Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation

Full Job Description

Deputy Director Leadership Opportunities

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is hiring two Deputy Directors to strengthen its executive leadership team. These roles support the Director in advancing high-quality services, strong operations, and meaningful community impact across the park system.

Deputy Director – Operations and Organizational Services

Leads the systems and infrastructure that support service delivery across the department.

This role oversees financial management, human resources, and internal operations, while advancing efficient processes, strong workforce practices, and effective coordination of capital projects and partnerships.

Here's what you can expect to do:

• Direct financial oversight of operating, capital, and grant resources
• Lead human resources strategy, workforce development, and labor relations
• Strengthen internal systems, processes, and technology to improve efficiency
• Coordinate capital planning and project implementation with internal and external partners

Deputy Director – Community Recreation & Youth Development

Leads citywide recreation and youth development programs, with a focus on welcoming, accessible services for all communities. This role oversees recreation centers, youth initiatives, and partnerships, while strengthening program quality, community connections, and long-term sustainability.

Here's what you can expect to do:

• Provide leadership for recreation center operations and youth development initiatives
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and public safety
• Advance equitable access, participation, and community engagement
• Support program sustainability through earned revenue strategies and service alignment

For more information and essential functions, see our Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation our job description.

Compensation and Benefits

The Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation is part of the Non-Represented City Managers employee group (Employee Group 17). The salary range for this position is $118,497.60 – $175,968.00 annually, with starting salary dependent on qualifications and experience.

In addition to a competitive salary, the City of Saint Paul offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance:

Health & Insurance Benefits

• Employer-paid 100% of single health insurance premiums and 80% of dependent coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1.5x annual salary
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage provided by the City

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• 17–29 days of paid vacation annually
• 6 personal leave days each year (cashed out if unused)
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Paid parental leave up to 8 weeks (320 hours)

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Deferred compensation match up to $2,500 annually
• Eligibility for additional employer contributions
• Potential for recognition pay up to 5% of annual salary based on performance

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

For over one hundred years, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation has played a vital role in serving residents and visitors across the city. The department was founded on the vision of providing welcoming spaces, accessible programs, and meaningful recreational opportunities for all.

Today, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation manages a diverse system of parks, trails, recreation centers, and natural areas that support community well-being and quality of life.

The department offers a wide range of programs and services, including youth development, athletics, environmental education, and community events, while caring for the city’s urban forest, parklands, and public spaces.

From neighborhood recreation centers to regional destinations like Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is committed to creating safe, vibrant, and inclusive spaces where all people can connect, learn, and thrive.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals.

At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve.

Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us.

We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Sciences, or a related field and five (5) years of public administration experience, three (3) of which relate to the field of Parks and Recreation.

A combination of education and experience to equal 9 years or more can be used to qualify for the position.

Qualifications

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
2. Upload the following required document(s) via the online application system. You will not be able to submit your application without the document(s) attached. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
   • A resume

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.

Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.

Additional Information

Unclassified Posting: This is an UNCLASSIFIED position and is therefore not governed by City Civil Service Rules.

Selection Process: Applicants who meet the criteria and requirements stated on the job posting will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list.

Final Selection Process: You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying with education.

Human Resources Contact Information:
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
Email: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.