PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Location: Rapid City, SD

Job Summary: This position is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, responsible for directing the planning, development, and administration of the City’s parks, golf courses, pools and aquatic facilities, greenways and trails, open spaces, athletic fields, recreation centers, and community programs. This role ensures high-quality services, long-term stewardship of public assets, and strong community engagement that enhances residents’ quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive system of parks, golf courses, greenways, trails, open spaces, and recreation facilities.
• Oversee long-term strategic operational planning to support community growth, sustainability, and accessibility.
• Lead, motivate, and develop team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused operations of parks, athletic fields, recreation centers, pools and aquatic facilities, and special-use facilities.
• Oversee the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of parks, trails, recreation centers, aquatic facilities, and related infrastructure.
• Oversee the development and enforcement of Parks and Recreation policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee the development and management of department budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability while implementing corrective actions when needed.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and community partners.
• Represent the Parks and Recreation department at City Council meetings, advisory boards, committees, and community events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Business Management, or related area required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in parks operations, recreation programming, or related area required, including seven years of leadership or management experience.
• Must possess a valid South Dakota driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days from date of hire.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation preferred.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and manage complex departmental operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Work Environment:

• Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, heights, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Work may occur in outdoor environments with extreme heat, extreme cold, and variable weather.
• Noise levels are typically moderate but may vary depending on location and activity.
• Frequently required to sit, communicate, and hear during meetings and administrative tasks.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when inspecting facilities or project sites.
• Occasional reaching with hands and arms. Use of hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or equipment.
• May require occasional tasting or smelling for things like environmental assessments.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Requires distance vision for facility inspections and field observations.

Additional Information

Parks & Recreation