The Deputy Director helps lead the vision, strategy, and ongoing development of parks, recreation, and open space services in Bernalillo County. This role plays a key part in supporting well-maintained public spaces, delivering programs and services, and creating opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents. The department supports the places, programs, and experiences that serve the community and promote recreation, connection, and stewardship of public resources.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Recreation Operations, Strategy & Program Innovation

• Provide oversight and operational support for recreation service divisions including community centers, senior centers, aquatics, sports programming, open space, and special initiatives, ensuring alignment with departmental goals, service standards, and community needs.
• Ensure programs and facilities operate with consistent service standards, safety protocols, and program quality benchmarks.
• Develop and implement strategic program initiatives that respond to demographic trends, assess community needs, and department priorities
• Monitor the budget and assist with annual budget preparation and all personnel-related issues (e.g., interviewing, hiring, performance reviews) including program staff needs.
• Monitor program participation, service outcomes, and operational metrics to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for expanded recreational access and engagement.
• Utilize data analytics, participation trends, community feedback, and performance metrics to guide program development, resource allocation, and service improvements across recreation divisions including community centers, senior centers, aquatics, and sports programs.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with local municipalities, school districts, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, health organizations, and regional agencies to expand recreation services and community programming.
• Serve as a liaison with public, private, and governmental partners to coordinate collaborative programming, shared facility uses, grant initiatives, and community-based recreation efforts.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the department’s strategic plan, performance measures, and long-range recreation service initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for program innovation, service expansion, and operational efficiencies through technology, partnerships, and best practices in public recreation management.
• Attend meetings or public hearings on behalf of the Department Director that impact the department in all functional areas.
• Assume overall department responsibility in the absence of the Department Director.
• Handle sensitive and/or confidential records, plans, documents, or decisions that require maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Review and monitor updates and additions to collective bargaining agreements, ordinances, regulations, and codes that directly affect the department.
• Review assigned program procedures and management controls; recommend changes to the director and implement procedures and/or policies as needed.
• Assist with coordinating interdepartmental committees to formulate and establish goals for the department.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• All essential duties are performed indoors.
• Duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Duties are performed on an even surface, which may be carpeted or tiled.
• The working surface is typically dry.
• Work is done primarily alone but can be done with a select team at times.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
• Materials and products handled in the course of performing essential duties include files, forms, reports, various other paperwork, and a wide variety of basic office supplies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors in Public Administration, Recreation Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Community Development, or a related field.

• Ten (10) years of work experience in parks and recreation management, public sector operations, or community services.
• Four (4) years in a supervisory or managerial role.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PREFERENCES

Community Recreation Operations, Strategy & Program Innovation

• Masters degree in related field

About Bernalillo County Parks & Recreation

Connections working at Bernalillo County Parks & Recreation