Let’s make the Emerald City shine even brighter!

Seattle is a city undergoing transformation. The One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update, announced by Mayor Bruce Harrell in October 2024, will drive economic growth, increased housing choice, liveable and walkable neighbourhoods and a city that fosters community resilience.

Seattle’s next Recreation Director will play a key role in the renaissance of this great city. Overseeing the operation of over 50 recreation facilities, that provides opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. With nearly 300 regular employees and a budget of nearly $40M annually, the Director will also strive to constantly improve the ways they serve Seattle's residents, specifically through implementation of the Seattle Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan, innovation in their facility staffing and programming approaches, and learning from national best practices and quality standards. Recreation makes a tangible difference to the quality of life of those who live, work and play in the city. 

This exciting role is at the heart of setting the overall vision for recreation services, leading a great team of people and delivering world class services. The next Director will demonstrate a deep passion for recreation, environmental responsibility and sustainability. They will bring a love of engaging communities, the diplomatic skills of working in a complex political and public environment and a leadership style that is both human and professional. They will bring a commercial and business-oriented mindset while never forgetting the reasons recreation services exist.

We are seeking a recreation services management executive who is educated to degree-level in a relevant field and brings at least five years’ experience of leading and managing service delivery in a complex organization. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience of planning, developing and implementing a wide range of programs and partnerships and building great relationships with residents, partners, peers, partner organizations and advocacy groups.

The salary range for this role is between $129,000 and $213,000 per year with a comprehensive benefits package.

To apply for this role, please submit your resume to seattlerecreation@dhrglobal.com to be considered.