Parks Planning & Development Manager

Introduction / Opening

The City of Hillsboro is looking for an experienced, values-driven leader to serve as our next Planning & Development Manager within Parks & Recreation. This role is part of the Parks & Recreation Senior Leadership Team and plays a central role in shaping parks, facilities, and investments that serve a growing community.

This is a great fit for someone who enjoys balancing long-range vision with day-to-day execution—and who can bring people together to move complex work forward in a transparent, community-centered way.

About the Parks & Recreation Department

Parks & Recreation supports Hillsboro’s quality of life through parks, trails, natural areas, recreation programs, and facilities that bring people together. Our work is guided by community priorities and a focus on equitable access—so residents across Hillsboro can benefit from safe, welcoming spaces and experiences.

Position Overview

The Planning & Development Manager leads the department’s planning and development function and helps turn community priorities into actionable plans and deliverable projects. The role oversees work tied to current and long-range planning, capital improvements, strategic planning, community engagement, and natural areas management.

Reporting & leadership scope:

• Reports directly to the Parks & Recreation Director
• Provides leadership for a team with 6 direct reports
• Partners closely with the City’s Planning Division and other departments to navigate land use, code considerations, and project delivery

Responsibilities / What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Lead implementation of the Parks & Recreation System Plan, including translating adopted strategies into priorities, work plans, and deliverables
• Plan, organize, and oversee planning and development work, such as land acquisition, project planning, facility design and development, and natural resource management
• Develop and manage the division’s annual work plan—setting priorities, assigning work, tracking progress, and adjusting as needs and circumstances shift
• Prepare and manage the division budget, including updates to the department’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Implement the adopted Capital Improvement Program, monitoring budgets and keeping work aligned with community priorities
• Oversee the Park System Development Charge (SDC) Program, including policy adherence, expenditures, and SDC credit issuance
• Lead acquisition planning and execution (analysis, coordination, and completion of acquisition projects)
• Supervise, coach, and support staff—building a culture of accountability, communication, growth, and strong team cohesion
• Represent the department with boards, advisory groups, commissions, neighborhood groups, and City Council when needed; prepare and deliver clear presentations and testimony
• Coordinate communication of project updates and division initiatives in partnership with the department’s Public Information Officer
• Partner across City departments and with external agencies to move complex projects and agreements forward (easements, land use agreements, intergovernmental agreements, etc.)
• Monitor trends and emerging needs in parks and recreation and recommend adjustments that support safety, livability, and community outcomes
• Oversee the division’s grant program, coordinating with the City’s Grants Program Manager and tracking reporting requirements

Current & Upcoming Projects

While priorities will evolve, key work on the horizon includes:

• Hillsboro pool feasibility and options analysis: Support consultant selection and coordination to evaluate the feasibility, cost, operational impacts, equity considerations, and trade-offs related to expanding aquatic amenities (including the Hidden Creek Community Center (HCCC) concept and ongoing Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center (SHARC) maintenance needs, rehabilitation and expansion. Present findings and options to advisory groups and City Council.
• Fairgrounds project: Help advance the project as the lease is finalized and the project enters design, construction and delivery phases.
• Department strategic plan: Lead development of the department’s first strategic plan to implement the adopted System Plan, aligning the organization around clear priorities over the next 5–10 years.
• Crescent Park Greenway: Support planning coordination and project momentum for a key active transportation connection. Secure easements and property to support design and construction of trail segments, road crossings and trailheads.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Successful candidates typically bring:

• Strong people leadership—able to support an established team, leverage individual strengths, and maintain cohesion and accountability
• High integrity and sound judgment; comfortable navigating complex decisions in a public setting
• Excellent organization and follow-through across multiple projects happening at the same time
• Agility and calm under pressure—able to adjust priorities when timelines, funding, or community needs shift
• Confidence working across departments to resolve issues and keep projects moving
• Clear communication skills, including public presentations and community engagement
• Working knowledge of relevant planning and development concepts such as code/entitlement processes, landscape/park planning, and capital project delivery
• Familiarity with funding tools and planning frameworks such as SDCs and capital improvement planning

Job Classification Description

For more details, please click on this link for job classification description: Senior Parks & Recreation Manager

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or Park Planning, Project or Construction Management, or a closely related field
• Seven (7) years of related professional experience in parks and recreation planning or capital project management
• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position

Licensing/Certifications

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Preferred

• Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation planning or capital project management
• Five (5) or more years of management-level experience with a local or regional parks and recreation agency

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline*

Job Posting Date February 9, 2026

Application Deadline March 1, 2026

Application Review Completed By: March 13, 2026

Interview Round 1 (Virtual): March 19, 2026

Interview Round 2 (In-person:) April 1–3, 2026

Interview Round 3 (In-person): To Be Determined

Final Selection Target: April 2026

*Timeline subject to change based on City needs.

Why Work for the City of Hillsboro?

At the City of Hillsboro, we’re committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.

When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, holidays, and more
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• Free TriMet annual Hop pass and SHARC recreation access for you and your family
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about our robust benefits package, please visit our Benefits Page.

Work Schedule

This is an in-office position. The selected candidate will work onsite five days a week during a 6-month onboarding process. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support meetings, community engagement, or project needs. The City of Hillsboro prioritizes work-life balance and minimizes after-hours requirements.

Application Guidelines

• Apply Early: Submit your application promptly to ensure consideration before the posted closing date and time.
• Complete Your Application: Please fill out all sections thoroughly and accurately, as resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. Your application responses are the primary way we assess your qualifications.
• Highlight Your Unique Skills: Take time to clearly describe your relevant experience and accomplishments. Thoughtful, detailed responses help us better understand your skills and how they align with the position.

Diversity Commitment

Hiring a workforce reflecting the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.