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Director, Parks & Recreation - Job Opportunity at City of Overland Park

Overland Park, USA
Full-time
Executive
Posted: January 26, 2025
On-site
USD 130,000 - 189,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package aligned with public sector standards
Professional development opportunities in parks and recreation leadership
Public service retirement benefits typical of municipal positions
Healthcare and wellness programs supporting active lifestyle focus

Key Responsibilities

Strategic leadership of 300-acre Arboretum, multiple recreational facilities, and extensive park system
Budget administration and resource allocation across diverse recreational programs
Development and execution of community engagement initiatives and special events
Oversight of multiple facilities including community centers, pools, golf complexes, and specialty venues
Long-term planning and development of parks and recreation infrastructure

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, or similar field (Master's preferred)

Experience

10 years of progressively responsible management experience in parks and recreation or similar

Required Skills

Management expertise Leadership and team development Budget administration Strategic planning Community engagement Facility operations management

Certifications

Valid driver's license
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Municipal parks and recreation departments are increasingly focusing on sustainability and environmental stewardship, particularly in growing metropolitan areas Integration of technology and digital solutions in recreation program management is becoming standard practice Rising emphasis on inclusive recreation programs addressing diverse community needs Growing focus on public-private partnerships for facility development and program delivery

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range is competitive for municipal parks and recreation directors in mid-sized cities, particularly considering the scope of operations and metropolitan location

Role Significance

Likely oversight of 100+ staff across multiple facilities and program areas, with both direct and indirect reports
Executive leadership position with direct impact on community quality of life and municipal strategic planning

Key Projects

Master planning for park system expansion and renovation Community center modernization initiatives Sustainable operations implementation Special events and community programming development Capital improvement project management

Success Factors

Strong political acumen and ability to work with elected officials Vision for innovative recreation programming that meets evolving community needs Expertise in managing complex budgets and multiple facility operations Track record of successful community engagement and partnership development

Market Demand

High demand for experienced parks and recreation directors due to increasing focus on quality of life amenities in growing communities and retirement of current leadership

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Political savvy and stakeholder management in growing suburban environment Financial management across diverse revenue streams and facility types Strategic planning and vision development for evolving community needs

Beneficial Skills

Experience with public-private partnerships Grant writing and alternative funding source development Environmental sustainability practices Digital transformation in recreation services

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to manage diverse portfolio including unique assets like Arboretum and Children's Farmstead
Position offers significant community impact in rapidly growing suburban environment
Role combines traditional parks management with specialty facility operations

Career Growth

Typical tenure in this role is 5-7 years before advancement or lateral move to larger municipality

Potential Next Roles

City Manager Regional Recreation Director State Parks Director Private Sector Recreation Executive

Company Overview

City of Overland Park

Second-largest city in Kansas with strong economic base and growing population of 206,000+

Leading suburban community in Kansas City metropolitan area with strong focus on quality of life amenities
Significant regional employer with competitive position in municipal services sector
Professional public sector environment with emphasis on community service and strategic planning
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