POSITION: Director of Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
WORK SCHEDULE: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday (Evenings/Weekends as Required)
JOB CATEGORY: SO (Special Occupation)
SALARY: $76,549.00
STATUS: Full-Time FLSA STATUS: Exempt
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential requirements of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.
The incumbent serves as the Director of the St. Joseph County Parks & Recreation Department and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all operations, maintenance, and development of County parks, facilities, and programs. This includes oversight of departmental policies, procedures, personnel, communications, budgets, and finances. The position is appointed by and reports to the St. Joseph County Parks Board. The Director directly supervises key members of the Management Team (Manager-level positions) and provides indirect supervision of all department staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Administration
Develops, presents, and implements the annual budget; monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility. Oversees the General Operating Fund, Non-Reverting Capital and Operating Funds, and Gift and Grant Fund. Recommends and implements budget adjustments as approved by the Parks Board. Reviews and approves claims and payroll.
Pursues and facilitates diversified funding sources, including grants, user fees, sponsorships, and donations. Contributes to the grant writing process by providing ideas, strategic direction, content, and editing. Manages awarded grants, including documentation, fund allocation, compliance, and required reporting.
Directs land acquisition efforts, construction projects, and capital improvements to support system growth and infrastructure needs.
Oversees the care and management of natural areas and habitats, as well as the maintenance of all park properties, trails, and facilities.
Provides leadership and oversight for park programs, events, activities, and visitor amenities to ensure high-quality recreational experiences.
Maintains availability to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis as needed.
Planning
Leads the development and execution of the Department’s Five-Year Master Plan by providing strategic direction, managing consultants and contracts, and supporting stakeholder and advisory group engagement. Assists in the facilitation of public meetings, surveys, and other community engagement efforts. Reviews and edits draft documents, contributes content, and presents the final plan to local officials and the public. Guides the implementation of the Plan in coordination with the Management Team and reports progress to the Parks Board.
Collaborates with the Management Team on both short- and long-term planning initiatives. Supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of a wide range of park programs, services, and amenities to meet evolving community needs. Compiles and analyzes data to assess program effectiveness, operational efficiency, and service delivery in partnership with park staff.
Parks Board
Serves as a technical advisor to the St. Joseph County Parks Board, providing guidance on operational standards and principles, Indiana park law, and board governance and functions. Recommends policies, plans, and projects for Board consideration.
Prepares monthly meeting agendas and oversees the development and distribution of all supporting materials. Presents regular updates on key performance indicators, measurable benchmarks, and the status of projects and programs during Board meetings.
Prepares and delivers an annual report to the Parks Board and County Commissioners summarizing departmental performance, accomplishments, and priorities.
Facilitates Parks Board planning retreats, as needed, to support strategic planning and organizational alignment.
Parks Foundation
Provides staff support to the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation Board and serves as the primary liaison between the County Parks Board and the Parks Foundation Board (a 501(c)(3) organization), ensuring alignment in mission, communication, and strategic priorities.
Supports and assists the Foundation Board in fundraising efforts that advance projects and programs aligned with the County Parks mission and Five-Year Master Plan.
Represents the Department at Parks Foundation meetings, events, and donor cultivation activities to strengthen partnerships and community support.
Personnel
Provides leadership and direction for all department personnel, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluating staff. Plans and assigns work, reviews position responsibilities, and ensures compliance with County personnel policies, rules, and regulations. Initiates and reviews disciplinary actions and terminations in coordination with the County Human Resources Department.
Directly supervises designated members of the Management Team and provides indirect oversight of all department employees through collaboration with the Deputy Director and Management Team.
Conducts regular staff meetings, promotes ongoing professional development, and fosters a positive, collaborative work environment.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Develops and maintains effective, strategic partnerships with internal (County) departments and external organizations to advance the Department’s mission and enhance quality of life for residents.
Serves on committees and task forces, collaborating with other County departments, the County Commissioners, and the County Council on countywide initiatives and projects, as appropriate.
Represents the Department in collaborative planning and programming efforts with local, regional, state, and national agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations focused on land conservation, recreation, and interpretive services.
Supports and promotes volunteer engagement by encouraging individual and group participation in projects and activities throughout the County Parks system.
Public Relations
Promotes and represents the County Parks at governmental, civic, and community functions, including speaking engagements and special events.
Maintains awareness of current trends and developments in parks and recreation through ongoing professional development, including trainings, conferences, and participation in regional and national professional organizations.
Serves as a spokesperson for the Department by providing information and interviews to the news media.
Oversees the marketing, promotion, and advertising of County Parks programs, services, and facilities to ensure effective public outreach and engagement.
Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with park donors and key stakeholders through consistent communication and engagement.
Responds to public inquiries and concerns in a professional and timely manner, ensuring a high level of customer service.
Other
Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the St. Joseph County Parks Department.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Natural Resources, Public Administration, Public Service Management, or a related field, with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks administration or a related leadership role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will have thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of parks and recreation administration, including applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. They must possess a comprehensive understanding of departmental operations, with the ability to direct programs and services to meet established goals and the educational and recreational needs of the community. Strong financial management skills are required, including budget preparation and administration, financial analysis, expenditure monitoring, and ensuring cost-effective operations.
The candidate should demonstrate proficiency in written communication, including preparation of detailed reports, grant applications, and official correspondence, with a strong command of grammar, spelling, and documentation standards. Proficiency in standard office technology and software applications, including computers, department-specific systems, and communication equipment, is essential.
This role requires demonstrated ability to recruit, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and discipline staff, establish performance expectations, delegate responsibilities, and ensure compliance with County personnel policies. The candidate must communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with employees, County officials, the County Council and Commissioners, the Parks Foundation, the County Attorney, community partners, and the public, with sensitivity to professional ethics, diversity, and inclusion. They must be able to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and procedures while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information in accordance with state and County requirements.
The candidate must also have the ability to analyze data, evaluate alternatives, exercise sound judgment, and present findings and recommendations clearly in both oral and written form. They should be able to manage multiple priorities, work independently with minimal supervision, and collaborate effectively in a team environment, often under time constraints. The ability to plan, organize, and implement projects, public presentations, and special events, as well as develop practical courses of action, implement procedural improvements, and lead organizational change initiatives, is required.
The position requires flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel as needed for meetings, training, or conferences. The candidate must be available to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis when necessary and must possess a valid driver’s license with a demonstrated safe driving record.
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The incumbent performs duties in both office and outdoor settings. Work may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking, driving, navigating uneven terrain, and exposure to varying weather conditions. The role requires the use of standard office equipment, which involves keyboarding, close vision, clear verbal communication, hearing, and manual dexterity for handling and operating equipment.
This position may require extended work hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as occasional out-of-town travel for meetings, training, or conferences, which may include overnight stays. The incumbent may also be required to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis as necessary.
