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Director of Parks and Recreation

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Director of Parks and Recreation

Salary

$154,000.00 - $172,000.00 Annually

Location

Boise, ID

Job Type

Full Time Regular

Job Number

23 -07153

Department

Parks & Recreation

Opening Date

05/06/2025

Closing Date

6/13/2025 12:00 PM Mountain

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+ Benefits

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Summary Statement

The City of Boise is seeking a visionary and community-focused leader to serve as Parks and Recreation Director. This executive position oversees one of the city’s most visible and valued departments, which manages over 97 developed parks, 5,000 acres of open space, 220 miles of Ridge to Rivers trails, 25 miles of the Boise River Greenbelt, and premier recreational facilities including Zoo Boise, municipal golf courses, public pools, and Idaho IceWorld.

Under administrative direction, the Director leads long-term planning, policy development, and strategic implementation of programs that promote community health, inclusive recreation, and environmental stewardship. The department delivers a wide range of affordable programs for all ages and abilities—including arts, fitness, nature education, after-school programs, and adaptive recreation—ensuring equitable access to high-quality services for all Boise residents.

This role is a key member of the City’s leadership team, responsible for aligning departmental goals with the city’s strategic vision of creating a city for everyone. The Director provides strong, values-driven leadership to recruit, support, and retain a talented, service-oriented team reflective of Boise’s diverse community, while fostering a positive and collaborative organizational culture.

Essential Functions

Implements the organization's values, mission and strategic goals as related to employee oversight; develops strategic goals and plans for assigned teams and departments; and directs and leads the activities of an established city department. Provides leadership to recruit, develop and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff representative of our community and maintains a positive environment.

Participates as a member of the Executive Management Team, addressing issues of concern to the department and city. Takes part in strategic planning and works closely with the city’s elected leadership in setting and carrying out the city's vision, mission, goals and objectives.

Directs the planning, development and evaluation of parks and recreation programs and services. Conducts research, develops creative solutions to meet diverse community needs and continuously improves operations to provide high-quality public service. Manages land acquisition, park and facility design and reviews site and construction plans.

Leads citizen engagement and advisory efforts through the Parks and Recreation Commission, Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee, Development Impact Fee Advisory Committee and Ridge to Rivers Partnership. Represents the City of Boise in various forms and collaborates with external agencies, businesses and community partners on land management initiatives and public-facing programs that enhance awareness, partnerships and support for parks and recreation services.

Oversees development and administration of the department's operating and capital projects budgets; develops and monitors grant-funded programs; cultivates relationships with donors to identify funding and partnership opportunities; and presents the annual operating budget for approval by the mayor and city council.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, land use planning and management or a related field with fifteen years of progressively responsible management experience in a medium-sized park, recreation and open space system and five years of experience supervising and evaluating master planning efforts, multi-year capital improvement plans and securing revenue sources and partnerships.

Knowledge of: principles, methods and techniques of urban park planning and natural resource management; administrative practices and policies regarding public works projects; state and federal regulations for equal access and public accommodation; local, state and federal park, facility and open space development requirements; government budgeting practices; and computer usage including related software.

Ability to: direct and coordinate the preparation and maintenance of comprehensive plans; identify and evaluate park trends, preferences and designs; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Master’s degree in business management, public administration, land use planning management or a related field and twenty years of progressively responsible park management experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

Valid state-issued driver's license.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

City of Boise background check processes, which include a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation

Driving Record Check

Education Verification

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand and walk. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions and outdoor weather conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.

This position works: after hours, weekends and holidays as the business needs of the city necessitate.

Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.

Most positions are eligible for the general benefits listed here; firefighters, police officers, senior managers, command staff, and directors may be offered other benefit plans.

Healthcare:

+ ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family

+ Low-cost dental and vision options.

+ Post-employment health savings account.

Retirement and Investment Plans:

+ PERSI retirement benefits

+ 401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match.

+ 457b Roth after-tax investment options with no match

WellBeing Program:

+ Up to $500 cash per year for participants.

+ Alternative transportation incentives.

Paid Leave – City employees receive generous paid leave:

+ 10 hours of vacation per month, and this increases the longer you stay with the City

+ 12 paid holidays every year

+ 8 hours of sick leave per month

+ 10 weeks Parental Leave

Life & Long Term Disability:

+ Basic Life insurance at no cost to you

+ Long Term Disability insurance at no cost to you

Other optional benefits:

+ Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Supplemental Life Insurance

+ Supplemental Disability Insurance

+ Tuition reimbursement

+ Free local bus pass

+ Corporate discount programs

+ AFLAC

+ Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal issues.

Please visit our website for further details mybenefits.cityofboise.org