Parks and Recreation Director 
Village of Cross Plains Parks and Recreation Department 

Job Description

The Parks and Recreation Director is a senior, department head-level position responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations, services, and staff of the Parks and Recreation Department within the growing Village of Cross Plains, Wisconsin.

Essential Job Functions

  • Develops and implements specific goals and objectives related to the operations of the Parks and Recreation Department
  • Directs the fiscal management of the Department, including preparation, submission and administration of the annual capital and operating budgets
  • Interprets the scope and need for park and recreation programs and activities
  • Oversees the development and coordination of a well-rounded schedule of recreation, aquatic programs and activities for all age groups and interest levels
  • Oversees and provides regular organizational direction along with the public facility department on park maintenance objectives related to parks, conservancies, aquatics, facilities, and equipment within the Department
  • Develops departmental policies and procedures pertaining to parks and recreation services and facilities
  • Responsible for the recruitment, selection, and supervision of all permanent, part-time, seasonal, and volunteer staff of the department
  • Coordinates the development, updating and implementation of the Village Five-Year Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
  • Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships and good communication with a variety of individuals within the community, school district, various Village departments, and leadership
  • Develops grant applications and requests for proposals; administers and monitors use of grant funds
  • Makes presentations before the Village Board, Village Committees, and other local groups as needed
  • Performs related functions as needed

The job functions listed are neither exclusive nor exhaustive, but are intended to be illustrative of the types of tasks the employee will most likely be expected to perform on a regular basis. The employee may be asked to perform different or additional tasks than the ones listed here, as the needs of the employer and/or the requirements of the position change.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job
  • Thorough knowledge of relevant parks and recreation program administration, organization, management and planning theories, policies, practices, and techniques
  • Thorough knowledge of related public and business administration principles and practices relative to financial management and customer-focused program development and administration
  • Thorough knowledge of personnel management, especially focused on management of large numbers of seasonal and part-time employees
  • Knowledge of the use of standard office equipment, computers, and relevant software
  • Oral and written communication skills and skill in public speaking
  • Skill in developing, implementing, and interpreting policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and work standards
  • Skill in analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives, and making creative recommendations
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, records, and other written materials
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including employees, program participants, community organizations, and the public
  • Ability to work effectively in emergencies and all other situations
  • Ability to effectively prioritize, manage and accomplish department goals
  • Ability to consistently seek and implement means to improve department programs and efficiencies

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications  
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Sports Management, Kinesiology, or a closely related field, plus at least four years of managerial experience in directing diverse Parks and Recreation programs and services in a municipality or similar environment
  • Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license
  • Ability to obtain an Aquatic Facility Operator or Certified Pool Operator Certification
  • CPR Certification and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification (within 6 months of hire)

Salary/Salary Range
$60,000 - $96,000

Apply To
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Closing Date
November 11, 2025

Date Posted
November 10, 2025