Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department Director
Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, Park and Recreation Management, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible managerial, supervisor, and administrative experience.
Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Parks and Recreation, or a related field is highly desirable. Executive-level experience with one or more of the following: convention centers, amphitheaters, or public assembly venues; professional or amateur sports facilities (e.g., baseball stadiums); golf courses or cemetery operations; parks, aquatics, and large-scale recreation systems; or adult, youth, teen, and adaptive recreation programs. Certification as a Parks and Recreation Professional. Membership in professional organizations such as International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and/or Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) membership is desirable
The City of Mesa is seeking a visionary executive to serve as its next Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities Director. This nationally accredited system blends neighborhood parks, recreation programming, aquatics, and major public venues into one of the most visible and community-impacting departments in the region.
Serving more than 3 million annual visits, the department includes hundreds of parks and basins, sports complexes, recreation centers, adaptive and youth programs, aquatics facilities, a convention center, amphitheater, event venues, and professional spring training stadiums.
The Director provides strategic and operational leadership to 351 full-time employees and oversees a $53 million operating budget, balancing community access with financial sustainability. This role serves as the City’s primary authority on parks and recreation, advising executive leadership and City Council while ensuring high-quality service delivery across a diverse system.
This classification has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.
The ideal candidate will be:
- Strategic and Operational: Able to see the big picture while understanding the realities of delivering programs and maintaining facilities every day.
- A Strong People Leader: This department spans long-tenured professionals, seasonal and part-time staff, and young employees just entering the workforce. The Director must build trust, develop leaders, and foster a culture of accountability and inclusion.
- Comfortable in Public and Political Environments: You will represent the department with City leadership, advisory boards, regional partners, and the community. Diplomacy, clarity, and credibility are essential.
- Financially Savvy: The role involves oversight of a large and diverse operating budget, balancing general fund responsibilities with cost recovery expectations in commercial and program areas.
- Collaborative Across the Organization: Success depends on strong partnerships with schools, regional partners, Engineering, and other City departments.