Director of Parks and Recreation
About Grand Rapids
Nestled along the scenic Grand River and just 25 miles from Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids
offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban opportunity. Only a three-hour drive from
Chicago, the city provides easy access to beaches, trails, and year-round outdoor recreation.
As West Michigan’s economic and cultural hub, Grand Rapids boasts a vibrant downtown filled
with award-winning museums, diverse dining, and a nationally acclaimed craft beer scene. This
growing metropolitan area is recognized for its strong economy, affordable cost of living, and
welcoming neighborhoods—making it not only an ideal place to build your career, but also a
wonderful place to call home.
Honors & Recognition (2025)
#1 - LinkedIn Cities on the Rise 2025: The 25 fastest-growing U.S. metros for jobs and new
talent (LinkedIn)
#20 - Best U.S. Cities for Women in the Workplace (Checkr)
#20 - Best Run Cities in America (WalletHub)
#20 - 25 Best Places to Live, Quality of Life (US News)
#5 - Metros Where Young Homeownership is Most Accessible (Consumer Affairs)
#28 - Best Cities for Jobs (WalletHub)
#40 - Best Place to Retire in the US (U.S. News & World Report)
#40 - Best Cities to Buy a House in America (Niche)
#41 - Best Cities for Young Professionals in America
Named Beer City 2025 by USA Today
Named AARP Age-Friendly Community
City Government
Grand Rapids operates under a Council–Manager form of government, with strategic direction
from an elected City Commission and daily operations led by a professional City Manager. As
one of Michigan’s largest municipal organizations, the city employs over 1,700 full-time staff
across 30 departments, serving a diverse and growing population.
The FY 2026 budget totals approximately $735 million, including nearly $196 million in the
General Operating Fund to support core services like public safety, parks, and administration.
This investment reflects Grand Rapids’ commitment to fiscal responsibility, innovation, and
service excellence. (Strategic Plan)
Vision: Grand Rapids will be nationally recognized as an equitable, welcoming, innovative, and
collaborative city with a robust economy, safe and healthy community, and the opportunity for a
high quality of life for all.Mission: To elevate the quality of life through excellent City services.
Values: The City of Grand Rapids' core values are embodied in its strategic plan,
emphasizing Accountability, Collaboration, Customer Service, Innovation, Equity,
and Sustainability.
The Ideal Candidate
The Director of Parks and Recreation is responsible for leading the overall operations of the
City's park system, recreational programming, forestry, and cemeteries for the City of Grand
Rapids.
The ideal candidate is a visionary, emotionally intelligent leader with a deep commitment to
public service, community engagement, and operational excellence. This individual must
demonstrate unwavering integrity, transparency, and honesty in all interactions, serving as both
the face and voice of Parks and Recreation across diverse constituencies. They are politically
astute and possess the acumen to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes—balancing multiple
local interests while fostering inclusive, collaborative partnerships. With proven experience in
parks and recreation departments, they understand both the current and future needs of the
community and are skilled in translating vision into actionable, strategic plans.
Leadership Competencies
Stewardship of Resources
Ethical and sustainable management of all resources in a way that supports long-term wellbeing,
equity, and resilience.
Decision Quality
Making timely and informed decisions based on sound judgment, analysis, and stakeholder
impact.
Strategic Planning & Prioritization
Aligning efforts with goals and prioritizing tasks based on impact, urgency, and resources.
Organizational & Community Savvy
Understanding and navigating internal and external dynamics, policies, and relationships to build
positive influence.
Continuous Improvement
Implementing creative, inclusive, and adaptive solutions that improve outcomes and support
collaboration.Emotional Intelligence
Recognizing and managing one’s own emotions while showing empathy and adaptability in
relationships.
Servant Leadership
Prioritizes the growth, well-being, and needs of others while sustaining their own capacity and
well-being to serve effectively.
Effective Communication
Sharing timely, clear, and audience-appropriate information that fosters understanding and
collaboration.
Instills Trust
Demonstrating integrity, reliability, and transparency to earn and maintain the confidence of
others.
Manages Complexity
Breaking down complicated issues, anticipating outcomes, and adapting with clarity and logic.
Drives Results
Achieving meaningful outcomes by setting goals, mobilizing resources, and maintaining focus
and perseverance.
