Allegheny County · 1 month ago
Director, Parks
Allegheny County is seeking a Director for its Parks Department to provide strategic leadership and direction for the county's parks system. The role involves overseeing a large team, managing a significant budget, and engaging with the community to enhance recreational opportunities and park facilities.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
Develop, embody and actively communicate a vision for the future of the Allegheny County Parks system
Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Parks Department
Engage with residents, stakeholders (e.g., Regional Asset District, Allegheny County Parks Foundation, “Friends of the Park” organizations), and advisory boards to gather input and build support
Promote the parks through outreach, marketing, and public events
Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with county goals and community needs
Oversee capital improvement projects, land use planning, and environmental sustainability initiatives
Monitor and evaluate departmental performance metrics and service delivery outcomes
Design and support innovative recreational, educational, and cultural programs that serve diverse populations
Collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand access and participation
Promote equity and inclusion in all programming and park access initiatives
Prepare and manage the department’s annual operating and capital budgets
Identify and pursue grant opportunities, sponsorships, and alternative funding sources
Ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with county, grantor, state, and federal regulations
Oversee the maintenance, safety, and improvement of park facilities, trails, natural areas, and infrastructure
Implement best practices in asset and resource management, environmental stewardship, and sustainability
Coordinate with other county departments (e.g., Police, Public Works, Facilities) services to ensure visitor safety
Lead, mentor, and evaluate a diverse team of professional, technical, and seasonal staff
Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Ensure compliance with labor agreements, HR policies, and workplace safety standards
Qualification
Required
Master of Science Degree in Park Administration and Management or related field
Ten (10) years of progressive experience in the maintenance of parks and their assets and resources and the administration of recreation programs and park facilities and systems, including two (2) years directing the work of or supervising staff
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered
Knowledge of principles and practices of public parks and recreation administration, operations, and maintenance
Knowledge of environmental conservation, land use planning, and sustainable park design
Knowledge of public sector budgeting, procurement, and financial reporting
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to parks, recreation, and public lands
Knowledge of labor relations, personnel management, and workplace safety standards
Skill in strategic planning, project management, and organizational leadership
Skill in budget development, financial analysis, and resource allocation
Skill in public speaking, media relations, and stakeholder engagement
Skill in conflict resolution, negotiation, and team building
Skill in data-driven decision-making and performance measurement
Ability to lead and inspire a diverse team toward shared goals
Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups
Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Ability to champion equity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship in all aspects of park operations
Residency in Allegheny County within 1 year
Preferred
CPRE (Certified Park and Recreation Executive)
CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional)
Company
Allegheny County
Allegheny County is home to some of the world’s leading businesses and organizations in the fields of advanced manufacturing, information & communications technology, healthcare & life sciences, finance & business services, education & research, and energy & environmental solutions.
H1B Sponsorship
Allegheny County has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Recent News
Seattle TechFlash
2025-04-11
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