THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Burleson, Texas, is seeking an innovative detail-oriented leader to serve as its next Director of Parks and Recreation—a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of North Texas’s fastest-growing and most vibrant communities. This executive role offers the chance to lead a dynamic department dedicated to enhancing quality of life through exceptional parks, trails, recreation programs, special events, and community spaces that bring residents together. Working alongside an engaged City leadership team and a supportive City Council, the next Director will guide strategic investments, champion innovative programming, and oversee the continued development of amenities that reflect Burleson’s commitment to healthy living, economic vitality, and community pride. This is an ideal opportunity for a forward-thinking parks and recreation professional who is passionate about creating lasting community impact while helping define the next chapter of a city on the rise.

ABOUT BURLESON

Located on the southern edge of the flourishing Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the City of Burleson has an estimated population of over 56,000 residents in 28 square miles. The City of Burleson’s family-oriented environment, outstanding schools, plentiful and affordable land, and rolling hills have made it a desirable community to live, work, and play. Burleson residents have placed a high value on nature and recreation with over twenty parks encompassing over 550 acres. The school districts serving Burleson consistently outperform state and national averages in college entrance exam scores, and its quality of life is further enhanced by a very low crime rate.

THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Burleson Parks and Recreation Department delivers exceptional experiences to its community through quality public spaces, trails, and recreational opportunities. The department’s vision is to have a meaningful impact that enriches everyday lives through parks and recreation. The parks in Burleson significantly elevate the quality of life in the city by offering a diverse range of active and passive recreational opportunities. These spaces provide venues to enjoy nature, engage in physical activities, and foster community connections. The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to operational excellence, ensuring parks and associated facilities are safe, clean, and well-maintained.

The Parks and Recreation Department is led by the Director of Parks and Recreation, who is supported by two Deputy Directors. The Director has a total of 5 direct reports, and the department’s current overall staffing allocation consists of 56 full-time employees and up to 100 additional part-time/seasonal staff. The current General Fund budget for the Parks and Recreation Department is $1.94 million, and additional department funding sources include a Special Revenue Fund (4B Fund) of $10.3 million, the Chisenhall Fund of $2.35 million, the Bartlett Park Soccer Complex fund of $260,000, and an Enterprise Fund (Golf Course) of $3.6 million.

THE POSITION

The Director of Parks and Recreation reports to a Deputy City Manager and is responsible for directing, planning, managing, and reviewing the activities and operations of all divisions in the Parks and Recreation Department including the operations, administration, budget, planning and maintenance, services, customer service, special events and programming. The Director is additionally responsible for leading, developing and stewarding the parks and recreation team consistent with organization and community objectives. Primary responsibilities include overseeing implementation of the Park Master Plan, including strategic oversight and execution of the capital improvement plan for the city’s park system; preparing and administering the departmental budget, including operation and capital improvements; forecasting funding needs and administering budgetary decisions; recommending park planning and projects in coordination with the Capital Engineering team; and responding to and resolving difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; and serving as the department liaison with City boards, commissions, associations, City Council, and other citizens or citizen groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is considered qualifying. The most qualified candidates will possess the following:

Education: A Bachelor's degree with major coursework in parks and recreation, public administration, business administration, or related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: Ten (10) plus years of progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of three (3) years in management is required. Senior level management experience is preferred.

Certificates and additional knowledge/experience requirements:

• Experience in park facilities planning and design, as well as developing, planning, implementing, and facilitating recreational programming is required.

• Knowledge of parks maintenance, general facilities maintenance, including recreation centers and aquatics is required.

• Given Burleson's dedication to park inclusivity, knowledge and experience in this important area is strongly desired.

• Knowledge of National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) is preferred.

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is preferred.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the Director of Parks and Recreation is $150,000 to $190,000, with placement in the range dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The City also offers an excellent benefit package including retirement provided by the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 7% employee contribution and a 2:1 match by the City of Burleson. Burleson also participates in Social Security and has a 457(k) deferred compensation option currently available through VOYA Financial.

For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and résumé below. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as this recruitment will close once a sufficiently strong pool of stellar candidates has been established.

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:

Bryan Noblett | bryan@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 217-3696