Director - Parks and Recreation

Senior Director, Parks & Recreation

Knox County, Tennessee

Knox County is seeking a strategic and community-focused leader to oversee one of the region's premier parks and recreation systems. This executive role is responsible for the vision, operations, financial performance, and long-term sustainability of more than 3,000 acres of parks, trails, athletic facilities, aquatic centers, and recreation assets serving residents throughout the county.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director will lead a team of approximately 60 full-time and 80 seasonal employees while overseeing a $9M operating budget and capital improvement program.

What You'll Do

• Lead all operations, maintenance, programming, and long-range planning for the County's parks and recreation system.
• Oversee a portfolio of 60 parks and recreation sites, including athletic facilities, aquatic centers, greenways, playgrounds, and public spaces.
• Manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term asset sustainability.
• Direct park development, facility construction, renovations, and capital improvement projects.
• Grow revenue through programs, sponsorships, partnerships, grants, concessions, leases, and community fundraising initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with community organizations, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and residents.
• Provide leadership for recreation programming, special events, youth sports, and community engagement efforts.
• Represent the department before public boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 8 years of progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation, municipal operations, public administration, hospitality, venue management, or a similarly complex service organization.
• Experience managing significant operating budgets, capital projects, and large teams.
• Proven success leading community-facing operations and developing partnerships.
• Strong financial, strategic planning, project management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance public service, operational excellence, and fiscal stewardship.
• CPRE or CPRP certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification within two years.

Ideal Background

We're interested in leaders who have successfully managed large-scale facilities, recreation systems, sports complexes, public venues, parks systems, community organizations, or similar multi-site operations. Experience driving operational performance, capital improvements, revenue growth, and community engagement is highly valued.

Why This Opportunity?

This is a rare chance to lead a highly visible parks and recreation system that plays a vital role in quality of life, economic development, tourism, environmental stewardship, and community wellness across Knox County.