Description
JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Community Services is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, operational oversight, and administrative management of multiple departments that shape the quality of life and economic vitality of the community. Reporting to the City Manager (or Assistant City Manager), this position oversees Parks & Leisure, Tourism, Main Street, Facilities, and contracted library services. While not serving at the Assistant City Manager level, the Director plays a critical leadership role in advancing community engagement, recreational opportunities, economic development through tourism and downtown revitalization, the stewardship of public facilities, and the delivery of library services to residents through contracted partnerships.
DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES:
The Director provides executive-level leadership and direction to department heads and supervisors within the assigned divisions, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and community priorities. This includes developing and implementing short- and long-range plans, establishing performance metrics, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and exceptional public service across all areas of responsibility. Perform all other duties as assigned.
Parks & Leisure
Guides the planning, development, and maintenance of parks, recreational facilities, athletic programs, and community events. Oversees capital improvement planning, program development, and ensures equitable access to recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. Directs parks maintenance operations, including grounds keeping for City-owned parks, recreation facilities, and cemeteries.
Tourism
Provides strategic direction for promoting the community as a destination, overseeing marketing initiatives, visitor services, hotel occupancy tax administration, and partnerships with regional tourism stakeholders. Works to grow visitor spending, support local businesses, and elevate the community’s profile through coordinated promotional campaigns and destination development.
Main Street
Supports downtown revitalization efforts through historic preservation, business recruitment and retention, special events, and community placemaking. Works closely with the Main Street Board, merchants, property owners, and state and national Main Street program partners to advance the Four-Point Approach of Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality.
Facilities
Oversees the maintenance, repair, and capital planning for municipal buildings and community facilities. Directs preventive maintenance programs, custodial services, building systems management, and coordinates renovation or construction projects to ensure safe, functional, and welcoming public spaces.
Contracted Library Services
Serves as the City’s primary liaison for contracted library services, ensuring that library operations align with community needs, City policies, and contractual obligations. Manages the library services contract, including scope of services, performance standards, reporting requirements, and budget administration. Monitors service delivery, evaluates program effectiveness, and works collaboratively with the contracted provider to maintain high-quality library programming, collection development, and community outreach. Represents the City in discussions with library leadership, advisory groups, and stakeholders, and ensures the public library remains a valued community resource.
Administrative & Organizational Leadership
Prepares and manages departmental budgets totaling multiple millions of dollars, identifies and pursues grant opportunities, and represents the organization at Council meetings, board presentations, and community forums. Serves as a key liaison to boards, commissions, and civic organizations. Collaborates extensively with other departments — including Public Works, Economic Development, Planning, and Finance — to advance cross-functional initiatives. Develops policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure effective and accountable operations across all assigned areas.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position directly supervises department managers or superintendents over Parks & Leisure, Tourism, Main Street, and Facilities, and indirectly oversees approximately [X] full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Additionally, the Director manages the contractual relationship with the library services provider, including oversight of contract performance and deliverables. The Director is responsible for hiring, coaching, evaluating, and developing senior staff, and for fostering succession planning across the division.
Requirements
Qualifications, Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public
Administration, Parks and Recreation Administration, Business Administration,
Tourism Management, Urban Planning, or a closely related field
Master’s degree preferred
Minimum of five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in local
government, parks and recreation, tourism, or community services
At least five years in a management or supervisory capacity overseeing multiple
functional areas or departments
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Certifications and Licenses
Preferred: Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Parks
and Recreation Executive (CPRE), Certified Main Street Manager, or similar
credentials relevant to the areas of oversight
Valid Texas driver’s license required (or ability to obtain upon hire)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The ideal candidate will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of municipal operations, governmental budgeting practices, grant administration, contract management, and applicable state and federal regulations. Strong knowledge of parks and recreation programming, tourism promotion strategies, downtown revitalization principles (including the Main Street Four-Point Approach), facilities management best practices, and library service delivery models is essential.
The Director must exhibit exceptional leadership skills, with a proven ability to motivate diverse teams, manage complex projects simultaneously, and make sound decisions under pressure. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are required, including the ability to make effective public presentations to elected officials, boards, and community groups. Strong political acumen, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders — including contracted service providers — are critical to success in this role.
The Director should demonstrate the capacity to think strategically while managing day-to-day operations, to balance competing priorities across diverse service areas, and to champion innovation while respecting institutional values and community traditions.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with regular travel to parks, facilities, downtown locations, the library, and community events. The position requires attendance at evening and weekend meetings, events, and functions. Some physical activity may be required when inspecting facilities, parks, or event sites, including walking, standing, and occasionally lifting or moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS); paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave; and additional employee benefits.
