Greensboro is a community committed to shaping an inclusive future—one defined by equitable economic opportunity, sustainable and safe neighborhoods, and exceptional quality of life. As a purpose-driven, people-centered, and innovative organization, we strive every day to be the most desirable mid-sized city in America. Parks and Recreation plays a central role in this mission by creating vibrant spaces, strengthening community connections, and ensuring every resident can experience the joy, health, and prosperity that come from accessible public spaces.

As a four-time National Gold Medal Award winner and a nationally accredited department, Greensboro Parks and Recreation is recognized for excellence in service delivery, innovation, and commitment to equity. If you are inspired by public service, energized by collaboration, and ready to help Greensboro become the safest, most connected, and most recreation-rich city in the region, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

As the Park Operations & Planning Division Manager, you will guide the stewardship and evolution of one of North Carolina’s most expansive and cherished park systems. Your leadership will directly influence:

• The long-term care and vitality of regional parks, botanical gardens, watershed parks and marinas, cemeteries, downtown parks, greenways, and over 100 miles of trails—including the transformative Downtown Greenway.

• Infrastructure planning and capital improvement strategies that support the City Manager’s key pillars of public safety, infrastructure excellence, and economic development.

• ·Ensure Greensboro remains a destination for recreation, outdoor experiences, and sports tourism through innovative programming and exceptional facility operations.

• ·Lead with equity and empathy, motivating and empowering staff and ensuring communities most often underrepresented in recreation spaces have a voice in planning and decision-making.

• Join a purpose-driven organization that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
  Your work will help create the safest, most skilled, most welcoming mid-sized city in the nation.

The Park Operations & Planning Division Manager serves as the operational and strategic leader for park maintenance, land management, project coordination, and planning functions. The position oversees an operating budget of more than $8.8 million and leads over 60 full-time and 100+ hourly employees.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the daily operations, long-range planning, and community impact efforts for the City’s premier parks and outdoor recreation assets.

• Directing horticulture, facility operations, and resource management teams.

• Leading GIS functions, land acquisition coordination, demographic analysis, and performance evaluation.

• Supporting or directly managing capital improvement programs, park development projects, enhancement initiatives, and bond-funded efforts.

• Leading community engagement and public outreach, including presentations to the Parks and Recreation Commission, City Manager’s Office, and City Council.

• Building and strengthening partnerships with agencies, nonprofits, and regional stakeholders.

• Ensuring parks and facilities are safe, well maintained, and prepared for inclement weather and emergency response situations.

• Driving innovation and excellence through data-informed decision-making, inclusive practices, and alignment with the citywide vision of prosperity and opportunity.

This position reports to the Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation and requires frequent evening and weekend hours to support operational needs.

This job is Exempt and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation Management, Planning, Natural Resources Management, or a related field

• 7–9 years of progressively responsible experience

• Supervisory experience within the past 5 years

• Prior experience in park management, planning, project management, and/or budgeting

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

• Master’s Degree in Parks & Recreation Management, Public Administration, Planning, Natural Resources Management, or related field

• Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Parks & Recreation Executive (CPRE)

• Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)

• Experience with RecTrac or comparable software, INFOR, SharePoint, and Enterprise Asset Management systems

• GIS experience or training