The City of Loudon is seeking a Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. This position reports to the City Manager and is responsible for leading and managing the City of Loudon’s parks, recreation, and tourism functions. This position oversees strategic planning, budgeting, programming, facility operations, and regulatory compliance while promoting Loudon as a vibrant, active, and welcoming community. The Director supervises all departmental staff, including full-time and part-time employees, contractors, and volunteers, and ensures high- quality services aligned with City goals.

Additional responsibilities include:
• Develop and manage the Parks, Recreation & Tourism annual budgets; align financial resources with City priorities and long-term goals.
• Direct procurement activities in accordance with City purchasing policies.
• Identify, plan, and manage capital improvement projects; create and maintain systems to track budgets, schedules, and progress.
• Conduct rate and fee studies to ensure adequate and equitable funding for operations and long-term capital needs.
• Manage local, state, and federal grants; establish tools to ensure compliance, documentation, and timely reporting.
• Plan, direct, and evaluate a wide range of recreational programs and community festivals and events that reflect local interests and promote engagement.
• Manage daily operations and maintenance of all City parks, athletic fields, and recreation facilities, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive environment across all programs and facilities; enforce rules and respond appropriately to behavioral or safety concerns.
• Coordinate and attend all Recreation Advisory Commission (RAC) meetings in partnership with the RAC Chair; provide staff support and professional guidance.
• Monitor all departmental activities for compliance with municipal code, safety regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Assist with reviewing and updating relevant sections of the municipal code to reflect best practices and ensure legal compliance.
• Develop and implement departmental policies and procedures to improve efficiency, accountability, and sustainability.
• Lead, manage, and support departmental staff; oversee recruitment, training, scheduling, performance management, and team development.
• Promote parks, programs, and tourism initiatives through a variety of communications, with strong emphasis on social media and digital outreach.
• Develop and execute tourism strategies that complement recreation offerings and support community and economic development goals.
• Plan and implement tourism events that enhance the City’s visibility and reputation as a destination.
• Engage directly with stakeholders through surveys, public meetings, and informal outreach to gather feedback, understand community needs, and promote two-way communication that strengthens public trust and shapes responsive parks, recreation, and tourism services.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community groups, civic organizations, and regional tourism agencies to expand opportunities and leverage resources.
• Provide research, analysis, and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council; support other departments and advisory bodies as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Engage directly with stakeholders through surveys, public meetings, and informal outreach to gather feedback, understand community needs, and promote two-way communication that strengthens public trust and shapes responsive parks, recreation, and tourism services.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community groups, civic organizations, and regional tourism agencies to expand opportunities and leverage resources.
• Provide research, analysis, and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council; support other departments and advisory bodies as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will possess a valid driver’s license and a Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Tourism, Business Management, or related field and or five (5) years related management experience. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or willingness to obtain one within one year of hire preferred. Thorough knowledge of parks and recreation program planning, facility management, and community event coordination. Strong leadership and team management skills, with ability to motivate and supervise a diverse workforce is required. Knowledge of municipal budgeting, purchasing procedures, and capital improvement planning and familiarity with municipal codes, legal compliance requirements, and safety regulations is required. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public presentation and digital communication and proficiency with recreation management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media platforms. Ability to build collaborative relationships with community partners, City leadership, and the public and strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented mindset is a must.
The City of Loudon desires an energetic and highly motivated individual with a passion for excellent performance.
The City of Loudon provides a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare plans, paid time off, paid holidays and retirement.
The City of Loudon is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.