https://careercenter.nrpa.org Latest The NRPA Career Center Jobs Tue, 12 May 2026 03:13:01 Z https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22270681/director-parks-and-recreation-operations https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22270681/director-parks-and-recreation-operations Fort Collins, Colorado, The Position The Director, Parks and Recreation Operations provides strategic leadership for a diverse portfolio of public assets and services that shape Fort Collins’ quality of life, including parks, paved trails, cemeteries, recreation centers, and civic spaces such as streetscapes, medians, and downtown amenities. The Director sets the operational vision for an integrated system of facilities and programs that promote health, wellness, and community connection, overseeing offerings that span youth, adult, and senior programming, sports leagues, adaptive recreation, and specialized amenities such as aquatic and ice facilities, a working farm, and a pottery studio. This new position combines the operations parts of the City’s Parks and Recreation services and was created to optimize efficiencies, reduce service overlap, and improve the community/customer experience in Parks and Recreation service delivery. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Community Services, the Director sets the department's implementation, programming, and operations and maintenance strategy through the development and implementation of short- and long-range operational and organizational plans for all park and recreational sites and facilities. The position ensures operational excellence by continuously evaluating programs, policies, and business practices, incorporating industry trends and innovations, and aligning services with evolving community needs across all age groups. The Director builds and leads a high-performing, service-oriented team, fostering a culture of service, accountability, inclusion, and professional growth. Through strong internal collaboration and external partnerships, the role advances cross-departmental initiatives, coordinates with operations services and park planning and development on asset maintenance and safety, and strengthens relationships with boards, commissions, and community stakeholders. The Director is a visible, approachable, and emotionally intelligent leader who builds trust through authenticity, transparency, and consistent follow-through. They foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability, collaboration, and camaraderie. As an active listener and strong communicator, the Director engages employees at all levels, supports staff, and explains the “why” behind decisions, creating an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered to succeed. Financially astute and operationally savvy, the Director aligns service expectations with available resources and makes disciplined, forward-thinking decisions in a resource-constrained environment. They understand how to right-size services, prioritize investments, and balance community interests with fiscal realities to ensure long-term resilience. A commitment to innovation and modernization is equally important, including leveraging technology, data, and process improvements to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and service delivery. Above all, the next Director is a dedicated public servant and strong advocate for the department and community. A natural relationship builder, the Director brings employees, community members, elected officials, and partner organizations together around common priorities, creating strong partnerships that advance shared goals. With strong political acumen and credibility, the Director works collaboratively across the City, within Community Services, and alongside external stakeholders. Adaptable, optimistic, and committed to the long term, the Director guides the department into its next chapter while ensuring Fort Collins remains a vibrant, healthy, and connected community for generations to come. Compensation and Benefits The City of Fort Collins offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package, including a market salary commensurate with education and experience. The annual salary range is $100,452 – $167,467, and the anticipated hiring range is $135,000 – $150,000. How to Apply Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com . Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. For full consideration, please apply by Monday, June 15, 2026 . Education and Experience Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. At least eight years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Parks and Recreation, including strong knowledge of parks operations, recreation services, or both, is required. Demonstrated success leading organizational change, integrating teams or functions, and implementing thoughtful change management strategies in dynamic environments is essential. Experience serving a growing community with a complex parks and recreation department is highly desirable, particularly within a multi-service organization with a comparable scope to Fort Collins, and with the ability to scale strategies and operations accordingly. A proven track record of delivering high-quality, adaptable, accessible, and inclusive services is required. Candidates must possess strong business acumen and a solid financial background, including advanced expertise in budgeting, financial management, and complex funding models. Knowledge of green industry practices and a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and organizational resilience are ideal. A bachelor's degree in parks administration, public administration, business administration, recreation management, or a closely related field is required, with a master’s degree preferred. A current Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification, or the ability to obtain one within the first 12 months of hire, is required. A Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) preferred. Depending on Qualifications Tue, 12 May 2026 13:44:18 -0400 https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22256820/manager-pikes-peak-america-s-mountain https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22256820/manager-pikes-peak-america-s-mountain Coloardo Springs, Colorado, About the Job:  In this position, you will manage a complex and diverse site, including the overall administration and operation of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain (PPAM) and its associated facilities, recreation areas, and events. As an international attraction and national historical landmark, with multiple visitor centers including the Summit Visitor Center located at 14,115-feet, management of the guest experience and natural resource stewardship and protection is critical to this position.   Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer! We're an accredited pay equity employer! Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. See the full potential of growth for this position here:   2026 Salary Schedule As the Manager for Pikes Peak America's Mountain, you will: Manage interpretive and customer service programs for approximately one million annual visitors accessing the summit of Pikes Peak via the highway, Broadmoor Cog Railway, and major trail systems. Oversee highway maintenance, natural resource stewardship, and facility operations along the Pikes Peak Highway Recreation Corridor in partnership with the United States Forest Service. Manage maintenance, resource stewardship, and recreation activities for the North and South Slope Recreation Areas in coordination with Colorado Springs Utilities. Oversee access and seasonal maintenance for the United States Army High Altitude Research Lab in partnership with the United States Army. Manage the concessionaire contract with Aramark for food, retail, custodial, and medical services at Pikes Peak America's Mountain visitor centers. Coordinate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on recreational fishing, wildlife education, and limited hunting opportunities across multiple recreation areas. Collaborate with El Paso and Teller County Search and Rescue teams to support emergency response and visitor safety operations. Coordinate logistics for large-scale special events including the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent, AdAmAn, and Cycle to the Summit. Develop and manage contracts, permits, budgets, environmental compliance, and infrastructure assessments across the recreation corridor and reservoir areas. Supervise full-time and seasonal staff while maintaining strong partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies and staying current on industry trends and best practices. Other duties as assigned Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the  City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page We are looking for candidates who demonstrate: Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of outdoor recreational facilities and programs Principles and practices of program development and administration Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration Pertinent safety and compliance of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations Highway maintenance, civil construction or public works Environmental and resource land management Emergency response and communication Marketing and communications strategy Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of recreational activities, interpretive services, and guest services Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques Provide project management Provide staff leadership and supervision Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, parks and recreation management, engineering, or a related field Five years of full-time professional  experience in  business, parks and recreation, or public administration management  Two years of administrative, leadership, and supervisory experience Possess or obtain within three months of hire a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification Possess or obtain within three months of hire a First Aid certification We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. Our organization views each year of further education as equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience as equivalent to each year of required education. Preferred Qualifications: The following qualifications are not required, but they are considered desirable. If you possess any of the preferred qualifications, please include specific details in your application. This information may be used to identify a top group of applicants.  Two or more years of environmental and natural resource land management experience Experience managing a tourist attraction Public relations experience Currently possess a CPRP (Certified Park & Recreation Professional) certification Currently possess a CPRE (Certified Park & Recreational Executive) certification Wed, 06 May 2026 18:18:04 -0400 https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22233454/director-of-parks https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22233454/director-of-parks Denver, Colorado, About Our Job With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills, and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver. Application Deadline and Required Materials This job posting is expected to stay open until 11:59 PM on Sunday, May 10. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than Sunday, May 10 at 11:59 PM. We kindly request that you submit a resume and cover letter with your application. What We Offer The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The hiring salary range for this position is $109,134/year - $155,000/year, based on experience. