Looking for an exciting career opportunity? Want to lead the transformation of a large and complex Recreation system? Check out the Recreation Manager position with OKC Parks!
As now the 20th largest city in the nation, Oklahoma City’s momentum and growth, public investment, and friendly residents provide a vibrant and proud city demonstrated by a sample of 2022 accolades:
Ranked #4 best city to live in 2022 (Bankrate)
Low cost of living - ranked #2 among cities over 500,000 (C2ER)
Affordable housing - ranked #2 most affordable housing market (Bloomberg)
Entertainment – ranked #4 for favorite cities to visit (Travel Awaits)
Arts & Culture - #1 city for street art (USA Today)
Top 10 best run cities (WalletHub)
OKC Parks is on the same trajectory, moving into a new and exciting era for the Department. With a new executive team in place, a superb staff of professionals, a vast inventory of current recreation assets, a new multigenerational center opening this Summer, and over $215 million in capital improvements on the horizon, OKC Parks is poised to redefine its position within the community and the Parks and Recreation industry.
OKC Parks is seeking the right person to leverage their vision, innovation and expertise to lead the transformation of the Recreation Division.This person will lead the General Recreation, Athletics, Aquatics, and Health & Wellness teams. This includes the operations and/or programming of 11 centers, five aquatic facilities, and multiple athletic complexes, gymnasiums and courts.
Salary - $86,025.60 - $131,523.12 Annually
NOTE: The normal starting salary for this position is $86,025.60/annually. A higher salary may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader, experienced in implementing innovative management and recreation programming solutions. Preferences include:
Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Leisure Services, Event Management, Sports Management, Physical Education, Tourism, Public or Business Administration, or directly related field.
Seven (7) years of full-time experience in directing recreation/community service programs, of which include five (5) years supervisory experience and three (3) years management level experience.
NRPA Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE).
Experience managing within an agency of similar size, scope and complexity, to include recreation programming within a large urban core.
Experience managing the development and execution of youth, teen, adult, senior, adaptive and specialized recreation programs, including large-scale special events.
Experience in community engagement and relationship building.
As the country’s 20th largest city, Oklahoma City is on an impressive track towards national urban prominence with a vibrant economy, an admired massive infrastructure program, a growing presence in the world of professional sports and Olympic and amateur rowing, and an increasing arts and culture scene. The city’s success has attracted growth downtown and at the fringes.
OKC Parks is a large, dynamic and complex department providing for the recreational needs of a culturally and socioeconomically diverse population of over 680,000 residents spread over 620+ square miles.
•186 Full-time Staff
•$36M Annual Operating Budget
•170+ Parks
•90+ Miles of Multipurpose Trails
•11 Recreation Centers
•Five Aquatic Facilities
•Five Golf Courses
•17 Splash pads
•Five Skate Parks
•Multiple Athletic Complexes
•Botanic Gardens
•Nature Center
•Three Event Centers
•Fish Hatchery
The mission of OKC Parks is to provide cultural, social and recreational experiences to our community so they can have the opportunity to cultivate wellness and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Vision: OKC Parks inspires our community to explore, learn, grow and play.