Director of Parks & Recreation - City of Overland Park, KS

A vibrant Johnson County community tucked into the southwestern corner of the Kansas City metro area, Overland Park is Kansas’ second-largest city, home to more than 206,000 residents spread across its 75.8 square miles. Despite its size, the city maintains a warm, small-town charm, celebrated for its family-friendly neighborhoods, easy commutes, and affordable living.

Overland Park’s Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing recreational opportunities, parks, and facilities that increase quality of life, health, and wellness. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains outdoor public spaces and land, including the City’s 300-acre Arboretum, hundreds of miles of street right-of-way, and over 80 parks, 50 playgrounds, 100 miles of trails, and 70 sports fields/courts. The department also offers high-quality, affordable, and convenient facilities and recreational and leisure activities for members of the community of all ages. The City operates four swimming pools, two community centers, a soccer complex, two golf complexes, and the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. The department also sponsors senior programs, a July 4th celebration, a fall festival, art shows, youth activities and several special events throughout the year. These facilities and activities provide outlets for social interaction, physical activity, and environmental awareness and support community integration, positively impacting the community’s quality of life.

The next Director of Parks and Recreation will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by enhancing Overland Park’s park system, addressing community needs, and positioning the department as a leader in recreation and public spaces. The selected candidate will direct and coordinate all aspects of the City’s parks and recreation amenities and programs, including the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park Farmers’ Market, community centers, aquatics, soccer, golf, forestry, park maintenance, and arts and events in the City of Overland Park. Additionally, they will advise elected and appointed officials, direct and administer the department’s budget, and oversee short- and long-range department planning and goals.

The City of Overland Park is seeking a forward-thinking leader with a passion for parks and recreation, a talent for collaboration, and the ability to inspire staff and engage the community to serve as its next Director of Parks and Recreation. This position requires a dynamic professional with a deep understanding of cutting-edge parks and recreation activities and the ability to lead a department that enhances the community’s quality of life through exceptional amenities and services. This role requires a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, or a similar field, with a master’s degree preferred. Candidates should have 10 years of progressively responsible management experience in parks and recreation, community services and facilities, or similar. The selected candidate must also maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record throughout their tenure. 

Please apply online.

For more information on this position contact:
Marsha Reed, Sr. Vice President
Strategic Government Resources
MarshaReed@GovernmentResource.com
806-789-9641

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• Strategic Government Resources