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include, but are not limited to:   A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service 457B Retirement Plan 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date   More information about the perks and benefits we provide to full-time employees to allow them to find balance, thrive, and build a mile high career can be found on our website. Location This is an in-person role that will be officed out of the Denver Post Building in downtown Denver, Colorado. This role will be expected to travel regularly between parks districts and other operational sites across Denver to provide direction and support. This position does not work remotely. About Us As stewards of Denver’s legacy park system, the City and County of Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and improving the health of our residents and environment. Through innovative programs and the creation of safe, beautiful, and sustainable spaces, DPR manages a dynamic system of 30 recreation centers and nearly 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parkland, including off-street trails, parkways, and natural areas. This work is made possible by a dedicated team of professionals who design, promote, and preserve these world-class spaces for generations to come. What You’ll Do Denver’s parks are among the City’s most treasured public assets. Ranked 10th in the country by the Trust for Public Land , Denver’s parks connect neighborhoods, promote health and wellness, protect natural resources, and create spaces where community thrives. The Department of Parks and Recreation manages an expansive and dynamic system that includes neighborhood parks, trails, natural areas, and public amenities that serve residents and visitors every day. We are seeking an experienced visionary and collaborative leader to serve as Denver’s next  Director of Parks.  The Director of Parks will lead a diverse team responsible for maintaining high-quality parks, open spaces, and recreational assets across the city. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to advancing equity, operational excellence, and strong interdepartmental partnerships. The Director of Parks will lead high-performing teams, manage significant operating resources, drive strategic priorities outlined in the Game Plan for a Healthy City , and champion innovative practices in sustainability, service delivery, and asset stewardship. This position reports to senior leadership within the department and plays a critical role in shaping the future of Denver’s park system. Key Responsibilities of the Director of Parks include: Leadership & Team Development   Provide direction, mentorship, and support to Parks Operations managers, supervisors, and staff. Foster a culture grounded in equity, collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Promote effective communication and engagement across all levels of the organization.   Operational Management   Develop, implement, and evaluate parks maintenance standards, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with community expectations. Oversee daily operations including landscaping, facilities maintenance, asset management, and seasonal programs. Manage budgets, contracts, and resource allocation to support efficient service delivery.   Cross-Department Collaboration   Build and maintain strong working relationships with citywide partners, including the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), and other operational divisions. Coordinate joint initiatives, shared maintenance responsibilities, and integrated service strategies.   Community & Stakeholder Engagement   Represent the department with elected officials, executive leadership, community groups, neighborhood stakeholders, and partner agencies. Respond to residents’ concerns and inquiries with professionalism and a solutions-oriented approach. Build collaborative relationships that strengthen public trust and improve outcomes.   Strategic Planning & Improvement   Identify opportunities to enhance operational systems, workforce development, and service equity. Lead or support long-term planning efforts related to parks infrastructure, sustainability, and capital improvements.   What You’ll Bring   Our ideal candidate is a seasoned public sector or parks leader who combines strategic vision with strong operational execution. You are comfortable leading through complexity, building relationships, and inspiring teams to deliver excellent public service.   We are seeking a seasoned leader who/with:   Demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, inclusive leadership, and collaborative problem-solving. Knowledge of park maintenance standards, urban landscapes, irrigation systems, and public asset stewardship. Excels at engaging effectively and building trust with staff at all levels—from frontline crews to executive leadership. Brings excellent communication, relationship-building, and change?management skills. Thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and diverse stakeholders. Experience managing large teams through multiple layers of leadership. Strong background in budget administration, workforce planning, and organizational management. Ability to build trust with residents, boards, and elected officials. Familiarity with enterprise asset management systems and data-informed operations   Preferred Qualifications:   Experience working in a municipal or public-sector environment. Demonstrated success leading equity-focused initiatives or workforce development programs. Familiarity with asset management systems, performance metrics, or quality assurance programs. A bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Management, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field A valid and current driver’s license at the time of application   Required Minimum Qualifications   Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field based on a specific position(s). Experience Requirement: Five (5) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of subordinate supervisors. Education/Experience Equivalency: Two (2) years of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements. License/Certifications: None Required Minimum Qualifications   Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field based on a specific position(s). Experience Requirement: Five (5) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of subordinate supervisors. Education/Experience Equivalency: Two (2) years of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements. License/Certifications: None Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:25:03 -0400 https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22267836/director-audit https://careercenter.nrpa.org/jobs/rss/22267836/director-audit Denver, Colorado, SUMMARY The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a non-profit organization focused on ending all forms of abuse in sport. We endeavor to make athlete well-being the centerpiece of the nation’s sports culture through abuse prevention, education, and