Posting Close Date: 

Applicants must submit their completed application by 04-05-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

Application and Special Instructions

The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a Deputy Director to oversee the Recreation and Aquatics Divisions. This leader will combine strong people and community engagement skills with sound business judgment, including cost recovery, external agreement management, and innovative activation of recreation and aquatic spaces within established budgets.
The ideal candidate values collaboration, builds strong relationships with staff and the community, and is committed to understanding and serving Tucson’s unique culture. Success in this role requires a team-oriented leader who welcomes diverse perspectives and works collaboratively to solve complex challenges.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit both an updated resume and a cover letter at the time of application. Resumes and cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.

Applications received that do not contain a resume and a cover letter with responses to the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.

In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following:

Please highlight any specific experience related to:

1. Developing fee recommendations and conducting revenue analysis.

2. CAPRA Accreditation process and what your involvement entailed.

3. Management style with employee relations - knowing the team you lead from the front line up to the direct reports.

4. Level of familiarity with Recreation and Aquatics.

5. Involvement in the process of capital design, development, and implementation of programming for brand new assets like recreation centers and pool facilities.

6. Neighborhood/Community engagement, what are your skillsets and strengths in this area?

RECRUITER CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Fata at ParksHR@tucsonaz.gov

ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Specific Summary

The Administrator on assignment as Deputy Director position at the Parks & Recreation Department assists the Director with overall department functions, goals, and approach to reaching milestones, specifically as they relate to recreation programs, centers, events, sports, and aquatics staff, and service delivery at pools. Maintains a strong internal and external customer focus, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with staff, community members, and stakeholders.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Parks & Recreation Director.  This position exercises supervision over Parks & Recreation personnel. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Directs staff responsible for planning, funding, and operating parks, recreation facilities, aquatic programs, and open spaces to ensure equitable access and community participation.

Assists the Director in planning, development, and administration of parks and recreation facilities, programs, projects, and special events.

Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards to support effective and efficient service delivery.

Oversees organizational structure, staffing plans, and accountability systems to improve operational performance and ensure appropriate personnel coverage.

Provides leadership and supervision to management staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and employee development.

Collaborates with senior leadership to develop recreation and aquatics strategies, operational improvements, and budgetary efficiencies.

Conducts data-informed assessments of staffing, budgets, funding, land use, and physical assets; provides feedback on capital projects and facility design.

Oversees negotiation and administration of leases, agreements, and professional service contracts related to parks and recreation spaces.

Serves in the Director’s absence and represents the department with community members, boards, elected officials, and partners; prepares reports, presentations, and other administrative communications.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Typing, walking, standing, phone use, and computer use.

Occasional events with outdoor environments involving heat.

Weekends, Nights, and emergency response are anticipated periodically. Some travel for conference, training, or education could be included depending on budget capacity.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's Degree
Work Experience: Five (5) years of directly related experience
Driving Requirement: Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver’s License
Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in a related field and five (5) years of experience supervising and leading staff in operations of recreation and or aquatic nature, providing improvement and efficiencies.
5 years of experience specifically in a Parks and Recreation environment (equivalency option – working in the government sector for an operating department for 10 years)
5 years of supervisor experience of staff delivering programs in Recreation and or Aquatic environment, with familiarity with providing services to all ages, audiences, and abilities.
5 years of minimum experience applying and managing complex budgets (meaning more than one account or area of financial responsibility) and staffing assignments that are aligned to multiple areas of service in a Parks and Recreation environment (preferred)
3 years of experience working with short or long-range plans, such as Strategic Plan, Master Plan, Bond Program, Recreation Plan, where the candidate can demonstrate involvement (development, implementation, monitoring)
5 years of experience with budgeting, projecting, and financial management practices for a large governmental organization ( large defined as over $20M annual budget, plus over 150 full-time employees)
Active member and involvement with NRPA organization or associated schools
Certifications desired not required: CRPR, CPRE, NRPA School certifications: Revenue School, Directors School, Grounds Maintenance School.