Deputy Director, Parks & Recreation - Parks

Town of Queen Creek•Frontier Family Park - Parks & Grounds Maintenance, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Town of Queen Creek is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation – Parks. This executive leadership role is responsible for overseeing the Town's Parks Maintenance and Park Ranger Divisions. The Deputy Director will partner with the Parks & Recreation Director to advance strategic initiatives, operational excellence, and provide exceptional service to the community. This position is second in command within the department and supervises, manages, and leads the activities and operations of assigned recreation, aquatics, grounds, and park ranger division(s). The role is responsible for fiscal, budgetary, and personnel management in assigned areas and is heavily involved in goal setting and policy making alongside the Director. This is a senior management level position with supervisory and organizational authority, demonstrating broad practical knowledge in several major functions. Work involves directing, planning, and coordinating across staff and projects/programs, and assisting with policy development. Typically reports to a department head and is a third- or higher-level supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Parks, Recreation, Community Services or a related field
10 years of related experience
5 years of supervisory experience
Driver’s License
Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry
Managerial principles, practices, techniques and options to successfully motivate and supervise staff
Parks and recreation operations principles, methods and practices
Budgeting and finance principles and practices
Project management principles and practices
Applicable state, local and federal laws relating to parks and recreation operations
Personnel related laws and policies
Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities
Applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations
Customer service principles and practices
Supervising and leading staff
Managing, identifying, communicating and carrying out the objectives of the Parks & Recreation department and assigned divisions
Interpreting and applying community services principles, methods and practices
Using computers and related software applications
Interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations
Solving problems and proposing sound decisions
Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred

Responsibilities

Plans, directs and oversees assigned divisions in Parks & Recreation.
Collaborates with the Parks & Recreation Director in the development and implementation of the department’s long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives, including serving as the department’s liaison with capital improvements.
Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of operations, services, procedures, and use of resources; recommends and/or implements modifications or improvements as needed.
Plans, directs, and oversees park and trail development initiatives; manages projects through all phases including concept development, planning, design, construction, and final operational implementation.
Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff, processes employee concerns and problems; directs work; counsels, disciplines, and completes employee performance appraisals; interviews and selects new employees.
Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and reviews completed work; confers with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations; provides technical expertise; coordinates staff development and training activities.
Communicates with applicable stakeholders as needed to coordinate work activities, reviews status of work, exchanges information, resolves problems, or gives/receives advice/direction.
Responds to requests for information; responds to politically sensitive inquiries and concerns; resolves the most complex issues, often in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Director; provides advice and counsel as needed.
Facilitates meetings with internal departments and a variety of committees; prepares presentations for Council, management, staff, and citizens as needed.
Manages customer service activities relating to area(s) of assignment.
Prepares, reviews, approves, completes, processes, or retains various forms, reports, correspondence, personnel information, performance evaluations, invoices, budget reports, financial records, contracts, codes, ordinance, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation.
Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
Prepares Council Action reports as needed.
Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the annual departmental budget.
Conducts special projects and reviews.
Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Parks & Recreation Director in his/her absence.
Provides full operation oversight of the Town's parks and trails system, including maintenance, safety, asset management, park ranger operations, and day-to-day service delivery.
Directs parks operations through supervisory staff, ensuring effective coordination of field activities, maintenance programs, and service standards across all facilities and open spaces.
Establishes operational priorities and service levels for parks maintenance and ranger functions to align with departmental goals, community needs, and available resources.
Oversees integration of new and improved park assets into ongoing operations, including coordination with capital improvement projects and facility transitions.
Leads parks system planning and improvement initiatives, including master planning, accreditation efforts, and operational assessments to enhance long-term service delivery.
Represents the Parks function in interdepartmental planning efforts, regional partnerships, and community engagement related to parks, trails, and open space.