Recreation & Parks Director

The Opportunity

The City of Johns Creek is seeking a dedicated and collaborative professional to serve as Recreation and Parks Director. In this position, you will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of all City special events, community programs, and recreational activities. Leading a team of full-time and part-time staff as well as volunteers, you will have the opportunity to directly impact the community by delivering high-quality experiences that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

What You'll Do

• Create and execute special events and recreation programs that align with the City's strategic Master Plan and Council priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local athletic associations, civic groups, schools, and non-profit organizations
• Facilitate the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, brief city leadership, and present updates directly to the City Council.
• Partner with the Facilities Division to coordinate programming needs with park maintenance, and work with the Communications department to promote events.

What You Bring to the Table

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Seven years of growing experience in the recreation field, including at least five years of supervisory experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • A proven track record of successfully managing major community events (3,000+ attendees).
  • Experience managing budgets to ensure City resources are used effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced education, such as a Master's degree or Project Management Professional Certification.
• Experience with budget management of at least $500K+ annual budget
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in Recreation and Parks or related areas within local government.
• Certification as a Park and Recreation Professional (through the National Recreation and Parks Association)

Who You Are

• Approach your work with a customer-first mindset, ensuring that public programs and park facilities are welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the needs of residents.
• Possess strong written and verbal presentation skills, allowing you to connect authentically with city leadership, local organizations, and the diverse demographic population of Johns Creek.
• Think strategically, anticipate public response, and make sound, calm decisions during high-pressure or critical situations.
• Work well across organizational boundaries to resolve challenges and are fully willing to adjust your schedule for evening meetings and weekend events.

Competitive salary and benefits package

The City of Johns Creek offers a competitive salary and benefits package. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about delivering exceptional support and possess the required qualifications.

Explore outstanding healthcare options and exceptional retirement benefits with the City of Johns Creek! Our comprehensive package includes a generous 12% contribution of your base pay to the 401(a) plan and a $1 for $1 match up to 5% in the 457(b) retirement plans, potentially totaling up to 22%! Access financial adviser services at no extra cost. Enjoy a competitive salary package crafted to align with the unique responsibilities and benefits of the Recreation & Parks Director.

We offer competitive wages starting from $129,528 to $148,637 annually. This position is exempt.

About Us

Nestled in the northeast suburbs of Metro Atlanta, Johns Creek is Georgia's 10th-largest city and a premier destination for families and businesses. Home to 82,000 residents and supported by 291 dedicated employees, the City has built a reputation for safety and excellence since its incorporation in 2006. Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best Place to Live in Georgia and the #1 in the U.S. (2026-2027), Johns Creek also ranked #1 Best Atlanta Suburb in 2024 by livability.com and #1 place to raise a family in Georgia by Niche.com. As a leader in health, wellness, and innovation, we are committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and forward-thinking community for everyone who calls Johns Creek home.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Johns Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other class or status protected by law.

IMPORTANT: By submitting your resume online, you hereby authorize the City of Johns Creek to contact, obtain, and verify the accuracy of the information contained in this application from all previous employers, references, and educational institutions. You also release the City of Johns Creek and its representatives from liability for seeking, gathering, and using such information to make employment decisions and all other persons or organizations for providing such information. You understand that any misrepresentation or material omission made by you on this application will be sufficient cause for cancellation of this application or immediate termination of employment if you are employed, whenever it may be discovered.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information via this online portal. In fairness to other potential candidates for this position, unsolicited letters, emails, telephone calls, or in-person submissions will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed as received. The City reserves the right to close the position before the posted date if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.