Deputy Director, Austin Parks and Recreation

Job Description:

Deputy Director, Austin Parks and Recreation

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general direction of the Parks and Recreation Director, this position oversees the effective leadership, strategic planning, and management of multiple activities and operations in a municipal parks and recreation system. Creates and executes policies included in City ordinances, resolutions, and administrative regulations, and state law.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Ensures all activities are carried out in compliance with Departmental Policies and Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing Departmental activities.
  
• Assists with directing and overseeing Department activities related to the development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives, organizational structure, and daily operations.
  
• Assists with analyzing fiscal impact of proposed policies, programs, current trends, problems, and activities, and recommends options to the Department Director.
  
• Oversees the development of performance measures and reporting systems and utilizes them to establish accountability, determine progress, evaluate alternatives, assess productivity, and obtain agreement on expectations in order to achieve required Department/Division business results.
  
• Delegates activities, responsibilities, and authority as appropriate to staff while retaining overall responsibility.
  
• Plans and directs short and long-range goals for current and new programs in Parks and Recreation in coordination with the Department Director.
  
• Represents the Department’s interests and position to City Council, State, and Local governmental officials, Boards, Commissions, Associations, and Community Organizations.
  
• Coordinates with other City Departments to provide technical expertise to concerned members of the public on Citywide and current developments in Parks and Recreation operations.
  
• Fosters and develops a positive customer service culture with departmental employees, governmental organizations, and external services, such as consultants, citizens, legal counsel, boards, commissions, and City Council.
  
• Responds to and resolves complex and sensitive internal and external issues and complaints.
  
• Assumes the Director’s duties and responsibilities in their absence or as directed.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of park and recreation administration including business plan development.
  
• Knowledge of municipal government budget planning and preparation, public administration financing, and purchasing regulations.
  
• Knowledge of equity concepts, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
  
• Knowledge of public relations, marketing, and public information concepts and practices.
  
• Knowledge of environmental regulations related to public lands, urban preserves, recreational facilities, and waterways.
  
• Knowledge of development, maintenance, and construction of recreation facilities and project management.
  
• Knowledge of management and personnel principles and practices.
  
• Knowledge of research techniques, methods, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of public policy development and analysis.
  
• Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
  
• Skill in selecting, developing, and evaluating staff to accomplish departmental objectives.
  
• Skill in consistent, effective, and tactful communication both verbally and in writing including public speaking.
  
• Skill in preparing and analyzing budgets, reports and studies.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and priorities.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to plan strategically.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.
  
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
  
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Park or Recreation Administration, Recreation and Resources Development, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field, plus six (6) years of upper management-level experience in public parks or recreation programs or a closely related field.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• May be required to obtain a Certified Park and Recreation Professional Certificate (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) issued by the National Recreation and Parks Association within one (1) year from date of employment.
  
• Possess a valid Texas Class C driver’s license or have the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous executive level leadership experience in comparable municipality parks and recreation department.
  
• Lead Strategic Initiatives for the department including annual plans, long-range plans, department roles in citywide plans, and evaluation frameworks.
  
• Expertise in facilitating citywide initiatives as well as inter-departmental agreements with collaborating departments.
  
• Expertise in facilitating organizational development efforts and change management, including the APR executive and leadership staff structures.
  
• Experience in managing policy assessment and development, finance functions, human resources, programming, and security emergency operations
  

Notes to Candidate:

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Austin Parks and Recreation

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) has stewarded the City of Austin's public lands since 1928. As such, we protect and maintain parkland and our urban forest. We preserve trails and offer a variety of sports, recreation, educational enrichment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, and nature and aquatic activities.

Our department is as diverse as the community we serve. As in so many aspects of life, the key to running a successful organization is striking a balance between young and old, tradition and innovation, and the needs of one versus the needs of many. Keeping this in mind, our employees continually strive to honor the past while embracing the challenges of the future and to serve an entire community while maintaining meaningful connections with individual participants.

Mission: Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places.

Salary Range: The salary salary range is $209,000 to $219,000 annually.

Location: 200 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704

Days and Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Monday - Friday.

*Hours may vary depending upon business needs. This position is on-site.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and approachable leader who excels in guiding organizations through change. They bring experience in strategic planning, performance management, and interdepartmental coordination within a public-sector setting. This leader values teamwork, accountability, and community connection, engaging staff at all levels and fostering inclusive decision-making. With a clear focus on results and communication, they ensure that departmental priorities are well-defined, aligned, and successfully implemented. They are also skilled at navigating complex organizational shifts and supporting leadership teams through periods of transformation and growth.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Leadership & Change Management: Brings experience leading organizations through complex transitions, balancing strategic vision with hands-on implementation and support for staff during change.
  
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Demonstrates a strong commitment to teamwork and interdepartmental coordination; effectively engages with staff, community partners, and other City departments.
  
• Strategic Planning & Performance Management: Skilled at developing systems to measure outcomes, track progress, and ensure the department is aligned with its long-term goals.
  
• Organizational Development: Supports leadership team growth and continuous improvement by building clear structures, communication pathways, and accountability systems across the department.
  
• Community Engagement & Communication: Builds genuine relationships with staff and community members, communicates with transparency, and represents the department’s mission with integrity and clarity.
  

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• This position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• A first review of candidates will occur on December 4, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  

Note: Information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public in compliance with the Texas Open Records Act.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.