Company
Bristol Township
Location
Bristol Township, PA
Close Date
01/31/2026
Details
Position: Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation Department
Reports to: Township Manager
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Salary: $80,000-$90,000
ABOUT BRISTOL TOWNSHIP
Bristol Township, PA, is a vibrant and diverse community located in Bucks County, known for its rich history and strong sense of community. The Township provides high-quality services and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors. Joining the Bristol Township team means becoming part of an organization that values partnership, respect, innovation, diversity, and excellence.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS ROLE
The Parks & Recreation Director leads, plans, and advances all functions of the Parks and Recreation Department. This role requires independent judgment, decisive leadership, and accountability for results. The Director sets the department’s vision, establishes priorities, and implements action plans that improve parks, facilities, and recreation services. The Director manages staff, budgets, assets, and programs and is responsible for moving the department forward through measurable improvements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Organizational and Departmental Leadership
a. Lead, plan, and direct all functions of the Parks and Recreation Department, ensuring alignment with Township goals and community needs.
b. Establish a clear vision, strategic priorities, and annual objectives for the department and translate them into actionable work plans.
c. Make timely, informed decisions; resolve complex issues; and take responsibility for departmental outcomes.
d. Provide professional advice and recommendations to the Township Manager and leadership team on parks, facilities, recreation programs, and policy matters.
e. Build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, advisory boards, intergovernmental partners, and external stakeholders.
f. Monitor industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to ensure modern, compliant, and effective operations.
2. Departmental Growth and Management
a. Direct and evaluate all department staff, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, discipline, and termination recommendations.
b. Set clear performance expectations and hold staff accountable for productivity, service quality, safety, and conduct.
c. Assess organizational structure and staffing levels and implement changes needed to improve efficiency and service delivery.
d. Plan, develop, and oversee parks, facilities, recreation programs, and capital improvement projects from concept through completion.
e. Identify service gaps, operational risks, and improvement opportunities; use data and performance measures to guide decisions and track results.
f. Lead development, administration, and reporting of private, state, and federal grants to support department initiatives.
3. Community Events and Public Engagement
a. Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of major Township-sponsored community events, including the Summer Concert Series, holiday events, and the annual Fall Festival.
b. Direct staff, vendors, and volunteers during events to ensure safe, well-organized, and high-quality experiences for the public.
c. Serve as a visible and professional representative of the Township, including acting as event emcee when appropriate.
d. Lead community engagement efforts by gathering input, addressing concerns, and communicating department plans, projects, and outcomes.
e. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the department and coordinate messaging with Township leadership as needed.
4. Administrative Duties
a. Develop, manage, and monitor the department’s operating and capital budgets; ensure spending aligns with approved plans and priorities.
b. Establish, implement, and enforce strong internal controls for purchasing, contracting, cash handling, inventory, and asset management.
c. Ensure compliance with Township policies, labor agreements, grant requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
d. Maintain accurate financial, operational, and project records and ensure transparent reporting.
e. Develop, implement, and update department policies, procedures, and performance measures.
f. Regularly report departmental performance, risks, and progress to the Township Manager and recommend corrective actions when needed.
This description is intended to provide a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of the Parks & Recreation Director for the Parks & Recreation Department. Other duties may be assigned as needed to meet the goals of the Township. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. Leadership - Ability to lead independently, set clear direction, and hold staff accountable for results. Demonstrated skill in motivating teams, managing performance, addressing issues directly, and building a culture of responsibility, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
2. Decision-Making - Ability to analyze complex information, assess risks and impacts, and make timely, well-reasoned decisions in a public and political environment. Ability to balance operational needs, community expectations, and legal requirements while accepting responsibility for outcomes.
3. Financial Management - Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, capital planning, grants management, purchasing, and fiscal controls. Ability to plan, monitor, and manage budgets; protect public funds; ensure compliance with policies and laws; and maintain transparent, accurate financial records.
4. Communication - Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with staff, elected officials, advisory boards, partners, and the public. Ability to prepare clear written reports, present information and recommendations, facilitate meetings, and explain complex topics in plain language.
5. Strategic Planning - Ability to develop and implement short- and long-term plans that improve services, facilities, and operations. Ability to set priorities, allocate resources effectively, track progress using performance measures, and adjust strategies based on results and community needs.
6. Ethics and Integrity - Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. Ability to safeguard public assets, enforce internal controls, model professional conduct, and address misconduct or policy violations promptly and appropriately.
7. Technology - Ability to use and adapt to technology systems related to finance, facilities, recreation programming, project management, and data reporting. Ability to leverage data and technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, decision-making, and service delivery.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation administration or related field; Masters degree in parks and recreation, public or business administrative or related field preferred.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience, 3 of which are in parks and recreation field in a senior management/supervisory position, or
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or ability to obtain in 18 months; Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License required, CDL (Class A) preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work takes place both indoors (office, shop, storage facilities) and outdoors in parks, trails, fields, and recreation areas.
• Outdoor work may involve exposure to weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, and seasonal allergens.
• May need to walk long distances, climb steps or slopes, and inspect uneven ground, playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and landscaped areas.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift items such as tools, equipment parts, or materials (often up to 50 lbs).
• Frequently required to sit, stand, climb, walk, squat, kneel, bend, crouch.
• Work may require driving Township vehicles between sites.
• Duties require working irregular hours; and nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to complete assigned duties and responsibilities. The work schedule follows a standard workweek but may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays during peak seasons, special events, emergencies, or weather-related needs.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT:
Bristol Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We invite you to bring your talent, skills, and passion to Bristol Township. You will join a team of dedicated individuals who serve our community every day. Together, we create a positive and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Applications, resumes, and cover letters for this position can be submitted through Bristol Township’s Hiring Portal at rebrand.ly/BristolTWPPAHiringPortal. Interested applicants should complete the online application and upload all required documents. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews and, if successful, will proceed through the Township’s onboarding process.
External Link
Contact Name
Heather Satterly