accountability. POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Audit leads the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s compliance audit function, overseeing all audits of the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. This role is responsible for assessing NGB adherence to the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-189), and all Center policies and procedures, with a primary focus on promoting athlete safety, culture change, and organizational accountability across every level of sport. Job Responsibilities: Audit Program Leadership •     Direct the day-to-day operations of the NGB compliance audit program, overseeing the audit team’s delivery, effectiveness, and continuous improvement across the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. •     Set and advance the long-term strategic vision for NGB audit functions, establishing and maintaining internal and external protocols, policies, and procedures aligned with the department’s strategic plan. •     Lead audit team operations, including auditor assignment, pre- and post-audit scoping discussions, and review and approval of all work papers and draft audit reports. •     Conduct third-level reviews to ensure consistency in findings and confirm that prior audit findings, risk areas, and scope are adequately addressed. •     Review and approve NGB corrective action plans prior to the issuance of final audit reports; validate completion of remediation to confirm findings are resolved. •     Escalate NGB failures to timely address audit findings to the VP of Organizational Development & Compliance and the USOPC Compliance team, as appropriate. •     Manage the audit team budget and grant deliverables to ensure annual completion of audits across all NGBs in the Movement. Cross-Departmental Collaboration •     Ensure alignment and coordination with the Director of Compliance Development and NGB Support Services on all compliance policies and their implementation across the Movement. •     Partner with the Director of Compliance Development and NGB Support Services to evaluate the adequacy of NGB responses to audit findings and to support ongoing policy development, including the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). •     Collaborate with the Director of Compliance Development and Engagement to align audit resources with NGB communications and educational materials. •     Work with the Director of Data and Research to aggregate audit data, identify trends, and use findings to refine audit standards and inform the Movement about changes to NGB audit functions. •     Partner with Compliance Development, Education, Response and Resolution, and Legal leadership to drive decisions regarding audit standards and protocols through shared information. •     Work closely with the VP of ODC on communication of the department’s vision to all relevant stakeholders, including USOPC, NGBs, athletes, and administrators across the Movement. Team Development & Stakeholder Engagement •     Oversee onboarding, training, and ongoing formal and informal professional development for all compliance auditors, fostering professionalism, accuracy, consistency, and teamwork. •     Convene and oversee internal and external committees of subject matter experts and key constituents to develop and refine short- and long-term NGB audit strategy. •     Provide monthly and year-end summary reports identifying key audit findings and high-risk areas across NGBs. •     Perform other duties as assigned or required. Other job functions •     Oversee the audit team’s delivery of webinars and informational sessions for NGBs and internal Center staff on policies, audit standards, and emerging trends across the Movement. •     As a member of the Center’s leadership team, support Center-wide strategic initiatives, collaborate with peer leaders on department-level priorities, and contribute thought leadership to strategic planning efforts. •     Serve as liaison with external organizations (NCAA, AAU, International Federations) to promote consistency where policies and requirements overlap or conflict. Experience & Qualifications (Required) •     5–7 years of progressive experience in compliance auditing, regulatory oversight, policy implementation, or a related field. •     At least 4 years of supervisory or team management experience. •     Deep expertise in compliance audit methodology, including development of audit standards, protocols, and policy frameworks. •     Demonstrated ability to assess organizational compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. •     Strong understanding of athlete safety principles, trauma-informed practices, and the mission-critical nature of abuse prevention in sport. •     Exceptional leadership abilities, including delegation, decision-making, integrity, and the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams. •     Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly and professionally with diverse audiences including NGBs, athletes, coaches, legal counsel, and organizational leadership. •     Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. •     Ability to articulate the impact of abuse on athletes and the centrality of culture change to the Center’s mission and vision. •     Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience & Qualifications (Preferred) •     Bachelor’s degree in law, public policy, sport management, public administration, organizational leadership, or a related field. •     Sport governance experience, including familiarity with NGB structures, USOPC requirements, or the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. •     Experience in nonprofit compliance or a regulatory environment. •     Familiarity with NGB compliance structures, MAAPP frameworks, or federal athlete safety requirements. •     Experience with trauma-informed approaches to assessment, program review, or supervision. •     High emotional intelligence and a track record of building trust across complex organizational relationships. •     Demonstrated innovation in audit design, compliance programming, or policy development. TO APPLY Visit our applicant portal to submit your Resume and Cover Letter. Applications will be accepted through end of day Monday, May 25, 2026.   Mon, 11 May 2026 15:03:46 -0400