Director of Parks and Recreation - Muskogee

Listing Title:
Director of Parks and Recreation 

Listing Description
CLASS TITLE: Director of Parks & Recreation

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION: 
Responsible for the executive leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight of a City-wide program of parks and recreation. Work includes planning, organizing, scheduling, assigning and supervising the work of regular, part-time and seasonal employees in the maintenance of parks and facilities and in diverse recreational activities. 

This position serves as a member of the City’s executive leadership team and ensures parks and recreation services align with City Council goals, City Manager direction, and community priorities.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

Leadership & Personnel Management
•Selects, orients, trains, assigns, schedules, coaches, counsels and disciplines employees; communicates job expectations; plans, monitors, appraises, and reviews job contributions; enforces policies and procedures. 
•Supervises office and field employees to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, proper procedures; establishes accountability standards and corrects errors or problems.

Strategic Planning & Operations
•Provides leadership, management, direction, and long-range vision in the comprehensive development of the overall planning and implementation of programs and services for the parks and recreation department, including facilities maintenance, new or renovation related capital projects, design and construction of Park facilities and resources. 
•Plans and administers a comprehensive park and recreation program, recreation centers and landscaping of City property.
•Provides overall direction of activities in a large number of park and recreation areas, including swimming pools, recreation centers, tennis courts, baseball fields, parks and floral display areas.
•Establishes and implements operating policies and procedures.
•Develops, monitors, and evaluates performance measures to ensure programs, facilities, and services meet community needs and City objectives.

Financial Management & Grants
•Reviews reports, budgets, goals, and policies proposed by staff. 
•Manages, prepares, reviews, analyzes, and presents operating budgets; prepares and administers capital improvement budget and ensures project schedules, grant compliance and proper financial monitoring takes place to meet requirements and effectiveness considerations.
•Directs the development and administration of the Parks & Recreation operating and capital budgets; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate.
•Develops grant applications and requests for proposals; prepares and reviews service contracts; administers and monitors the use of regular budgetary allocations, grant or donation related funds, reviews progress, coordinates schedules with other parties, contractors and utilities and resolves problems with project development and execution. 
•Prepares and administers grants, solicits outside funding sources and creates innovative methods for revenue production. 

Community Engagement & Partnerships
•Represents the City and the Parks & Recreation Department before boards, commissions, civic organizations, and the general public.
•Meets with community and business groups to establish community partnerships.
•Handles citizen complaints and effectively determines proper course of action for a resolution. 
Administrative Responsibilities
•Ensures effective use of administrative systems, technologies, and data tools including computers for budgeting, reporting, recordkeeping, and communication.
•Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned.
•Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Director of Parks & Recreation reports directly to City Manager. 

The Director of Parks and Recreation supervises all personnel in the Parks and Recreation Divisions along with volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in parks and recreation management, public administration, horticulture, landscape architecture, or a closely related field, and five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation management including at least three (3) years in a senior supervisory or administrative leadership role. Relevant experience in budgeting, personnel management, capital projects, and community engagement is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends of public parks and recreation administration, including programming, facilities management, and leisure services. Knowledge of municipal government operations, policies, and procedures, including budgeting, capital improvement planning, procurement, and contract administration. Knowledge of personnel management practices, labor relations, performance management, and organizational development. Knowledge of applicable safety standards, risk management principles, and regulatory requirements related to parks, recreation facilities, and public spaces. Knowledge of grant development, funding sources, and compliance requirements, as well as methods for promoting programs and services through effective community engagement and public relations.
Ability to provide ethical and effective leadership while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Ability to plan, organize, and direct complex departmental operations; analyze operational, financial, and organizational issues; and develop sound, practical solutions. Ability to manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and oversee capital improvement projects and facility operations. Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with elected officials, City leadership, employees, community organizations, and the public. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, including preparing reports, delivering public presentations, and responding to citizen inquiries. Ability to use data, performance measures, and technology to support informed decision-making and improve service delivery. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential matters.
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a key board and telephone. Occasional sitting and standing is required. Occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to fifty (50) pounds. Occasional reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, twisting, handling and repetitive movements. Vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks. Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential. Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.
Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver’s license is required. Possession of a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional certification, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work in this classification is both indoors and outdoors. Will travel to other City locations as required. 

Notice: This classification is a “safety sensitive” position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws. As a “safety sensitive” classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana. 

PAY RANGE: $86,902/yr. - $125,819/yr. Excellent employee benefits (insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, retirement, holidays).

WORK HOURS: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

WORK LOCATION: City of Muskogee Parks and Recreation Department, 837 East Okmulgee Avenue, Muskogee, Oklahoma.

TO APPLY:
The City of Muskogee is taking employment applications online only. To apply you may scan the QR code below:

or visit this link: https://www.muskogeeonline.org/departments/human_resources/opportunities.php. Click on the job you wish to apply for and then click on the green “Apply Now” button. This will take you to the AcquireTM portal. You will be prompted to create an account which allows you to enter your information one time where it will be saved for future job interests. If you do not have computer access you may use a computer at the Muskogee Public Library at 801 W. Okmulgee Ave., Muskogee, Oklahoma.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: There is no deadline for applications for this position – it will be open until filled.

EOE 

(Job) Location:
Muskogee, OK 

Website Address (please do not delete the http://):
http://cityofmuskogee.org

Contact Information -

Company/Municipality Name:
City of Muskogee 

Street Address
229 West Okmulgee Avenue 

City
Muskogee 

State
Oklahoma 

Zip Code
74401 

Phone Number
918-684-6221 

Fax Number:
918-684-6223 

Contact Job Title:
HR Office Assistant I 

First Name
Judy 

Last Name
Kennedy 

Email Address
jkennedy@muskogeeok.gov

Listing Expiration Date:
04/29/2026