Director of Parks and Recreation

Prince William County • Full-time • Prince William County, VA, US • 4d ago

Introduction

About The Department

The Prince William County Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) employs approximately 500 year-round employees and has an annual budget of approximately $35 million. DPR manages 5,000+ acres of parkland, comprising more than 80 park properties and 60+ miles of trails. DPR staff operate a diverse portfolio of recreational facilities, services, and programs, hosting many patrons annually and providing unique leisure experiences for residents of all ages, abilities, and recreational interests.

Overview

Prince William County seeks a strong, experienced leader to head our Department of Parks & Recreation. This position provides full supervision of a large, dynamic agency responsible for delivering leisure and recreation services that reflect the changing needs of our growing, diverse population and enhance the community's quality of life. This is a high-visibility career opportunity that involves regular interaction with the Board of County Supervisors, the Parks Commission, other County departments, recreation leagues, community groups, and citizens.

The Director is responsible for ensuring that departmental operations align with industry best practices; interpreting and implementing the County's capital improvement and open-space plans; and developing innovative, sustainable future projects that preserve the County's natural resources while effectively addressing the needs of our diverse citizens. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to establish and maintain strong business and community partnerships.

We seek a leader who can create recreational and cultural experiences that foster a vibrant community and help drive holistic community transformation. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator with high energy and a genuine commitment to providing top-tier park and recreation services to Prince William County's visitors and citizens.

Job Summary

The Director of Parks and Recreation serves as a senior leader responsible for the overall administration and operation of the department, including long-term vision, strategic planning, policy development, and cross-departmental collaboration. The Director provides leadership and direction for all parks, recreation, and cultural service programs, ensuring the department's operations, facilities, and initiatives align with County priorities and community needs. The Director establishes and executes the department's strategic direction, guiding program development, resource allocation, and capital planning to support the County's long-term quality-of-life and service delivery goals.

Key Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and overall management of the County's Parks and Recreation Department, ensuring programs, facilities, and services align with the department's Mission, Vision, and Goals and support the County's long-term strategic objectives.
Develop, implement, and evaluate department-wide strategies, goals, and policies for recreation, parks, and cultural services, ensuring alignment with County priorities and community needs.
Direct, coordinate, and oversee multiple divisions and program areas, including recreation programming, park maintenance, facility operations, and capital development, ensuring effective collaboration, performance accountability, and achievement of departmental outcomes.
Oversee the development and administration of the department's operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility and identifying opportunities for revenue generation and cost efficiency.
Provide leadership and direction to department management staff, including setting priorities, assigning objectives, mentoring leaders, and fostering a high-performing, service-oriented organizational culture.
Direct and oversee major facility, park, and program development projects, ensuring alignment with community interests, County policies and standards, timelines, and budgets.
Review, approve, and monitor departmental programs and initiatives on an ongoing basis — analyzing costs, revenues, staffing levels, and population served — to ensure performance expectations are met and outcomes align with County-wide goals.
Develop and sustain strong internal and external partnerships, representing the department in meetings, committees, task forces, advisory groups, and effectively communicating priorities, opportunities, and community impact to County leadership and stakeholders.
Serve as a liaison to volunteer groups, sports leagues, environmental organizations, and civic partners, cultivating relationships that expand the department's reach and resources.
Maintain the department's public visibility and image as a valued community resource, meeting directly with citizens and community groups to promote available resources, gather input, and address concerns with a strong customer service standard.
Analyze departmental programs, facilities, and processes to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and enhanced service delivery, ensuring facilities are safe, well-maintained, and effectively utilized.
Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as required.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in recreation management, business or public administration, physical education, or a related field.
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in recreation, parks, cultural services, or public administration, including supervisory or management experience.

Preferences

Ten (10) or more years of progressive experience in recreation, cultural, and park management, including senior-level or executive leadership in a large, complex organization, public-sector, or government experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success leading, managing, and developing high-performing teams, with a track record of fostering transformative organizational and cultural change.
Comprehensive knowledge of the objectives, principles, and best practices of public recreation and park administration, including maintenance, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure required to support a full-service recreation and parks program.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and direct comprehensive recreation, parks, and community events and programs tailored to community needs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, elected and appointed officials, civic organizations, community partners, and the public.
Extensive experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and long-range departmental strategic planning.
Strong knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing public parks and recreation operations, risk management, and compliance.
Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) or equivalent NRPA certification.

