NEW Director of Parks and Recreation

Qualified applicants will possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Parks and Recreation Management, Public or Business Administration, or related field and at least seven (7) years of parks experience, which includes five (5) years of previous supervisory experience.  A Master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Public or Business Administration, or related field and/or a State of Texas Registered Landscape Architect designation or Certified Parks and Recreation Professional is preferred.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

The Addison Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for providing high-quality parks, public spaces, programs, facilities, and events that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. The department oversees parks and open spaces, landscaping and beautification, trail systems, the Addison Athletic Club, recreation and fitness programs, community events, and capital improvement projects related to parks and recreation facilities. The department plays a major role in maintaining the Town’s public spaces and supporting Addison’s reputation as a vibrant, active, and destination-oriented community.

The department also oversees public spaces used for concerts and festivals which play a significant role in Addison’s identity as an entertainment and destination community. The department is heavily involved in planning and supporting Addison’s signature special events, including Kaboom Town! and Oktoberfest, which attract thousands of visitors each year and are an important part of the Town’s identity and tourism economy. The department works closely with other Town departments, community partners, and event organizers to ensure these events and programs are successful, well-coordinated, and continue to enhance the Town’s parks, facilities, and community experience. 

The Position 

The Director of Parks and Recreation reports to the Deputy City Manager and serves as the strategic and operational leader of the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department. The Director is responsible for overseeing department operations, including parks and facilities, landscaping and beautification, the Addison Athletic Club, recreation programs and community events. The Director develops department goals and priorities, manages the department budget, oversees staff and operations, and ensures that programs, services, and facilities align with the Town’s vision and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

This position works closely with Town leadership, elected officials, community partners, and residents to plan for future parks and recreation needs, guide capital projects, and ensure the department continues to deliver high-quality programs, events, and public spaces. The Director plays a key role in long-range planning, community engagement, and maintaining Addison’s reputation as a vibrant, active, and well-maintained community. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provides strategic leadership for the planning, maintenance, enhancement, and long-term stewardship of the Town’s parks, trails, landscaped areas, and public spaces.
• Promotes Parks and Recreation services, programs, and activities through community and public events.
• Provides direction and vision to assigned staff in the operation of the Parks and Recreation Department; makes decisions regarding personnel-related matters to include, hiring, training, directing, evaluating, disciplining, and terminating.
• Attends City Council and community meetings as needed to represent the interests of the Parks and Recreation Department and to coordinate Parks and Recreation programs, activities, and expansion.
• Interacts with public and private organizations, Town departments and staff, and Town residents in the long- and short-term planning, development, and delivery of Parks and Recreation programs, services, activities, and facilities.
• Presents status reports to Town management and City Council and assures effective communication of operational and technical issues; assures all operational, legal, technical, and financial issues are properly addressed and resolved; interprets and explains federal and state rules and regulations; assures Department’s activities are in compliance with all laws, regulations, and quality and safety standards.
• Collaborates with stakeholders for successful capital improvement projects.
• Prepares and administers department budgets for all divisions; delivers presentations to Council to justify budget expenses, requests additional funding, and presents agenda items related to the department.
• Serves as the principal advisor to the Town on Parks and Recreation projects, programs, and technical issues; develops and directs strategies to meet goals and objectives; interprets concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions, and determines scope and priorities of projects.
• Responds to and resolves complaints, concerns, and questions regarding the Parks and Recreation Department programs, facilities, vision, policies, and procedures.
• Analyzes operational information, evaluates trends, and develops plans with other Town departments to achieve future goals and growth objectives; assures department, program goals, and standards are defined, attained, and congruent with Town goals.