Assistant Director, Austin Parks and Recreation

City of Austin

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under nominal direction, this position plans, directs, and manages the service operations, budgets, programs, and personnel of multiple divisions in a multi-disciplinary municipal parks and recreation system. The selected candidate will lead a team that provides administrative operations and support functions to various divisions within the department and to the community. Additionally, the position will serve on the executive leadership team, providing subject matter expertise in close collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director and other Assistant Directors, and represent Austin Parks and Recreation in navigating interdepartmental, City Council and City Manager Office business. The role includes responsibility for finance; contracts, procurement, and grants; communications and engagement; human resources; intergovernmental relations; equity; information technology; records management; and partnerships, with a scope that includes 5 direct reports and approximately 65 employees. Initial priorities may include coordinating initiatives related to Citywide strategic plans and departmental work plans, working with Austin Government Relations on Citywide priorities including Federal, State and Local legislative initiatives and grants, participating in the next iteration of the Long Range Plan, and supporting organizational development and operational efficiency improvements. The selected candidate should be prepared to navigate these areas while supporting strong operations, employee engagement, community trust, and long-term service excellence.

Requirements

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation and Parks Administration, Recreation and Resources Development, Public Administration, or a related field, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible upper management-level experience in public parks or recreation programs or a related field.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of park and recreation administration including business plan development.
Knowledge of municipal government budget planning and preparation, public administration financing, and purchasing regulations.
Knowledge of equity concepts, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
Knowledge of public relations, marketing, and public information concepts and practices.
Knowledge of environmental regulations related to public lands, urban preserves, recreational facilities, and waterways.
Knowledge of development, maintenance, and construction of recreation facilities; and project management.
Knowledge of management and personnel principles and practices.
Knowledge of research techniques, methods, and procedures.
Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating recreational activities and programs.
Skill in selecting, developing, and evaluating staff to accomplish departmental objectives.
Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing to include public speaking.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City employees, citizen groups, and the public.
Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.

Nice To Haves

Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Executive or senior-level leadership experience within the City of Austin or a comparable municipal department or similar organization.
Executive or senior-level leadership experience managing a range of administrative functions, including finance, performance management, contracts, information technology, and human resources.
Executive or senior-level leadership experience overseeing operational and programmatic functions, including communications, community engagement, community partnerships, organizational culture, and government relations.
Executive or senior-level leadership experience supporting and facilitating organizational development and leading change management initiatives.
Demonstrated expertise in leading departmental strategic initiatives in collaboration with leadership teams, including annual departmental plans, citywide and departmental strategic plans, and evaluation frameworks.
Collaborative and approachable leader who excels in guiding organizations through change.
Experience in strategic planning, performance management, and interdepartmental coordination within a public-sector setting.
Values teamwork, accountability, and community connection, engaging staff at all levels and fostering inclusive decision-making.
Skilled at navigating complex organizational shifts and supporting leadership teams through periods of transformation and growth.

Responsibilities

Manages the objectives, operations, and direction for assigned divisions within the context of the department’s strategic goals and objectives.
Oversees developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to parks and recreation; ensures compliance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing department activities.
Manages and monitors a variety of operations to ensure organizational excellence through transparency, accountability, and effective communication at all levels to facilitate employee development and the successful implementation of City and departmental objectives.
Directs personnel and activities of one or more divisions related to recreational services and the operation of municipal parks and facilities; and determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within the division.
Develops and oversees the implementation of long-range goals and strategies addressing the need for recreation facilities and plans for the establishment of the facilities.
Prepares long-range planning and capital improvement plans.
Evaluates existing programs and services for effectiveness and impact and modifies as necessary.
Initiates new services and programs designed to meet customer and stakeholder needs.
Establishes and monitors management controls for administrative and fiscal procedures.
Prepares and administers operational budgets, forecasts department revenues and expenses, identifies resources to improve overall service delivery effectiveness, and oversees multiple funds including capital improvement project funds.
Represents the department at City Council, citizens groups, and boards and commissions meetings.
Identifies and responds to community concerns consistent with established policies.
Administers and oversees service contracts, use/management agreements, and other similar documents related to the operation of a municipal park system.
Prepares business planning reports, memoranda, and correspondence on departmental policies and activities.
Responsible for the full range of supervisory and management activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.