring progress and providing feedback to ensure accountability for performance.
• Plans and leads the operations and staff of the department with a strong focus on delivering effective programs, services, and facilities.
• Performs long-range planning for parks and open space and participates in District departmental long-range planning.
• Provides reports, studies, and recommendations to the Deputy Director of Operations to justify needs of the area to support decision making.
• Supervises, mentors, and leads supervisory and technical personnel. Performs or oversees the hiring, instructing, training, assigning, reviewing, and planning work of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff, and provides backup support as needed. Allocates staff, recommends employee transfers, promotions and salary increases. Ensures compliance with applicable personnel guidelines and employment law. Performs annual performance reviews of assigned staff.
• Initiates and manages broad scope special projects or initiatives of major concern or investment to the department or District, including capital improvement and maintenance projects. Coordinates with other departments projects, conducts on-site project visits, and ensures successful completion on time and within budget.
• Prepares, justifies, recommends and is administratively responsible for the Department budgets. Demonstrates appropriate fiscal management relative to costs, inventory, capital expenditure, personnel salaries, etc. May prepare purchase orders, RFPs, journal transfers, profit/loss reports, and invoice requests.
• Administers all water rights issues for the department, including water supply, ditch-fed systems, dam inspections, and related correspondence with State agencies. Represents the District as needed on boards and committees.
• Coordinates the Department services and activities with other District Departments and/or Divisions and with other local State governmental agencies, counties, municipalities, and other community partners.
• Responds to inquiries and problems in person, by email, phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in line with District policies and procedures. This includes making presentations and recommendations to the Board of Directors and other organizations including City Councils and County Commissioners.
• Serves as the technical advisor to the Deputy Director of Operations and other District Departments in formulating policies of Parks and Open Space activities, services, maintenance of facilities and for the planning and construction of parks and recreation facilities and the use of parks and recreation areas.
• Meets with interested individuals and groups to discuss issues regarding parks, open space, trail maintenance, upkeep, park and facility requirements, improvements, and other areas of concern. Collaborates with representatives of public and volunteer agencies in affecting cooperative activities.
• Prepares reports on Departmental accomplishments, annual reports, needs and performance of maintenance programs and services. Studies and recommends facility areas and maintenance programs need for implementation of long-range District plans. Keeps abreast of trends in the field of Parks and Recreation and develops short-term and long-range plans to meet the needs of the community as indicated by those trends.
• Supervises the bidding process and makes recommendations to the Deputy Director of Operations for purchase of vehicles, equipment and supplies or service contracts for the Department.
• Maintains or supervises the maintenance of systematic, complete, and accurate records of all departmental activities, services, personnel, and property. Coordinates and establishes communication among the various Departments and serves in certain cases as liaison among the Departments.
• Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely manner to inquiries and problems in person, through email, phone, and mail by providing helpful information and explanations in-line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with District employees, vendors, various outside users groups and associations (to coordinate their programs, tournaments, special events and league play).
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the assigned area(s).
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attends work on a regular, reliable, and punctual basis.
  
  

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education And/or Experience

• A Bachelors Degree in Parks & Recreation, Leisure Services, Parks & Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Public or Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Masters Degree in related field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of increasingly responsible management and administrative experience in public program administration, project planning, personnel leadership and parks, trails, and open space management.
• Experience within the public sector, including working with Boards, Commissions, community associations and/or partner agencies highly desired.
• Management experience in a Department with similar facilities, functions, and programming, preferably serving populations of 100,000 or more, and preferably in the State of Colorado.
• Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
  
  

Licenses, Certifications, And Other Requirements

• National Recreation and Parks Association Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and any other certifications relevant to organizational management, parks, trails, and/or open space is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.
  
  

Necessary Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the philosophies, objectives, and practices of public parks, trails and open space management.
• Knowledge and understanding of architectural and engineering plans and specifications for parks, trails and open space development, renovation and remodeling projects.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• The ability to: set priorities and make adjustments when the work load exceeds available staff capacities; manage a multitude of projects, and organizational priorities, negotiate contract elements with consultants, contractors and private developers; recognize and deal with administrative, planning, construction, and maintenance related problems in a constructive manner; express facts, data, and ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing; build consensus with citizen groups and/or District personnel on project planning and design priorities and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Department Directors, employees, Board members, other organizations and the public.
• Highly skilled in versatile communication, supervision and choosing appropriate leadership style depending on situation.
• Must be resourceful, self-motivated and possess a sense of urgency.
• Must have exceptional written, verbal and presentation communication skills, and be able to guide and direct individuals and teams toward achieving common goals.
  
  

Material And Equipment Used

• This position regularly uses a phone, computer, printer, GPS systems, fax, and other office equipment.
• This position is required to drive a motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities.
  
  

Working Environment

• Primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
• Occasionally works outside subject to variable weather, ecosystems, and landscape.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• Occasional physical work lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing.
• Occasionally required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment.
• Vision for reading, recording, and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision.
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication. Must understand and be understood.
  
  

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Weve Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers

• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  
  

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

• South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
• Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually
  
  

Take Time Away To Do What You Enjoy

• 10 paid holidays per year
• 4 personal days per year
• Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself
  
  

Weve Got Your Back

• Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service
• Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
• Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year
  
  

Play Where You Work

• Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
• Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors
  
  

We LOVE Our Facilities And So Will You

• Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
• 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
• $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses
  
  

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.

Required Experience

Keyword: Director of Parks and Open Space