Director of Parks & Recreation

Pueblo County • Pueblo, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for leading and directing parks and recreation operations, including but not limited to recreational and community service programs and activities, County-owned parks and recreation facilities, and the administration of third-party services, maintenance contracts, and the department budget. Establishes performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and benchmarks for department programs, measures results against them, and reports performance regularly to the Chief Administrative Officer and County leadership. Operates with a high standard of accountability, following through on commitments to completion and keeping leadership informed of progress, risks, and results without prompting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Business Management, Sports Business, Sports Management, Public Administration, or a related field required
• Minimum of twelve (12) years or more experience in recreation management, park administration, or a related field required
• Minimum of seven (7) years or more of supervisory experience in parks, recreation, or a related field required
• Minimum of seven (7) years or more of supervisory experience in local, state, or federal government preferred
• Valid driver’s license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver’s license within 60-days of hire required
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) obtain from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) or a recognized professional organization required upon hire
• ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents certification obtained from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the COTRAIN (Colorado Training and Action Information Network), and other recognized organizations required within 1-year of hire
• ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System for Complex Incidents certification obtained from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the COTRAIN (Colorado Training and Action Information Network), and other recognized organizations required within 1-year of hire
• Must successfully pass any and all applicable background checks

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Recreation, Business Management, Sports Business, Sports Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Exercises direct, first-level supervision of positions, employees, operations, and activities within a main or branch office; Sets clear performance expectations and holding staff accountable for completing assignments on time and to standard; Includes coordinating staff training, assigning and reviewing work, participating in the interview and selection process, making recommendations impacting pay, status, and disciplinary action, evaluating performance independently or in conjunction with a higher-level supervisor/manager, and approving time off.
• Responsible for the completion, accuracy, and distribution of staff timesheets.
• Plans, schedules, and manages parks and recreation operations, including community center operations, facility utilization, and program delivery to meet the needs of residents of all ages.
• Focuses on developing diverse recreational programs, managing community centers, and creating educational initiatives that address community and individual needs.
• Coordinates activities to promote engagement, wellness, and community development through well-organized programs and facilities.
• Travels independently to all Pueblo County Parks & Recreation facilities and regularly visits all work sites and shifts.
• Fosters community relationships, gathers public input, and promotes the use of parks and recreational spaces through targeted outreach, organized events, and inclusive planning initiatives.
• Forms partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups; encourages volunteer participation; creates promotional materials; and evaluates engagement efforts through surveys and data analysis to refine outreach strategies and enhance community involvement.
• Coordinates with Pueblo County Emergency Management and partner agencies to support emergency preparedness, emergency operations, and the activation and operation of County evacuation centers and emergency shelters.
• Travels independently to community centers, parks, and special events as needed.
• Oversees the development and administration of the Parks and Recreation department budget by monitoring expenditures, balancing program revenues, preparing cost and usage reports, and evaluating financial trends.
• Recommends maintenance and capital improvements.
• Analyzes trends in program usage and financial impacts to evaluate budget adequacy and forecast future needs.
• Secures, administers, and manages grant funding to support parks and recreation programs and services.
• Develops and implements short-term and long-term strategic plans for parks and recreation facilities and programs, emphasizing cost analysis, maintenance, and operational efficiency.
• Manages vendor and contractor services by coordinating schedules, addressing issues, monitoring performance, and maintaining comprehensive documentation.
• Ensures compliance with contracts and fulfillment of all contractual obligations.
• Administers procurement processes for quotes and bids, and supervises outsourced services.
• In consultation with the CAO, works with the County media team to develop communication strategies, promotional materials, and social media content that highlight parks, recreational programs, and community engagement.
• Stays abreast of and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding parks and recreation Management.
• Provides statistical analysis for Parks and Recreation Operations Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation.
• Responds to emergencies as needed.
• Serves on committees as needed.
• May be required to effectively manage multiple projects, deal with stressful situations, and adapt to sudden and unexpected changes in work assignments.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned, including filling in for other staff as necessary and/or required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• Remote & Hybrid working opportunities
• County Retirement Program
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)
• May be eligible for up to 12-weeks Paid Parental Leave Benefits (full-time employees)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director