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City of Wilsonville Parks & Recreation DirectorWhat We DoThe Parks and Recreation Department fosters a healthy, active, and connected community through innovative programs and exceptional service. Wilsonville’s parks encompass nearly 300 acres of open space and attract families, sports groups, and visitors from across the region. The department delivers this mission through strategic planning, capital improvements, and diverse programs and events. With 23.5 full-time equivalent staff, including seasonal employees, the team works closely with three advisory bodies—the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Arts, Culture & Heritage Commission (ACHC), and the Kitakata Sister City Advisory Board—to recommend improvements, support cultural initiatives, and enhance community spaces.
Who We AreThe department reflects the perfect balance of tradition and progress. We respect time-honored processes while embracing new ideas that drive growth and innovation. Our parks are valued whether they have been part of
Wilsonville for decades or joined the system recently, and our programs combine beloved classics with fresh, creative offerings that keep the community engaged. Through recent challenges, the team has shown resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. We support one another across all levels of the organization and appreciate every member for the unique perspectives and skills they bring. While we do not always agree, we always find a way forward. The Wilsonville way is more than a phrase or a mindset. It is a shared commitment to collaboration, growth, and community.
Who We Are Looking ForWe are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Parks & Recreation Director, providing strategic, visionary, and collaborative leadership to the department. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional managerial, communication, and critical thinking skills. We value individuals who take a long-term view, adapt quickly to new information, and adjust priorities effectively in response to changing demands. Resilience, flexibility, creativity, and innovation are essential for success in this role.
Leading with humility, the Director will see organizational successes and challenges as shared opportunities for growth. This individual will approach strategy development collaboratively, leveraging the talents of the team and fostering an environment that strives for excellence while maintaining a supportive culture. The Director will champion an organizational climate that values the whole person and encourages respectful dialogue in pursuit of the best outcomes.
The successful candidate will be an advocate for quality service and accountability, demonstrate a commitment to follow-through, and build trusted relationships. They will approach challenges with professionalism, confidence, energy, and a positive outlook. Balancing active listening with decisive leadership, the Director will inspire innovation and guide the department toward shared goals. Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences are critical.
Join Our TeamThis may be the perfect opportunity for you and for Wilsonville! To become our newest team member, please complete and submit an application, ensuring you
provide a letter of interest. You will find more information about the position, including minimum and preferred qualifications, in the recruitment
brochure or in the job description below.
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Plans, directs, and oversees the Parks and Recreation Department which consists of parks maintenance, recreation programs, senior services, and parks and recreation facilities. The position is responsible for development and implementation of various city master plans, setting goals and priorities, development of department budget, and supervision of staff.
The Park and Recreation Director reports to the Assistant City Manager.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Develop, coordinate, and implement planning for parks and recreation programs and facilities.
- Oversee short and long term planning efforts for parks and recreation facilities including analysis of service level needs, development of plans, and infrastructure assessments.
- Coordinate and implement master plan projects related to parks and recreation including project oversight.
- Attend and present reports/recommendations to staff, boards, commissions, city council, and business representatives.
- Work with department staff to develop work plans including ongoing assessment of parks, recreation programs, and city facilities to determine both current and future needs.
- Review plans and specifications for public/private development projects related to parks and recreation.
Supervise and manage the Parks and Recreation Department.
- Prepare and oversee the annual budget and capital improvement program for the Parks and Recreation Department.
- Prioritize services, facility and staffing needs, and financial sustainability of services.
- Evaluate work performance of staff.
- Staff liaison to advisory boards
Customer Service Standards for EmployeesThese standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.
Communication
- Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
- Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
- Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
- Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
- Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
- Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.
Respect
- Be courteous and polite.
- Treat customers with dignity and respect.
- Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority.
- Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
- Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
- Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.
Responsiveness
- Provide prompt and reliable service.
- Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
- Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
- Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
- Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
- Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.
Education: Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, public administration, or closely related field is required.
Experience: At least four years of experience in the parks and recreation field, management and supervision experience, or other relevant training and experience applicable to this position.
Skills & Abilities- Strong computer skills desirable.
- General knowledge of parks development, parks maintenance, and recreation programs and services.
- Demonstrated skills using oral and written communication in the performance of duties and responsibilities, including public/board presentations.
- Ability to learn City procedures, regulations, codes, and requirements.
- A valid driver's license.
- The ability to read and comprehend written material and basic mathematics calculations normally acquired through the completion of a high school education.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to lead staff and work effectively with others normally acquired through three years of supervisory.
- Knowledge of safety standards, practices, and procedures.
- Ability to develop a positive working environment and effectively utilize all employees of the Parks and Recreation Department.
- Ability to motivate and supervise employees.
- Requires the analytical ability necessary to handle technical and administrative details.
- Ability to assess department current and future needs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENTThe incumbent works in a variety of environments ranging from the office to limited work outside as necessary.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSPhysical: Movement within the office is essential. Some travel required to parks and city facilities. Position occasionally works outside environment. Physical requirements include ability to stand, walk, climb, and navigate uneven terrain.
Mental: The position incumbent works in a fast-paced office environment characterized by public contact, frequent deadlines, interruptions, and complex decisions.
Equipment used: Vehicle (car or van), personal computer, general office equipment.
