Director of Parks and Recreation

Overview:

The Allegheny County Parks Department oversees nine County Parks in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and it's surrounding municipalities which encompass over 12,038 acres of park property and attract large amounts of visitors per year. The Department maintains a wide variety of facilities in the County Parks and offers numerous and diverse recreational and program activities and events providing year-round opportunities to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the County Manager, the Director of the Allegheny County Parks Department provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction to the Allegheny County Parks system. This is a public facing position, where the incumbent must be both a strong operations manager internally and a competent spokesperson and communicator externally. The Director implements the policies of the elected County Executive and works with the Allegheny County Parks Foundation to envision and develop park capital projects. The Director works with the elected and appointed officials, civil servants, potential funders, and volunteer leadership to craft strategic and financial planning objectives. The Director provides leadership to a staff of approximately 185 full-time and 700 temporary employees, oversees an annual operating and capital budget of ~$50 million, and serves as an ambassador to the community and other governmental agencies. The Director’s Office is responsible for the executive management of the highly diverse services and operations of the Allegheny County Parks Department. 

Duties:

Leadership, Community Engagement & Public Relations

• Develop, embody and actively communicate a vision for the future of the Allegheny County Parks system.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Parks Department.
• Engage with residents, stakeholders (e.g., Regional Asset District, Allegheny County Parks Foundation, “Friends of the Park” organizations), and advisory boards to gather input and build support.
• Promote the parks through outreach, marketing, and public events.

Strategic Planning & Management

• Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with county goals and community needs.
• Oversee capital improvement projects, land use planning, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate departmental performance metrics and service delivery outcomes.

Program Development

• Design and support innovative recreational, educational, and cultural programs that serve diverse populations.
• Collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand access and participation.
• Promote equity and inclusion in all programming and park access initiatives.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Prepare and manage the department’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities, sponsorships, and alternative funding sources.
• Ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with county, grantor, state, and federal regulations.

Parks Maintenance & Operations

• Oversee the maintenance, safety, and improvement of park facilities, trails, natural areas, and infrastructure.
• Implement best practices in asset and resource management, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
• Coordinate with other county departments (e.g., Police, Public Works, Facilities) services to ensure visitor safety.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate a diverse team of professional, technical, and seasonal staff.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with labor agreements, HR policies, and workplace safety standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public parks and recreation administration, operations, and maintenance.
• Environmental conservation, land use planning, and sustainable park design.
• Public sector budgeting, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Federal, state, and local regulations related to parks, recreation, and public lands.
• Labor relations, personnel management, and workplace safety standards.

Skill in:

• Strategic planning, project management, and organizational leadership.
• Budget development, financial analysis, and resource allocation.
• Public speaking, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Conflict resolution, negotiation, and team building.
• Data-driven decision-making and performance measurement.

Ability to:

• Lead and inspire a diverse team toward shared goals.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Champion equity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship in all aspects of park operations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master of Science Degree in Park Administration and Management or related field AND Ten (10) years of progressive experience in the maintenance of parks and their assets and resources and the administration of recreation programs and park facilities and systems, including two (2) years directing the work of or supervising staff.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
• CPRE (Certified Park and Recreation Executive) and CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) preferred.

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.

Allegheny County requires that employees become permanent residents of the county within one calendar year of employment.

Veterans' preference will be awarded to eligible candidates.