Parks & Recreation Director

The City of Southport operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The Parks and Recreation Director serves as a department head and reports directly to the City Manager. The Director works collaboratively with City staff, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, community organizations, volunteers, and partner agencies to develop, implement, and enhance recreational programs, facilities, and services that align with the City's goals and priorities. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and visionary leader to rebuild and shape the future of parks and recreation in the City of Southport. Following a department reorganization, the successful candidate will have the rare opportunity to build a department from the ground up by recruiting staff, developing programs, establishing operational procedures, cultivating community partnerships, and creating a long-term vision for recreational services that enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors. The Parks and Recreation Director will lead the strategic planning, development, implementation, and administration of the City's parks, recreational facilities, community programs, special events, and future recreational initiatives. Working closely with the City Manager, elected officials, advisory committees, community organizations, volunteers, and residents, the Director will establish a culture of innovation, accountability, customer service, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is an energetic, enthusiastic, and innovative leader who demonstrates initiative, embraces new ideas, and actively seeks opportunities to expand programs, strengthen community partnerships, and improve services. The successful candidate will be motivated to build and grow a thriving Parks and Recreation Department by embracing innovation, expanding opportunities, taking a proactive approach to serving the community, and continually improving services. **Why Join the City of Southport?** This position offers a rare opportunity to leave a lasting impact on one of North Carolina's most vibrant coastal communities. The next Parks and Recreation Director will have the support of City leadership to develop a modern, innovative department that reflects the needs and interests of residents while creating exceptional recreational opportunities for generations to come.**Essential Duties and Responsibilities** - Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all Parks and Recreation programs, services, facilities, and operations. - Recruit and build a high-performing Parks and Recreation team through thoughtful hiring, onboarding, coaching, and employee development. - Train, supervise, coach, mentor, motivate, and evaluate departmental staff and volunteers while fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth. - Develop departmental operating procedures, performance standards, and organizational structure. - Evaluate existing parks, facilities, and recreational assets to identify opportunities for improvement and future investment. - Establish short-term priorities and a long-range strategic vision for the department. - Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, teamwork, and exceptional customer service. - Develop new recreational programs, events, and community activities that meet the evolving needs of residents and community members. - Take initiative in identifying opportunities to improve parks, facilities, programs, and customer service. - Build partnerships with schools, civic organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to expand recreational opportunities. - Develop annual departmental goals, measurable performance objectives, and strategic initiatives. - Prepare, administer, and monitor departmental budgets while actively pursuing grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities. - Coordinate facility rentals, athletic programs, youth and senior activities, camps, and special events. - Ensure parks and recreational facilities are safe, clean, at…