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Parks and Recreation Director

City of Columbia, Ms
Columbia, MS Full Time
POSTED ON 10/11/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/7/2027

The Parks & Recreation Director will oversee the care and maintenance of all city-owned parks and recreation facilities. Oversees the rental and maintenance of the Columbia Expo Center and other city owned buildings. Coordinates all city-wide special events and recreational programs.

Examples of Duties

Plans, formulates and effectively implements departmental program activities for all age groups in cultural arts, recreational activities and special interest functions.

Coordinates and supervises sports programs, collects fees, acquires coaches, assigns practice times, and other activities directly related to the particular program.

Schedules or arranges for the scheduling of games and umpires for basketball, soccer, baseball, T-Ball, flag football, tennis, softball, and other games.

Schedules and coordinates various tournaments throughout the year.

Coordinates with leagues and organizations (if external). Secures authority/responsibility/liability agreements.

Determines schedules and maintains related records and statistics for programs and personnel within the division.

Coordinates classes, workshops, and activities for persons engaged in recreation programs and co-sponsored programs.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, staff and external customers.

Create and maintain a progressive and performance-based culture.

Implements division policies and procedures to improve program and operation efficiency and effectiveness.

Effectively coordinates the supervision of the Parks and Recreation staff.

Plan, organize and refine operational procedures to develop standardized systems and programs.

Implements and oversee Parks and Recreation performance standards, safety standards, and division policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Plans, staffs and supervises programs of parks and recreation maintenance.

Regularly inspects recreation facilities and parks to evaluate adequacy of maintenance, safety and to monitor programs and operations.

Ensures all Expo Center, and other program rentals are charged and accounted for properly.

Under the direction of the Mayor, responsible for preparing budget recommendations for expenditures and anticipated revenue sources.

Develops and maintains effective relationships between City leadership, staff, and outside stakeholder groups.

Oversees publication of a variety of brochures, calendars, letters, posters, news releases, flyers, and related communications regarding parks and recreation programs.

Responds in a timely manner to public inquiries about parks and recreation programs.

Prepare, and present appropriate communications to City Board of Aldermen, Administration, or organizational groups as necessary to promote public relations in regards to the City's Parks and Recreation programs.

Conduct surveys to determine community needs and adequacy of programs.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Valid state driver's license or ability to obtain one.

First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain same within one (1) year of hire.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a four-year college or university: degree in recreation or a closely related field preferred.

Six (6) years recreation experience including community center programming and at least two years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of recreation philosophy, planning and administration; Considerable knowledge of the equipment, facilities, operations and techniques used in a comprehensive community recreation program; Understanding of landscaping and recreation field preparation.

Skill in operation of tools and equipment; Skill in First Aid and CPR.

Ability to develop, coordinate and direct varied activities involved in a community recreation program; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, participants, instructors, community leaders, and the general public; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to plan and supervise the work of paid staff and volunteers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $60,000

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