Position Summary

Lead, plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the development and operation of the Parks and Recreation Department. Develop and manage annual and long range budget. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Full-time, FLSA-Exempt, non-represented position

12-month probationary period

Please see our JOB FLYER (Download PDF reader) for more information about this opportunity, the department, and our City.

Applications must be submitted by 8:00 am on May 18, 2026 to be considered in the first review.

Position closes on June 1, 2026.

Essential Duties

Plans, organizes, implements, and directs comprehensive park and recreation programs. Facilitates goal and objective development with division management personnel including long range planning.

Effectively supervises assigned staff. Responsible for the supervision and management of the Parks and Recreation department. Performs personnel duties such as selection, coaching/mentoring, training, employee/labor relations, evaluating performance, succession planning, discipline, and termination. Creates and maintains an effective work environment by communicating goals and expectations for staff performance, counseling employees as appropriate, and supporting employee engagement efforts.

Develops, manages, and monitors the budget for the Parks and Recreation Department, including annual and long range operating and capital improvement budgets. Establishes and monitors appropriate department financial measures. Interprets and uses financial data to make informed business decisions. Acts as Fund Manager for the Parks and Recreation General Fund and Parks SDC Funds.

Directs the acquisition, planning, construction, improvement, and maintenance of all parks, natural areas, and facilities. Ascertains present and future needs. Prepares short and long-range plans to meet those needs.

Evaluates the effectiveness of existing programs. Develops and implements new programs to meet the community's changing needs.

Serves as a member of the City's Senior Management Group to address overall policy issues under guidelines established by the City Council and the City Manager. Participates in City planning and budgetary efforts.

Provides support to various Boards and Commissions, City Council, City officials and staff, and community groups. Engages the public in discussion regarding planning and service levels.

Negotiates agreements for inter-agency programs, use applications, and contracts for services. Develops department policies, procedures, and regulations.

Develops revenue generating strategies, marketing, and solicits funds. Establishes fees to meet cost recovery methodology.

Promotes department programs and facilities to the public and various civic and school groups and responds to inquiries from the public.

Effectively promotes and utilizes volunteer services in the accomplishment of departmental goals.

Operates and drives a motor vehicle safely and legally.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Effectively promotes and implements departmental safety program. Complies with all safety rules and performs work is a safe manner. Ensures management provides a safe working environment in compliance with Federal, State, and City health and safety guidelines and regulations.

Adheres to all City and Department policies.

Represents the City of Corvallis by responding to the public, community members, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner. Regards everyone, internal and external, as a customer and delivers the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.

Maintains effective work relationships.

Arrives to work, meetings and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field.

Seven years’ experience in Parks and Recreation including five years of increasingly responsible management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of all phases of public recreation management for all ages and abilities.

Thorough knowledge of all phases of parks, and natural areas management, including operations, maintenance, planning, and development.

Knowledge of marketing and fund-raising principles, and ability to lead marketing and fund-raising efforts.

Excellent supervisory skills with both paid staff and volunteers. Ability to hold employees and supervisors accountable for personal goals and contributions towards organizational objectives and values. Ability to motivate staff and to delegate, supervise and review the work of staff.

Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public and to speak and write for a variety of audiences.

Ability to maintain and promote effective working relationships with, and between, coworkers, the public, elected officials and other agencies.

Familiarity with group processes and ability to facilitate groups to accomplish tasks and resolve issues related to the department.

Ability to write clear, concise staff reports and to speak effectively before a variety of audiences.

Ability to facilitate efforts to apply technology to improve efficiency and customer service.

Ability to use a computer to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special Requirements

Possession or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Oregon Drivers' License.

Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check

Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion; ability to promote equity, diversity and inclusion principles with employees in day to day operations. Ability to successfully use equity, diversity and inclusion principles within the department and organization-wide.

Demonstrable commitment to, and understanding of, sustainability and the ability to promote commitment, understanding, and use of sustainability principles by employees for day to day operations required. Ability to hold employees accountable for sustainability objectives.

The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

This position may regularly be required to work evenings and weekends.

Travel among City worksites, off-site meetings and presentations and regional meetings

City of Corvallis jobs

Parks and Recreation Director