Parks and Recreation Director

Candidates should have a degree from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in parks and recreation, public administration, business administration or a related field. A master's degree in a related field is highly desirable. Candidates should also have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, which includes supervisory and leadership experience.  Consideration may be given to equivalent education, experience and training. Candidates should also possess, or obtain and maintain CPR and first aid certification.  Possession of a driver's license valid in the state of Connecticut required.  Recognition by the National Recreation and Parks Association as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) is desirable.

The Town of Mansfield, Connecticut (www.mansfieldct.gov) is seeking a Parks and Recreation Director for its Parks and Recreation Department, following the retirement of a long-tenured and valued incumbent in spring 2026. Mansfield values innovation, inclusion, and community connection, and this is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognized Parks and Recreation system during a time of considerable community growth, investment, and possibility.

The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit. This position plans, directs, and leads all recreation and parks operations for the Town.  Sample duties include strategic visioning and long-range Department planning; overseeing Town-wide recreation and parks programs; overseeing the Mansfield Community Center and Community School of the Arts; budgeting; capital planning; grants acquisition and administration; overseeing the customer experience; developing, implementing, and evaluating departmental services and programs; and developing and administering departmental policies and procedures. The Director is also responsible for coaching, supervising and evaluating departmental personnel in accordance with collective bargaining provisions and other applicable HR policies. The Parks and Recreation Director reports to the Town Manager.

About Us

The Parks and Recreation Department includes a team of seven full-time and over 200 part-time and seasonal staff committed to providing quality leisure, health and wellness, and cultural opportunities for all ages and abilities. The department oversees operations of a number of recreation facilities, 19 parks and preserves, and over 35 miles of town owned trails. Learn more about our Parks and Recreation Department here: https://www.mansfieldct.gov/243/Parks-Recreation

Mansfield is a vibrant, forward-looking community of approximately 28,000 residents where exceptional quality of life is shaped by the powerful intersection of parks, recreation, arts, and lifelong learning.  Situated in beautiful northeastern Connecticut, Mansfield is home to the University of Connecticut and located less than an hour from Hartford and Providence, Mansfield offers a unique blend of urban (Downtown Storrs – www.mansfieldmdp.org), suburban, and rural living in a vibrant university setting. Mansfield has a variety of cultural and educational offerings, numerous food and entertainment venues, as well as an abundance of natural resources ideal for activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking.  Mansfield has adopted a Council-Manager form of government, with the Town Manager serving as the Chief Executive Officer responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Town.

Work Schedule & Location

This position is 35 hours per week.  The selected candidate will normally work five consecutive days, Mondays-Fridays. Some weekend and evening hours are required to accommodate departmental programs and other assignments.

The work location is the Mansfield Community Center, 10 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield.

How to Apply 

The position is open until filled. Candidates may apply at: https://www.mansfieldct.gov/353/Job-Opportunities. The preferred candidate will be subject to a background check, including a credit check.

The Town of Mansfield is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider with a deep commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and welcoming in its workforce. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Town when necessary.