Come join the City of Appleton! Here at the City, you’ll have the opportunity to grow and enjoy your best life through challenging work, great teams, training opportunities, and making a lasting impact on the community. We welcome and respect all employees as they are. Come join our team—you belong here!

As the leader of the department, the Director of Parks and Recreation is responsible for the overall leadership and vision of the Parks and Recreation team. Work involves leading the organization and providing high-level professional expertise and advice on all areas of responsibility. This position is responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies that will shape the growth of the community. Work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor.

This position serves as a key member of the City Leadership Team and is expected to serve in both leadership and management capacities:

Leadership: the position is responsible for participating in and supporting the ongoing strategic planning process for the City. It will also lead the implementation of the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. In addition, the Director will be responsible for evaluating the departmental structure and resources to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Management: in addition to playing a leadership role, this position must also serve a tactical, hands-on administrative role for the City. This position overseas budgets, operations, and performance metrics for Facilities Management, Parks & Recreation, and Reid Golf Course. The Director also collaborates on project planning, contract management, and maintenance standards while supporting the City’s  capital improvement plan.

Qualifications 

A successful candidate will have a deep understanding of day-to-day parks, recreation, and facilities management, as well as the knowledge and ability to identify solutions to best fit he needs of the City. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Public or Business Administration, Construction Management, or Parks and Recreation Administration. Professional certification in a related field is desired, and a Master’s degree is highly preferred. The incumbent will have at least six years of experience, or any equivalent combination of experience.

Salary

A competitive salary will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will also receive an excellent fringe benefit package including: paid time off; health, dental and vision insurance; free employee health clinic and coach; life insurance; short-/long-term disability insurance; accident insurance; on-site fitness center; health and wellness programs; post-employment health plan; deferred compensation; and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). We are proud to share the WRS is among the best funded and best managed public pension systems in the country!

Apply Now!

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete an on-line application at www.appletonwi.gov by no later than Saturday, 4/25/2026. Resumes without an application will not be considered. 

City of Appleton Human Resources

100 N. Appleton Street, 6^th floor

Appleton, WI 54911

Phone: (920) 832-6458

Email: humanresources@appletonwi.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer