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Home My WebLink AboutParks & Recreation DirectorUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Parks & Recreation Director Department: Parks & Recreation Division: Administration Supervisor: City Manager FLSA: Exempt Civil Service: No Pay Grade: 33 Job Number: 3304 Job Summary Directs the operational, ﬁnancial, personnel, and capital improvement activities of the Parks & Recreation Department, which includes the following seven divisions: Recreation, Parks, Forestry, Cemetery, Government Buildings and Parks & Recreation Administration. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Directs and reviews the work of seven Parks & Recreation divisions. • Prepares ﬁnancial plan; develops goals and objectives; monitors budget; reviews and approves expenditures; prepares budget amendments; and develops fees and charges. • Inspects various department sites to monitor progress of projects; monitors work; assesses problems or complaints; communicates with staﬀ, consultants and contractors; determines action as needed. • Performs long range and capital improvement planning; develops cost estimates; assists with design; compiles speciﬁcations; solicits and accepts bids; manages projects; and administers contracts. • Assists the City Manager in developing Parks & Recreation policy recommendations to the City Council. • Advises the City Manager on necessity and feasibility of expanding or improving the City’s Parks & Recreation infrastructure. • Conducts meetings and/or planning sessions with departmental staﬀ, aﬃliate groups, other City Departments, other agencies and the general public. • Provides staﬀ support and technical assistance to the Parks & Recreation Commission. • Serves as staﬀ liaison to the Parks & Recreation Foundation. • Advocates for state and federal funding, submits grant applications and oversees funded projects. • Listens to and responds to questions, concerns, complaints, service requests, etc., from general public via the telephone, in person, and in writing. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and six years of related experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Parks and Recreation Management or related. Experience in parks and recreation administration. Supervisory experience. • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Must reside in the municipal limits of the City of Iowa City. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and eight years of related experience; or twelve years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Certiﬁcation as a Parks and Recreation Professional. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Ability to deal eﬀectively with employee groups, special interest groups, other agencies and city departments, and the general public. • Ability to deﬁne problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to develop and present mathematical budget information. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. • Ability to read and understand technical materials, reports, ordinances and journals, ﬁnancial reports, and legal documents. regarding the administration of department activities. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. • Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. • Knowledge of City ordinances and policies, budgeting practices and procedures. • Knowledge of the principles of operation, legislation and safety procedures relative to Parks, Recreation, Forestry, Cemetery, and Maintenance of public facilities. • Skill in oral & written communication, management, leadership, marketing and public relations. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Oﬃce – Word, Excel, Outlook). Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Supervision Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising subordinate supervisors and direct reports including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director (4/2024) Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________