Inclusive Leadership
Fostering a culture of belonging by valuing diverse perspectives, addressing systemic inequities,
and modeling equity-driven behaviors to ensure all individuals feel respected, empowered, and
included.
This candidate thrives in dynamic environments, multitasks with precision, and brings creativity
to problem-solving. They are detail-oriented, future-focused, and committed to building lasting
community partnerships. Above all, they are open and honest about the process it takes to
achieve meaningful results—and they bring the right people to the table to make it happen.
DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The purpose of this job is to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the administration, operations,
and maintenance of the City's park system, recreational programming, forestry, cemeteries, and
special events office. Oversees and manages the entire department's distinct divisions'
professional staff and subordinate staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
This job description intends to provide a representative summary of the major duties and
responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform
job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.●
Supervises the work of assigned personnel; participates in hiring, training, and
disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; and conducts performance evaluations.
●
Plans, organizes, prioritizes, and directs the activities of the department; assures the total
operational effectiveness of the department.
●
Assists the advisory board in fulfilling the board's responsibilities; serves as a
spokesperson for the department.
●
Initiates, develops, and implements innovative programs and solutions consistent with the
department's transformation plan priorities.
●
Establishes and implements operational policies, goals, and objectives for the department;
ensures park operations and public recreational programs are carried out according to
federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
●
Develops and implements continuous transformational plans for the parks system; creates
long and short-range planning objectives and effective strategies for the department, and
establishes goals.
●
Conducts needs assessments for the improvement of the parks system and public
recreational programs; manages, updates, and implements the department's 5-year
planning document.
●
Oversees project management team; develops annual capital improvement plan to
implement park improvement plans.
●
Prepares and presents the annual department budget; determines resources needed;
prepares financial requests; and develops financial analytics, strategies, and performance
metrics to meet priority goals.
●
Monitors the financial operations for the department and each division; seeks additional
and alternative funding for various initiatives through local, state, and federal grants and
foundations.
●
Directs and participates in the development of capital and land acquisitions and projects
plans and specifications; directs and coordinates project development to completion;
coordinates with internal and external agencies for projects, including consultants
engineers, landscape architects, architects, and other professional staff
●
Plans, develops, and acquires professional services as appropriate to conduct or
participates in technical and administrative studies, reviews, and reports; maintains
department records; reports on needs and department status.
●
Reviews periodicals, legal developments, and other materials to keep abreast of
developments and best practices in the field of parks, recreation, cemeteries, special events, operations, and management; implements business efficiency procedures and
processes to ensure effective outcomes for staff and the department.
●
Develops and implements public information programs; explains recreational programs,
park systems, initiatives, and departmental goals.
●
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
●
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, business administration, public
administration, or a related field
●
Seven (7) to nine (9) years of experience in parks management and public recreation
programs, including supervisory or managerial experience.
--OR--
●
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the
required skills, knowledge, and abilities
Required Licenses or Certifications
None
Knowledge of:
●
Board composition, structures, and responsibilities.
●
Policy opportunity identification and policy development.
●
Business unit-related federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
●
Standard planning practices and procedures, and needs assessment approaches.
●
Public finance, accounting, and funding practices and opportunities.
●
Public budget structures and budget development practices.
●
Various financial statements and operational balance sheets.
●
Principles and practices of employee supervision.
●
Legal terminology and court procedures.
●
Principles and practices of basic bookkeeping.●
Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
Skills in:
●
Project and program management.
●
Interpersonal skills are necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate
working relationships.
●
Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different type
nature.
●
Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, percentages, and ratios.
●
Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments.
Ability to:
●
Develop, write, and publish planning documents.
●
Negotiate contracts, fees, and term agreements.
●
Prepare and present clear and concise reports
●
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
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Meet the schedules and deadlines of the work
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Understand and carry out oral and written directions
●
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
●
Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
Salary
The City of Grand Rapids offers a competitive salary range ($121,204 - $159,189) and a
comprehensive benefits package (Fringe Benefits). Relocation assistance will be available for
the successful out-of-area candidate. For more information, take a peek at our city brochure.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, 3 references, and a resume to:
dsellers@nationalcareergroup.com.
*The deadline to receive resumes is November 15th, 2025*
The City of Grand Rapids is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
