Director of Parks | Department of Parks and Recreation

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As stewards of Denver’s legacy park system, the City and County of Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and improving the health of our residents and environment. Through innovative programs and the creation of safe, beautiful, and sustainable spaces, DPR manages a dynamic system of 30 recreation centers and nearly 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parkland, including off-street trails, parkways, and natural areas. This work is made possible by a dedicated team of professionals who design, promote, and preserve these world-class spaces for generations to come. We are seeking an experienced visionary and collaborative leader to serve as Denver’s next Director of Parks. The Director of Parks will lead a diverse team responsible for maintaining high-quality parks, open spaces, and recreational assets across the city. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to advancing equity, operational excellence, and strong interdepartmental partnerships. The Director of Parks will lead high-performing teams, manage significant operating resources, drive strategic priorities outlined in the Game Plan for a Healthy City, and champion innovative practices in sustainability, service delivery, and asset stewardship. This position reports to senior leadership within the department and plays a critical role in shaping the future of Denver’s park system.

Requirements

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, inclusive leadership, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Knowledge of park maintenance standards, urban landscapes, irrigation systems, and public asset stewardship.
• Excels at engaging effectively and building trust with staff at all levels—from frontline crews to executive leadership.
• Brings excellent communication, relationship-building, and change‑management skills.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing large teams through multiple layers of leadership.
• Strong background in budget administration, workforce planning, and organizational management.
• Ability to build trust with residents, boards, and elected officials.
• Familiarity with enterprise asset management systems and data-informed operations
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field based on a specific position(s).
• Five (5) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of subordinate supervisors.
• Two (2) years of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
• Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.
• A valid and current driver’s license at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a municipal or public-sector environment.
• Demonstrated success leading equity-focused initiatives or workforce development programs.
• Familiarity with asset management systems, performance metrics, or quality assurance programs.
• A bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Management, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field

Responsibilities

• Provide direction, mentorship, and support to Parks Operations managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Foster a culture grounded in equity, collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Promote effective communication and engagement across all levels of the organization.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate parks maintenance standards, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with community expectations.
• Oversee daily operations including landscaping, facilities maintenance, asset management, and seasonal programs.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and resource allocation to support efficient service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with citywide partners, including the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), and other operational divisions.
• Coordinate joint initiatives, shared maintenance responsibilities, and integrated service strategies.
• Represent the department with elected officials, executive leadership, community groups, neighborhood stakeholders, and partner agencies.
• Respond to residents’ concerns and inquiries with professionalism and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Build collaborative relationships that strengthen public trust and improve outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational systems, workforce development, and service equity.
• Lead or support long-term planning efforts related to parks infrastructure, sustainability, and capital improvements.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees