POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the administrative direction of the City’s Executive Director of Public Works, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing the Parks and Recreation Department and a $18.5+ million budget.

This position supervises various employees including the Recreation Superintendent (oversees community centers, senior centers, therapeutics, athletics, and teens), Operations Manager (budget, HR, rentals, fleet, and purchasing), Parks Superintendent (oversees parks maintenance, mowing and landscaping), Golf Superintendent & Golf Professional, Tennis General Manager, and other managers as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

• Provide strategic direction for the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Utilize available data and studies to better inform decision-making.
• Direct the planning and administration of the Department’s budget and the five-year Capital Improvement Plan in conjunction with the City’s capital planning team.
• Develop and administer policies and procedures and collaborate with internal and external partners with a view toward short-term and longer-term goals and objectives.
• Oversee marketing and public relations duties.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of a large staff (approximately 260+ employees).
• Create, implement and evaluate programs, projects, events, and activities to ensure effective use of resources and continuous improvement of services.
• Most importantly, maintain and grow a positive work culture.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of a large organization, preferably with municipal or government experience
• Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Proactive management of department improvements with experience in organizational change management
• Participation with civic, business and service organizations, as well as volunteers in parks and recreation matters
• Ability to manage a wide range of personnel
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of recreation, sports, and park programs

MINIMUM QUALITICATIONS

Attainment of a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in recreational administration or a related field such as landscape architecture, urban planning, public administration, or business administration. Professional CPRP or CPRE are preferred. A minimum of 10 years of experience in this field or in similar positions in a responsible supervisory or leadership capacity is required. A combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements is also acceptable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This will be an appointed position reporting to the Executive Director, Public Works and the selected candidate will be given wide latitude in carrying out policies and objectives for the work plan that is mutually established.

• Parks & Recreation Activity Guide
• Capital Improvement Plan (2026-2030)
• Map for Mobile (City’s Comprehensive Plan)
• Parks and Recreation System Improvement Plan
• City of Mobile FY2026 Adopted Budget

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should email their cover letter and resume to brittany.johnson@cityofmobile.gov
Position will be open until filled with first review of applicants on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

About City of Mobile Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation Department: Known for its historic neighborhoods, streets lined with massive live oaks, and thriving aerospace and maritime industries, Mobile, Alabama is a mid-sized coastal city, encompassing an area of 140 square miles with population of approximately 202,000 residents (600,000 in the greater metropolitan area). The City Administration and City Council have a shared goal to provide high-quality Parks and Recreation facilities and services to the residents of Mobile. In 2016, they worked together to develop Mobile’s first multi-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This initial 3-year CIP dedicated $63 million to infrastructure improvements across the City, including $12.5 million for Parks and Recreation projects. The City is currently finalizing the 2027-2031 CIP that will allocate $28 million towards additional overall City capital improvement projects. MPRD AT A GLANCE Spanning 1,900 acres, the Mobile Parks & Recreation Department network includes 103 greenspaces, 72 of which are parks with large community centers and facilities. These assets form a dynamic parks and recreation system that enhances the quality of life, supports the enviro...nment, and creates inclusive spaces for everyone in the community. Employees: 260+ Full-Time & Part-Time System Footprint: 1,900 acres Green Spaces: 103; 72 are parks Baseball Fields: 67 Football Fields: 12 Outdoor Basketball Courts: 19 Playgrounds: 38 Community Buildings: 24 Pools: 5 Splash Pads: 9 Golf Course: 1 (18-holes) Pickleball Courts: 21 Tennis Centers: 3 Tennis Courts: 89 Dog Parks: 5 MPRD’S VISION Fun and safe places where everybody is somebody MPRD’S MISSION To increase the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our community by providing diverse activities in secure and welcoming spaces. MPRD’S CORE VALUES Customer service, teamwork, & diversity MPRD’S GOALS • Encourage healthy lifestyles through awareness, access, and value. • Ensure all spaces are well-maintained with optimal signage and lighting to promote an inviting and safe environment. • Facilitate and provide offerings and spaces that reflect the community needs.  • Be intentional in providing more opportunities for professional development and training for all staff. • To become better stewards of our park properties by starting to take steps to become environmentally resilient. The City has also been successful in leveraging funds to develop new Parks and Recreation amenities. In 2018, Mobile was awarded $9.7 million in RESTORE Act funding to build a 12-mile, multi-modal greenway trail along Three Mile Creek, connecting downtown to the University of South Alabama (and numerous neighborhoods, businesses, and parks along the way). When complete, 70,000 residents will be within walking distance of this transformational recreation amenity. In addition, the City has since acquired several significant coastal properties, including Brookley by the Bay, a 150-acre waterfront property along Mobile Bay, and Perch Creek Reserve, a 190-acre conservation area made up of three connected properties. The Perch Creek Reserve is being designed to enhance connectivity intercoastal waterways while preserving and protecting critical natural habitats. City leaders recognize the importance of long-range planning as it relates to Parks and Recreation. In early 2018, the City contracted with Lose & Associates Design to develop and Parks and Recreation System Improvement Plan. Through data analysis, public feedback, and staff insight, the City has an action plan to help guide the next ten years of capital and operational improvements. In addition, the department went through a year of strategic planning to create a mission, vision, core values and goals for the department. With renewed dedication to properly resourcing the Parks and Recreation system, the City is improving existing facilities and programs and strategically investing in new amenities to support Mobile’s growth and development goals. The City of Mobile is looking for a highly motivated and passionate individual to lead these efforts as the Senior Director of Parks and Recreation.

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