Description

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Assistant Director provides executive-level oversight, leadership, and operational management for assigned divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department. This position assists in implementing departmental strategy, supervising division leadership, managing budgets, ensuring safe and inclusive environments, and maintaining high standards of service delivery.

The Assistant Director role is functionally assigned to one of two primary Areas of Focus based on departmental needs:

• Parks, Golf & Cemeteries, or
  
• Sports, Recreation & Aquatics

While responsibilities differ by focus area, all Assistant Directors share common leadership, administrative, and strategic duties.
 
Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required. Acceptable or related fields include parks and recreation, leisure services, horticulture, landscaping, public administration, business administration, or a closely related discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
   
2. Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks, recreation, golf, aquatics, or related municipal operations required. At least three (3) years of direct supervision of full-time staff required.
3. Licenses/Certifications: Valid Texas driver’s license required.

 
Core Responsibilities:

• Assists the Director of Parks and Recreation with departmental planning, strategy implementation, and operational oversight.
• Oversees assigned divisions and provides direct supervision to managers and supervisors.
• Cultivates a positive, productive, and engaged workforce through hiring, onboarding, performance management, training, and professional development.
• Promotes a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for staff and the public by monitoring safety standards, addressing conflicts, and implementing best practices.
• Oversees budgets, staffing levels, service delivery, and resource allocation within assigned divisions.
• Forecasts funding needs and recommends budget adjustments aligned with departmental goals.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and materials for boards, commissions, City leadership, and the community.
• Serves as a liaison between the department, City leadership, boards, community groups, and external partners.
• Participates in public meetings, events, and interdepartmental coordination efforts.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 
Area of Focus Responsibilities
Sports, Recreation & Aquatics Focus

Positions assigned to this focus area are responsible for oversight of programmatic, facility, and guest-facing operations, including but not limited to:

• Sports leagues and athletic programming
• Recreation centers and programming
• Aquatic centers and aquatic programming

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Oversees the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of sports, recreation, aquatic, and facility-based programs.
• Manages amenities, facilities, staffing, scheduling, service levels, and operational readiness within recreation and aquatic centers.
• Ensures a high-quality guest experience across sports, recreation, aquatics, programs, rentals, and public-facing services.
• Oversees program staffing, scheduling, supervision, training support, and daily operational readiness.
• Provides hands-on oversight and support for facility operations, staff performance, program delivery, and daily service expectations.
• Coordinates with sports, recreation, aquatics, parks, operations, marketing, administration, and other City departments to ensure consistent communication, service delivery, and operational support.
• Supports safe, consistent, and customer-focused operations across recreation centers, athletic programs, aquatic facilities, rentals, and community programs.
• Ensures compliance with Department policies, City procedures, safety standards, risk management practices, and applicable regulations related to sports, recreation, aquatic, and facility operations.

 
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of parks and recreation administration.
• Maintenance standards, facility operations, and/or recreational programming, depending on assignment.
• Budget development, resource allocation, and operational forecasting.
• Safety standards, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Customer service and public-sector leadership practices.
• City policies and procedures.

 
Skills in:

• Leadership, supervision, and staff development.
• Strategic planning and operational execution.
• Budget management and financial oversight.
• Communication, public presentation, and community engagement.
• Problem-solving and decision-making in dynamic environments.

 
Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Work is performed in administrative offices, parks, facilities, and outdoor environments. Subject to standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting materials weighing up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally. Exposure to varying weather conditions. May require evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call work based on operational needs.