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Posted: 03-Feb-26
Location: Great Falls, Montana
Type: Full-time
Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 yr.
Sector:
Required Education:
The Parks and Recreation Director is a key executive leadership role responsible for directing the full scope of operations for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. In coordination with residents, the City Commission, Parks Advisory Board, and City Manager, the Director establishes the vision for how parks, facilities, and recreation services enhance quality of life in Great Falls. This includes oversight of recreational programming, aquatics, parks, trails, and forestry.
The Director is also responsible for positioning the department to operate efficiently and effectively by implementing business-based practices, including cost recovery models, data-driven performance measures, and programming aligned with user interests and community demand. This ensures that Parks and Recreation services are responsive to residents, financially responsible, and strategically positioned to meet the City’s long-term goals.
This position works under the general direction of the City Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (May not include all duties performed):
Operations – 40%
- Develops and applies performance-driven metrics and strategies to optimize operations, enhance service delivery, and ensure accountability across all departmental divisions.
- Leads a team of supervisors and staff with a focus on communication, accountability, clear expectations, and professional development to include staff succession planning and organizational culture.
- Ensures compliance with City procedures and public sector standards in all contract and procurement matters. policy regarding purchasing, human resources, financial management and collective bargaining agreements
- Communicates effectively with the public and stakeholders through clear, accurate, and timely presentations and written reports.
- Manages the department’s operational reporting, prepares commission agenda items, contracts, and interagency communications.
- Acts as the primary liaison to the City Commission, advisory boards, neighborhood councils, public events, and community organizations.
Program Management – 30%
- Leads the department with integrity and professionalism, aligning work with the goals of the City Manager and City Commission.
- Directs development and delivery of parks and recreation programs that are affordable, cost-effective, and responsive to community needs.
- Reviews and recommends changes to fee structures. Enhances user experience through point-of-sale (POS) technology implementation and optimization.
- Modernizes fee structures and enhances user experience through point-of-sale (POS) technology implementation and optimization.
Budget – 30%
- Ensures that all services are effective, financially sound, and aligned with the City's strategic goals.
- Oversees budget planning and program evaluation using industry-standard cost recovery models to ensure financial accountability, monitor performance against budget targets, assess program utilization, and discontinue underperforming programs.
- Prepares and submits the annual department budget to the City Manager for review and approval.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field (required).
- Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in a complex organization with responsibility for budgets, staff leadership, and operational oversight to include one or more of the following areas: Parks, Forestry, Aquatics, or Recreation Administration (required).
- Master’s degree (preferred) or equivalent professional experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven success in organizational change management, financial modeling, or strategic planning.
- Demonstrated experience in cost recovery, capital project development, and community engagement initiatives.
- Current CPRP (Certified Parks and Recreation Professional) certification, while not required, is preferred and will be considered a valuable credential.
- Proven experience in program sustainability and user fee development.
- Experience with facility maintenance planning and point-of-sale internal control systems.
- Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
REQUIREMENTS OF WORK
- Proven ability to evaluate operations comprehensively and apply practical, business-based strategies to improve efficiency, strengthen funding models, and align services with community demand.
- Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices in parks and recreation planning, programming, development, and facility management.
- Conscientious and effective leadership in delivering community services that are both high-quality and financially responsible. Leads by example.
- Demonstrated experience in managing staff performance, mentoring employees, and building a positive workplace culture.
- Knowledge of public budgeting, cost recovery modeling, long-term facility and capital planning.
- Ability to foster strong working relationships with the public, elected officials, employees, peers, and external partners.
- Skilled in RFP development, public procurement, contract negotiation, grant development, public-private partnerships and vendor oversight.
- Strong communicator and presenter with a reputation for transparency and responsiveness.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Leadership and Accountability
- Highly Ethical and Trustworthy
- Strategic Decision Making
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Effective Communication & Public Speaking
- Project and Operational Management
- Staff Supervision and Development
- Change Management
- Working knowledge of City Policies and Procedures
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position supervises all employees within the Parks and Recreation Department, including responsibility for hiring, training, workload management, conflict resolution, and discipline. The Director leads by example to build a high-performing, service-oriented workplace culture, effectively mentors staff, and supports personnel matters with sound judgment and adaptability.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in both office settings and outdoor environments. While performing the duties of this position, employee may be exposed to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, ride and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform occasional light physical work and to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate a personal computer, office equipment and a motor vehicle; the ability to talk and hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions and reports.
EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time, exempt position. Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required for events or public meetings. This is an exempt position and ineligible for overtime.
TRAVEL
Travel is primarily local. Occasional overnight travel may be required for off-site training, conferences or professional development.