Parks and Recreation Director

Nestled in the heart of the Northern Rockies, Missoula is celebrated as one of the most livable cities in the nation—where stunning natural landscapes meet a thriving, community-driven lifestyle. Home to the University of Montana, the city fosters innovation, education, and a resilient local economy. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, from hiking and river sports to skiing and cycling, alongside a lively calendar of cultural events, music, and arts that enrich everyday life.

Missoula Parks & Recreation is at the heart of an active, connected, and thriving community. With over 550 acres of developed parkland,4,200 acres of conservation lands, and 22 miles of commuter trails, we provide endless opportunities for recreation, exploration, and wellness. Our department manages more than 26,000 trees, 59 miles of natural trails, and even shares space with a herd of 90 elk on Mount Jumbo. Each year, we welcome thousands of program participants, see over 1,000 daily swims at Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center, and rely on the dedication of 50 teen volunteers and hundreds of adults, who contribute thousands of service hours. With a team of 26 full-time and up to 200 seasonal staff, a $4.1 million department budget, and $1.4 million in annual revenue, we provide top-tier services at just $78 per resident per year—and deliver countless smiles along the way.

The Parks & Recreation Director is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing and advancing the City of Missoula’s parks, recreation, urban forestry, open space, trails, and cultural initiatives. This role provides strategic direction and operational management for a diverse department that includes recreation programming, park maintenance and development, trail planning, urban forestry, and natural resource stewardship. The Director guides division managers, leads long-range planning, ensures efficient use of staff and resources, and plays a vital role in shaping policies that align with the City’s goals. As a member of the Mayor’s Senior Leadership Team, the Director also serves as a policy advisor and represents the department in collaboration with elected officials, advisory boards, neighborhood councils, and regional partners.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to ten (10) years of professional level experience in parks & recreation administration, program management and development, or another related field; including three (3) years management level experience. Public Sector experience, preferred.

For a complete position profile, full job description, benefits summary and to apply online, visit Careers  | Missoula, MT – Official Website, and click on “Apply for Jobs.” Applications will be accepted until Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm MST

To be considered for the position of Parks and Recreation Director, candidates must submit both an application and a cover letter. The cover letter should specifically address:

• Your vision for how parks and recreation services can enhance community well-being, equity, and resilience.
• And, how you demonstrated this vision in your previous leadership roles. 

Applications without a cover letter addressing these points will not be considered.

Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.