- Experience
- 7+ yrs
- Salary
- USD 123,156 – USD 160,118 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 4 weeks ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Bachelor’s degree
- Eligibility
- Experienced parks and recreation professionals who meet the education, experience, residency, and licensing requirements may apply. A master’s degree, NRPA certification, and CAPRA experience are preferred but not required.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Job description
Role Overview
The City of Laredo, Texas is seeking a forward-thinking Parks & Recreation Director to guide a broad portfolio of recreation services, facilities, events, and capital initiatives. This leadership role is suited to a seasoned public-sector professional who can strengthen community wellbeing through high-quality parks and recreation offerings.
Laredo is a culturally rich border city with a strong economic base. Positioned on the Rio Grande and linked by four international bridges, it serves as an important center for trade, transportation, and logistics between the United States and Mexico.
The city operates under a council-manager structure. Policy and legislative authority rest with the City Council, which appoints the City Manager to oversee municipal operations. In this role, the Parks & Recreation Director reports through the Assistant City Manager.
What the City Is Looking For
The ideal leader will bring a strong service mindset, deep experience in parks and recreation administration, and the ability to manage complex operations while keeping multiple initiatives moving. The position calls for someone who can lead with vision, build trust, and improve community quality of life through effective parks and recreation services.
Success in this role will require strong communication and presentation skills, the confidence to work with residents, elected officials, staff, and community partners, and the judgment to make sound decisions while fostering a positive team culture.
Key Focus Areas
- Directing parks and recreation programs, facilities, and special events
- Overseeing capital projects and broader operational priorities
- Managing large teams and coordinating across multiple stakeholders
- Applying sound budgeting and financial management practices
- Promoting best practices and continuous improvement in service delivery
- Using emotionally intelligent, servant-style leadership to support staff and the community
Required Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Sports Management, Recreation Administration, Leisure Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field
- At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in parks and recreation program administration
- At least three years of experience in a managerial role
- Residency within the City of Laredo is required within a reasonable time after appointment
- If the selected applicant holds an out-of-state license, a Texas driver’s license must be obtained within six months of employment
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Sports Management, Recreation Administration, Leisure Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline
- National Recreation & Park Association certification
- Experience with the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)
Location and Position Details
This is a full-time, onsite position based in the Greater Laredo area. The listed work location is 1100 Houston St, Laredo, TX 78040-8019, United States.
The city population is 255,205 and the form of government is Council-Manager.
Compensation and Important Dates
The posted salary range is $123,156 to $160,118, with the final offer depending on experience and qualifications.
Post date: May 29, 2026. Application deadline: Jun 28, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions about the position, contact Doug Thomas, Executive Vice President of Recruitment & Leadership Development, at douglasthomas@governmentresource.com or 863-860-9314.
Application Instructions
Applications are to be submitted online. No additional application method was provided in the source.
Employer Notes
The city encourages candidates who are passionate about parks, recreation programs, and community wellness, and who are comfortable engaging with residents, elected officials, and employees at all levels.
This posting emphasizes a candidate who can manage diverse facilities, special events, and capital projects while maintaining focus on innovation, teamwork, and community impact.