Salary: $83,211.01 - $128,144.95 Annually
Location : 1029 N. Howe Street, Southport, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00080
Department: Parks & Rec
Division: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 07/14/2026

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.

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, attractive, and well maintained.
• Develop policies, procedures, and operational improvements that promote efficiency and excellent customer service.
• Plan and oversee park improvements, facility enhancement projects, and future capital improvement initiatives.
• Promote departmental programs through marketing, social media, public outreach, and community engagement.
• Respond professionally to citizen inquiries, concerns, and requests.
• Work collaboratively with City departments, community organizations, and advisory boards.
• Stay informed of current trends and best practices in parks and recreation and implement innovative ideas when appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience leading organizational change or building new programs is highly desirable.
• Ability to inspire and motivate employees through periods of growth and organizational development.
• Strong fiscal management with demonstrated ability to prioritize limited resources.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, solve problems, and work independently.
• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative recreational opportunities.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers, community organizations, and the public.
• Strong project management and organizational planning abilities.
• Knowledge of budgeting, grant administration, and municipal operations.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.

Desired Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm for serving the community.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Initiative in identifying opportunities rather than waiting for direction.
• Creativity and innovation in program development.
• A positive, energetic, and team-oriented attitude.
• Strong leadership through collaboration and accountability.
• Passion for creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
• Comfortable leading organizational change and building successful teams from the ground up.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, Recreation Management, Sports Management, or a related field preferred.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is preferred or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.

Five years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration, municipal government, or a closely related field, including at least three years of supervisory and budget management experience.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
This full-time position qualifies for our complete benefit package. Please visit the City's benefits page for details.