Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation - Parks Division

Salary: $105,592.65 - $129,324.10 Annually
Location : Charlottesville, VA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Parks and Recreation
Division: Parks Division
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/19/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A

General Summary
This Deputy Director oversees performs responsible administrative work directing the overall operations, services, strategic planning, and management of the Parks Division, including Landscape/Natural Resources, Custodial Services, Construction/Project Services, and Parks/Trail Services. Works with Department Leadership Team to develop department goals, strategies, policy, and plans. Reports to the Director of Parks & Recreation.
The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $105,592.65 - $129,324.10 annually.Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following retirement benefits:

• Vacation Leave: 3.09 hours accrued bi-weekly (increases with YOS).
• Up to 40 hours of discretionary administrative leave per calendar year
• Sick Leave: 4.62 hours accrued bi-weekly, approx. 120 hours per year with no limit on accumulation.
• 13 Paid Observed City Holidays
• 1 Floating Holiday which must be taken during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
• Choice of retirement plan:
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan.

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Plans and provides general direction to the overall operation, development, personnel, services, management, and maintenance of assigned division (Parks or Recreation), including coordination of work efforts supporting the goals and strategies of City Management and City Council.
• Serves as a member of the division senior management team, participating in policy formulation and advising on decision-making; reviews and approves policies and procedures and implements or recommends changes as appropriate.
• Manages, monitors, and directs work performance of subordinate supervisors and, overall, of employees within assigned division. Makes final decisions on hiring, discipline, performance evaluation, setting program/work objectives and realigns work and staffing as needed, in accordance with established personnel policy and procedures. Establishing professional standards for work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability.
• Assists subordinate supervisors with complex/problem situations and provides technical expertise, guidance, and leadership.
• Recommends management priorities to the Director and establishes schedules, work plans, and annual planning efforts for the assigned functional area(s); ensures that division plans and programs complement agency goals and objectives and is accountable for implementation of the Department's annual plan.
• Identifies operational deficiencies, projects operational requirements for new and expanded facilities, and plans, develops, and implements the capital improvement plan (CIP) in coordination with the Parks & Recreation Director; reviews and prioritizes capital improvement budgets and estimates costs of new and/or renovated facilities.
• Analyzes program use, patterns, service needs, and performance compared to goals; evaluates and makes suggestions for new and existing programs; reports results and recommends improvements to enhance effectiveness of division programs and city-wide Park and Recreation services.
• Conducts service needs assessments and analyzes city-wide Park and Recreation needs.
• Provides staff support to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and other boards and commissions; oversees special project work directed by City Council, Parks and Rec Advisory Board and/or Department Director; and represents the Department in meetings with public and private-sector officials and citizen groups.
• Interacts and communicates effectively with the public, staff, vendors, and outside agencies to resolve issues, address complex and sensitive inquiries, answer questions, and develop professional working relationships and partnerships.
• Analyzes prior years' expenditures and revenues and compiles and submits the annual operating budget; supervises preparation and presentation of the division's budget to City Council/City Manager; monitors program expenditures; and develops management indicators for budget development and evaluation of organizational performance.
• Operates a vehicle to visit various parks/recreation sites and facilities and/or to assist with programs, projects, and events.
• May be required to work weekends, nights, holidays or to be called back to work in weather or non-weather emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

• Represents the department in the Director's absence and may serve as Acting Director when necessary.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, park management, business/public administration or related field, AND 3 years of supervisory/management experience overseeing a division in a parks/recreation system.

OR

• Associate degree in recreation, park management, business/public administration or related field, AND 5 years of supervisory/management experience overseeing a division in a parks/recreation system.

OR

• High School diploma or GED AND 7 years of supervisory/management experience overseeing a division in a parks/recreation system.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

• Master's degree.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional or Executive; Certified Playground Safety Inspector; Certified Facility Manager; Certified Pool Operator or Aquatics Facility Operator; National Accreditation Visitor certification.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Job Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of the practices, principles, terminology, tools, methods and challenges of parks and recreation services, management, maintenance, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.
• Extensive knowledge of facility/recreational operations and/or construction maintenance/repair.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable local, State, and Federal policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Reading

• Advanced: ability to read and understand complex written materials such as books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, complex financial reports, and/or legal documents.

Writing

• Advanced: ability to prepare comprehensive complex reports and written materials. Present and explain complex ideas clearly and concisely. Ability to tailor writing to specific audiences and explain complex thoughts and ideas in writing.

Math

• Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

Communication Skills

• Advanced: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with city officials, management, co-workers, other agencies, community stakeholders, and the public. Communicates current and revised policies and makes recommendations regarding development and implementation. May include interactions that involve stressful, negative situations requiring significant tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding. May involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Evaluates customer satisfaction, develops cooperative associations, and utilizes resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Oversees budget preparation of a division budget. Reviews and approves expenditures of significant budgeted funds for the division; does research, reviews, and prepares recommendations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manages, monitors, and directs work performance of subordinate supervisors and, overall, of staff within division. Makes final decisions on hiring, discipline, performance evaluation, setting program/work objectives and realigns work and staffing as needed.

Other Characteristics

• Excellent organization and time management skills; sometimes under strict time constraints.
• Proven record implementing innovative solutions to complex issues.
• High level of self-motivation, resiliency, creativity, accountability, and flexibility.
• Independently prioritize and balance multiple, complex tasks.
• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Frequent change of tasks.
• Constant interruptions and/or requests for service.
• Work effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule.
• May require emergency response.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. and position self to maintain files in file cabinet.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is usually performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
• At recreation facilities or sites, may be exposed to allergens, fumes, chemicals, varying temperatures, and outside weather conditions.
• Outside work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, weather-related events, chemicals/hazardous waste, extreme