Parks and Recreation Director (A263110-1), 217, Administration

The City of Laredo is a vibrant and growing municipality located in Texas, known for its commitment to providing high-quality public services and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The City administers a diverse range of recreational facilities and programs that cater to the community's health, wellness, and leisure needs. These include city parks, recreation centers, plazas, and specialized amenities such as aquatic programs, organized sports leagues, a golf course, and large sports complexes. The Department of Recreation and Parks plays a critical role in this effort, managing all aspects of city-owned recreational spaces and facilities, ensuring they meet both community needs and regulatory standards.

The City of Laredo is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to oversee and manage the Department of Recreation and Parks. This leadership position is responsible for the comprehensive administration of all city parks and recreational facilities, including Unitrade Stadium, The Max Golf Course, and the Buena Vista Sports Complex. The role requires a proactive individual capable of directing daily departmental operations, developing recreational programs, planning new facility developments, and monitoring park maintenance. The successful candidate will be tasked with planning and developing the department’s budgets, setting goals, and establishing clear objectives to ensure the department operates efficiently and effectively within established organizational standards.

As the head of the Department of Recreation and Parks, the ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of park and recreation administration principles, the ability to coordinate diverse program offerings, and the skills necessary to supervise a multi-faceted team. The position demands a strategic thinker with excellent organizational and communication skills, capable of fostering community engagement and enhancing public awareness through effective presentations and media interaction. In addition, the role involves compliance with city policies and relevant state and federal regulations, including overseeing permits and grant usage.

Emphasizing leadership, the director will ensure that the Parks and Recreation Board functions effectively, scheduling and organizing meetings and approvals as necessary. The role also includes approving departmental documents and purchase requests and representing the department in City Council meetings. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, visitors, and other stakeholders while projecting a professional image aligned with City values.

The position requires a valid Texas Driver License and the ability to manage multiple projects, including aquatic and sports programming, field and facility maintenance, and department-wide budgeting. The work environment varies from office settings to outdoor locations, requiring the physical ability to occasionally exert moderate effort and work in conditions ranging from extreme heat to confined spaces. Travel within the region and locally will be required at times.

In summary, this leadership opportunity with the City of Laredo offers an engaging and multi-dimensional challenge suited to a motivated professional dedicated to public service and community enrichment. The role comes with a negotiable salary based on qualifications and experience and emphasizes a principle-based organizational culture grounded in character and core values.