Special Requirements: None

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed.

Hiring Salary Range: $167,506.75 - $226,626.77 Annually

We Also Offer Great Benefits, Including

Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
401a and 457 retirement savings plans
Paid Annual Leave / Sick Leave / Personal Leave
Paid Holidays
Group Medical, Dental, & Vision Health Plans
Group Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Career Development Opportunities

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here PSLF for additional information.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here for the class description.

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

SEE YOURSELF HERE!

Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.

Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.

The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:

Temporary
Provisional
Seasonal employees

Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates.

Prince William County Benefit Programs

01

By submitting this application, I understand the following: 1) Only the information provided on my application is used to determine my qualifications; 2) My resume will not substitute for the education, work experience, and required fields on the Prince William County application; 3) Only responses to Supplemental Questions that can be verified in my submitted education and work experience will be credited and 4) If selected, my employment dates will be verified for the past three (3) years (if applicable), with a required reference from my current or most recent employer.

Yes, I acknowledge and understand the above statement and wish to continue in this process.
No, I do not wish to proceed any further in this process.

02

What is your highest level of education completed?

Master's degree or higher in Recreation Management, Business or Public Administration, or a related field
Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Business or Public Administration, or a related field
Associate's degree in Recreation Management, Business, or Public Administration, or a related field
None of the above

03

This role requires eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in recreation, parks, cultural services, or public administration and management. Please select the option that reflects your experience.

9 or more years of experience in recreation, parks, cultural services, or public administration and management
8 years of experience in recreation, parks, cultural services, or public administration and management
5-7 years of experience in recreation, parks, cultural services, or public administration and management
3-4 years of experience in recreation, parks, cultural services, or public administration and management
2 years or less of experience in recreation, parks, cultural services, or public administration and management
No experience

04

How many years of experience do you have providing overall direction and senior or executive-level leadership to park and recreation department staff in a large, complex organization, public-sector, or government?

10 or more years of experience
8 - 9 years of experience
5- 7 years of experience
3- 4 years of experience
1 -2 years of experience
No supervisory experience

05

Which of the following best describes your knowledge of the objectives, principles, and best practices of public recreation and park administration, including maintenance, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure required to support a full-service recreation and parks program? (Select the option that most closely matches your experience.)

I have comprehensive knowledge of the objectives, principles, and best practices of public recreation and park administration, including maintenance, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure required to support a full-service recreation and parks program.
I have some knowledge of the objectives, principles, and best practices of public recreation and park administration, including maintenance, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure required to support a full-service recreation and parks program, but it was not my primary duty.
I have limited knowledge of the objectives, principles, and best practices of public recreation and park administration, including maintenance, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure required to support a full-service recreation and parks program.
I have no knowledge of the objectives, principles, and best practices of public recreation and park administration, including maintenance, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure required to support a full-service recreation and parks program.

06

Which of the following best describes your experience with developing and managing operating and capital budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and long-range departmental strategic planning?

I am a subject-matter expert with extensive experience in developing and managing operating and capital budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and long-range departmental strategic planning.
I have some experience in supporting the development and management of operating and capital budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and long-range departmental strategic planning, but it was not my primary duty.
I have very limited experience with developing and managing operating and capital budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and long-range departmental strategic planning.
I have no experience with developing and managing operating and capital budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and long-range departmental strategic planning.

07

Please specify the amount of operating and capital budgets you have managed for a parks and recreation department. (Select the option that best describes your experience)

I have managed budgets exceeding $35 million.
I have managed budgets ranging from $10 million to $35 million.
I have managed budgets ranging from $1 million to $9 million.
I have managed budgets under $1 million or supported capital budget activities without primary responsibility.
I have not managed or overseen capital budgets.

08

Please select the types of Parks & Recreation systems and operations you have managed.

Developed Parks
Community Pools
Facilities and Fishing
Sports Facilities, Fields, and Courts
Historic Sites
Hiking, Biking, and other Trails
Playgrounds
Cultural Landscapes
Aquatics
Fitness Centers
Community Centers
Disc Golf & Mini Golf
Multi-Purpose Sports Complexes
Recreation Centers
None of the above

09

Please identify the groups you have partnered with in your role as a parks and recreation professional, and reflect this experience in your work history.