Director of Parks, Recreation & Public Property

ATTENTION: The City of Omaha will NOT be reviewing applications for the Director of Parks and Recreation position.

TO APPLY: Please visit PotreroGroup.com/Omaha and select "Apply Here" Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role. Interested candidates should apply by April 30, 2026, for priority consideration. For additional information, please contact Andrew Leider, Managing Director, at aleider@potrerogroup.com.

We Are Hiring for a Director of Parks, Recreation & Public Property

The City of Omaha is partnering with Potrero Group in search of our next Director of Parks, Recreation & Public Property. This strategic implementer and leader will guide the Parks and Recreation Department toward its bold goal of becoming a Top 10 Parks City in the United States.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the realization of Omaha's vision, bridging the gap between ambitious planning and operational excellence
• Oversee the planning, development, and maintenance of public parks, facilities, recreational programs, natural areas, public properties, and capital projects throughout Omaha
• Manage a $66 million operating budget and a multi-disciplinary team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff spanning landscape architecture, urban forestry, golf and aquatics, recreation programming, and public property management
• Lead the end-to-end delivery of major capital projects, including the planning and development of a new state-of-the-art sports complex, ensuring work is completed on time and on budget
• Cultivate high-level public/private partnerships with the Omaha Parks Foundation, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, MECA, local sports organizations, philanthropic foundations, and community groups
• Champion equitable access to parks, facilities, and programming across all Omaha neighborhoods, with a specific focus on underserved communities
• Represent the City at public meetings, City Council sessions, and community forums, and serve on boards and commissions, including the Omaha Parks Foundation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Core Competencies and Experiences:

• Strategic Leadership and Implementation
• • Extensive administrative and management experience in parks and recreation or a related public sector field, with a city of comparable size or larger
  • Demonstrated ability to translate bold vision into concrete operational strategies, timelines, and measurable outcomes
  • Experience developing and implementing strategic plans and master plans that align with broader city goals
  • Comfortable working closely with elected officials, senior city leadership, and appointed boards and commissions

Operational Excellence

• Proven ability to oversee large, complex departments with diverse operational functions across a multi-disciplinary workforce
• Strong financial acumen with experience developing and managing multi- million-dollar public sector operating budgets
• Track record of modernizing systems, building organizational capacity, and driving a culture of excellence and continuous improvement

Capital Project Expertise

• Proven experience managing major capital projects from planning through construction and completion, on time and on budget
• Familiarity with the full project lifecycle, including community engagement, design, procurement, construction management, and closeout
• Knowledge of bond financing, grant funding, and public/private investment strategies that support large-scale park development

Partnership Coordination and Community Engagement

• Track record of cultivating successful public/private partnerships with foundations, boards, philanthropic organizations, and community groups
• A visible, approachable leadership style with strong communication skills across government, nonprofit, business, and community sectors
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex environments with professionalism and sound judgment while maintaining trust with elected officials, community advocates, and the public

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, parks and recreation management, landscape architecture, or related field; Master's degree preferred
• CPRP or CPRE certification preferred

COMPENSATION This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position. The expected salary range is $180,000-$200,000, commensurate with qualifications. The City of Omaha offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance with major medical, vision, and dental coverage for the individual and family including HSA funding, a defined benefit pension program, fourteen paid holidays, and generous paid sick and vacation leave.

LOCATION This position is based in Omaha, Nebraska. The Director is expected to be present and engaged across the city's parks system and community. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Driver's License is required.

TO APPLY Please visit PotreroGroup.com/Omaha and select "Apply Here." Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role. Interested candidates should apply by April 30, 2026 for priority consideration. For additional information, please contact Andrew Leider, Managing Director, at aleider@potrerogroup.com.

The City of Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and believes Omaha's parks belong to everyone. We are committed to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of our community and ensures equitable access to recreational opportunities for all residents.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026