Date posted: 1.6.2026

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the role is filled with the initial review of applications scheduled for January 19th and interviews being scheduled for January 27th.

The City of Franklin is accepting applications for Parks & Recreation Director. The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all operations and services of the Parks and Recreation Department. This position ensures that departmental initiatives align with the City’s goals and values. The Director oversees facility operations, staffing, programming, and parks and recreation areas, while ensuring that all programs and facilities provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for residents and visitors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

As the Parks & Rec Director, you will have direct and indirect supervision over all Parks and Recreation staff, including 2 full-time employees, 1 part-time employee and approximately thirty part-time and seasonal employees.

• Establishes and implements short-term and long-term goals, policies, procedures, and objectives for the Department.
• Plans, directs, and oversees all recreation programs, activities, facilities, and special events for the City.
• Develops, recommends, and administers the annual departmental operating budget; monitors expenditures; processes purchase orders; and approves departmental spending.
• Recommends and manages recreation-related capital improvement projects, including bidding, project oversight, and long-term planning.
• Prepares and presents reports to the City Manager and City Council regarding departmental operations, issues, and initiatives.
• Confers with the City Manager and other department heads to coordinate services, gain support for objectives, and improve departmental operations.
• Recommends projects for inclusion in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and monitors implementation of projects related to the City’s Master Plan.
• Oversees the scheduling, permitting, and use of all department programs and facilities, coordinating use with schools and community organizations.
• Ensures all parks, facilities, and programs meet safety, accessibility, and health standards; conducts regular inspections and oversees emergency procedures.
• Responds to citizen inquiries, concerns, and complaints; investigates issues and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines full-time, part-time, seasonal staff, contracted services, and volunteers.
• Assigns work schedules and duties to staff and volunteers and maintains departmental activity records.
• Develops and administers local, state, and federal grants; solicits funding and identifies additional revenue sources for programs and services.
• Promotes and markets department programs, services, and events through public media, outreach, and presentations to community groups.
• Collaborates with school districts, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, social service agencies, and private businesses to enhance programming and facility use.
• Works with volunteer committees and leads community projects and initiatives.
• Coordinates with city, county, and state officials to manage the Community Center as an emergency shelter.
• Assists the Buildings & Grounds Department with park, field, and beach preparation and maintenance as needed.
• Performs special assignments, including research and preparation of reports on emerging trends and specific projects.
• Maintains professional knowledge by networking with peers, attending conferences and training sessions, and maintaining memberships in professional associations.
• Attends City Council meetings, departmental meetings, seminars, and conferences as required.
• Manages after-hours calls related to facility emergencies, alarms, or urgent operational issues.
• Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, Physical Education, or related discipline and a minimum of five years experience in municipal recreation with progressive supervisory and administrative experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required skills and abilities.

PAY AND BENEFITS:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The salary range is $84,468 to $113,588 and the starting rate depends on experience. Benefits include affordable health insurance, city-paid dental insurance, FSA, paid vacation and sick time, 12 paid holidays, and 100% city-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Plus enrollment in the New Hampshire Retirement System.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should send their cover letter, resume, and completed City of Franklin application to: kalpers@franklinnh.gov

Applications can be found by visiting the city website and clicking on City Manager – Employment Opportunities.

Applications will be accepted until the role is filled, with the initial review of applications scheduled for January 19th and interviews being scheduled for January 27th.