Lead the future of parks, recreation, and community spaces in one of Iowa's most vibrant cities. The City of Davenport is seeking a visionary leader to guide a dynamic Parks and Recreation Department, shaping exceptional experiences, enhancing public spaces, and enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Under administrative direction, the Director of Parks and Recreation provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and is responsible for planning, developing, and managing department programs, facilities, operations, personnel, budgets, and capital projects, directly or through subordinate staff, to ensure high-quality services that meet community needs and support the City’s vision.

Examples Of Duties:

Directs and oversees all Parks and Recreation Department operations, including parks, trails, open spaces, recreation programs, athletic facilities, and related assets.

Develops and implements departmental goals, policies, budgets, staffing plans, and long-range initiatives, including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Supervises personnel, manages recruitment and performance, and ensures effective service delivery and resource allocation.

Leads capital improvement projects and oversees the maintenance, operation, and lifecycle management of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment.

Advises the City Administrator and City Council on parks, recreation, open space, and departmental matters.

Serves as liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and collaborates with residents, community organizations, and partner agencies to develop programs, facilities, and community initiatives.

Pursues grants and funding opportunities.

Coordinates activities with other departments and external organizations.

Ensures compliance with applicable laws and safety standards

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Landscape Architecture, Park Planning and Design, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and eight (8) years of progressively responsible parks and recreation experience, including at least five (5) years in a management role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout duration of appointment.

Must pass a background check as prescribed by the City of Davenport.

Must live in the City of Davenport within prescribed time period.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

Parks and recreation administration, planning, programming, and facility management.
Municipal government operations, budgeting, purchasing, and public administration.
Capital improvement planning, project management, and contract administration.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, safety standards, and risk management principles.
Personnel management, employee development, performance evaluations, and labor relations.
Strategic planning, organizational development, and performance measurement.
Grant development, administration, and revenue-generation strategies.
Community engagement, public relations, and customer service practices.

Skill and Ability to:

Provide effective leadership, supervision, and direction for diverse departmental operations.
Develop and manage budgets, resources, and financial performance.
Plan, organize, and oversee multiple programs, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, advisory boards, community organizations, staff, and residents.
Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Utilize technology and software related to budgeting, project management, recreation management, and office operations.
Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative work environment.
Respond effectively to community concerns, emergencies, and changing operational needs.