Parks Strategic Initiatives Manager

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, parks and recreation management, business administration, urban planning, data analytics, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field
• Five (5) years of related experience, including two (2) years of progressively responsible supervisory, project management, or program management experience
• Any combination of equivalent education and experience will be considered
• Must possess a valid Texas Class C Drivers License

• Experience with accreditation processes, grant writing and administration, sponsorship program development, public-private partnerships, and data analytics is preferred.
• Professional certification through NRPA, CPRP, data analytics, grant management, or another related professional credential is preferred but not required.

Under general direction, manages and coordinates strategic initiatives, research, data analytics, accreditation, grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and innovation efforts for the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department. This position supports department-wide planning, performance measurement, process improvement, alternative funding strategies, and implementation of special projects that advance City Council priorities, departmental goals, community needs, and long-term financial sustainability.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead and direct strategic initiatives associated with the department’s work plan, including research and analytics, community engagement, accreditation, innovation, and special project implementation.
• Develops, implements, and monitors strategic initiatives, special projects, programs, partnerships, and services.
• Coordinates cross-divisional efforts related to data-driven decision making, Trust for Public Land scoring and benchmarking, artificial intelligence implementation, sponsorship development, opportunities, and other initiatives that improve service delivery, operational efficiency, community impact, and organizational performance.
• Lead and support data analytics efforts, including the collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting of operational, financial, programmatic, customer service, and community impact data to support executive decision making.
• Hire, train, direct, and supervise the performance of a diverse team of professional, technical, and/or clerical employees to achieve department work objectives.
• Prepare strategic, business, and work plans reflecting Council priorities, public input, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and community needs.
• Interact with residents, consultants, other departments, community partners, special interest groups, City Council, boards, commissions, and other stakeholders to convey information about goals and objectives, policies, regulations, requirements, strategic initiatives, and city services.
• Develop, negotiate, monitor, and manage professional service agreements, sponsorship agreements, partnership agreements, grant agreements, memorandums of understanding, and related contracts that support departmental initiatives and alternative funding strategies.
• Identify, research, coordinate, and support grant opportunities, sponsorship prospects, public-private partnerships, philanthropic opportunities, and other funding strategies that align with departmental priorities and community needs.
• Coordinate and support the department’s CAPRA accreditation process, including tracking compliance with standards, coordinating documentation, supporting annual reviews, preparing for reaccreditation, and working with divisions to maintain accreditation readiness.
• Support responsible implementation of artificial intelligence tools, automation, dashboards, and other emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, customer service, reporting, communication, and strategic planning

Other Job Functions:

• Monitor and analyze benchmarking tools, including Trust for Public Land Park Score criteria and other parks and recreation industry benchmarks, and recommend strategies to improve departmental performance, access, equity, amenities, investment, and community outcomes.
• Assemble, educate, and guide the work of staff committees, project teams, technical advisory committees, and cross-functional work groups.