How Will You Shape a Healthier, Happier Future for Eugene?
At Eugene Rec, we create transformative experiences that build social connections and enhance the health, happiness and livability of our community. In fact, community is the cornerstone of what we do.
The City of Eugene is looking for the next director for our world-class recreation system!
The City of Eugene is searching for a passionate and visionary Recreation Director who understands the central role of accessible recreation in fostering a healthy, connected, and thriving community.
What We are Looking For
At the City of Eugene, we look for people who show up as their whole self, because it is the people who make our community great!
Our ideal candidate is creative, collaborative, and a champion for staff and community, embodying the concept of servant leadership to successfully guide a dedicated and experienced team of recreation managers and staff.
Empathetic and adaptable, the Recreation Director will build inclusive strategies that reflect the needs of a diverse array of stakeholders, from staff and patrons to partner organizations and the broader community.
This leader will exhibit emotional intelligence and political acumen while maintaining a strong commitment to promoting equity, building community and enhancing physical, mental, and social well-being.
They will hold a deep understanding of the importance of Recreation program to the city’s health, vibrancy, and sense of community, while strategically building partnerships and relationships to ensure their continued growth and success.
The next Recreation Director will bring a strong business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset to the role, identifying opportunities to enhance Recreation services through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and creative resource management.
This leader will proactively explore collaborations with local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand access and create meaningful recreational experiences for all Eugene residents.
Their ability to translate data and community needs into actionable strategies will be central to elevating Recreation’s profile as a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant lifestyle.
With a keen understanding of public service dynamics, the Recreation Director will serve as a skilled political advocate, effectively championing Recreation programs at the municipal level and beyond. By building coalitions, fostering relationships, and engaging in policy discussions, this leader will ensure that Recreation remains a priority in Eugene’s vision for the future.
They will leverage their influence to amplify Recreation’s contributions to community well-being, working collaboratively to position it as an indispensable part of Eugene’s identity and quality of life.
This leader will combine a deep understanding of community-centered recreation with the personal attributes and leadership qualities necessary to steer Eugene’s Recreation division toward a future that honors its traditions, serves its residents, and embraces creativity, innovation, and belonging.
If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Eugene’s residents and help shape the future of Recreation in our community, we encourage you to apply!
Here's What We'll Be Trusting You With
About the Role
As Recreation Director, you will lead a dedicated team of staff, oversee diverse programs, and align departmental strategies with community needs and city goals.
This position requires a collaborative leader who values relationships, embraces innovation, and understands the profound impact of recreation on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Major Responsibilities
- Develop and articulate a clear vision for Recreation that aligns with the City of Eugene’s strategic plan .
- Unify policies and processes across programs to ensure operational consistency and efficiency.
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Rec programs and services, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals.
- Lead the development of division-wide goals, benchmarks, and metrics to measure success.
- Actively engage with patrons, staff, and partner organizations to build strong, meaningful relationships.
- Champion equity and inclusion initiatives across Recreation programs, ensuring all community members feel welcomed and valued.
- Build and sustain a culture of belonging within the Recreation division and the broader community
- Foster a supportive, collaborative work environment where staff at all levels feel empowered and valued.
- Provide clear direction and hold team members accountable while promoting professional growth.
Areas of Expertise
(that matter most for this job)
Before we get into that, studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
- Five years of experience in recreation, social or cultural program development and implementation including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
- Proven leadership skills with a track record of managing diverse teams and building community partnerships.
- Significant experience in recreation, public service or social services (transferable skills from other fields will be considered).
- Familiarity with budgets, large organizational structures and recreation services.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with people at all levels.
- Strategic thinker capable of balancing big-picture vision with attention to operational detail.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Education:
- Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation management, public administration, or a related field.
Other Details
Salary Range:
$125,798.40 - $169,811.20 Annually
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).
Benefits
The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more info, click below to visit the benefits summary page as well as this benefits package detail page.
Must reside in the state of Oregon and be able to report onsite for work as needed in Eugene, OR to meet business needs.
You can learn more about our process, including what to expect from the application process at our How to Apply page.
Or go directly to GovernmentJobs to apply now!
Application Deadline:
January 31st 2025 at 5:15 pm PT
But wait! There's more!
Eugene Rec is part of the City of Eugene's Library, Recreation & Cultural Services (LRCS) department, which takes belonging and quality of life seriously. You can check out all the ways LRCS creates "Home" in the video below.
The LRCS "Home Of" video shows the many ways our department contributes to quality of life in Eugene.
The work of the Library, Recreation & Cultural Services department is beloved throughout the community and is considered an essential component to the community’s quality of life. The wealth of recreation opportunities, thriving cultural sector, welcoming community centers and libraries help make Eugene one of the most livable cities in the country.
Learn more about living and working in Eugene.
Explore more of our region's opportunities and attractions at Eugene Cascades and Coast.
A bit about Eug rec.
Eug Rec works every day to center our community and create transformative experiences that impact our citizens every day.
We do this through robust programming offered at 7 community centers and 3 pools, as well as programming in a variety of parks. Partnerships are also a core of our organization as we work with a variety of community organizations and educational institutions to impact all ages!
In the above video, movement, mindfulness, and connection come together in Eugene Rec's aikido classes. From stress relief and fitness to building lasting friendships, Sensei Wayne Vincent’s teachings offer something for everyone. Watch as students of all levels find balance on and off the mat, discovering how this non-competitive martial art brings people together.
Follow Eugene Rec and a dedicated group of runners as they chase their dreams of running a 5K or half marathon. Through dark nights, wet evenings and plenty of uncertainty, runners found strength, confidence and community. This video covers the adventure in our Couch to 5K program.
Here are a few more links you may enjoy: