The City of Miami Beach, FL (pop. 83,251) seeks a highly experienced, forward-thinking, and community-centered leader to serve as its next Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and strategic professional to help lead a vibrant parks and recreation department with a long-standing tradition of providing high-quality recreational opportunities, facilities, and open spaces to the residents of Miami Beach.

Located on the southeast coast of Florida, Miami Beach is a cosmopolitan, tropical island city whose residents are as diverse as its visitors. The City boasts over seven miles of beaches and an uninterrupted Beachwalk from one end of the City to the other, a first-class convention center, over 21,000 hotel rooms, art and culture, dining and nightlife, and world-class shopping, all within approximately 7 square miles.

With white, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and an iconic arts and cultural scene, Miami Beach has a rich history stemming back to the turn of the 20th century, evolving into a major convention destination and international resort area. With a population of 80,000 and an average daily population closer to 200,000, Miami Beach remains a destination for millions of visitors annually. Its evolution from a retirement community to a diverse, multi-cultural community where the average age is 40 reflects its transformation into a younger, higher- income, working community.

The Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Miami Beach serves as a key member of the department’s executive leadership team, helping to guide one of the most comprehensive and innovative parks and recreation systems in South Florida. The City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department manages 45 parks, 8 miles of public beaches, two 18-hole municipal golf courses, numerous recreation centers, playgrounds, athletic fields, and aquatic facilities that serve residents and visitors year-round. The department is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and community connections through a diverse range of programs, cultural events, youth sports, senior activities, and fitness opportunities.

Reporting directly to the Director of Parks and Recreation, the Assistant Director provides strategic and operational leadership across multiple divisions, including park and landscape maintenance, park rangers, facilities maintenance, golf operations, capital improvement projects, and a myriad of special projects. This position oversees a large, geographically dispersed staff and ensures that all facilities and services meet the City’s high standards of safety, sustainability, and excellence. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with city officials, community organizations, and residents to deliver responsive and inclusive parks and recreation opportunities, enhance the city’s natural and built environments, and support Miami Beach’s vision of being a world-class destination for recreation, culture, and community life.

 Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in physical education, parks, recreation administration, or related field
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience relevant to the major duties/essential functions of the position
• Extensive, progressively more responsible experience in the management of public recreation activities and facilities
• Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis 

Salary Range and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $144,910 to $262,175, with an expected starting salary between $190,000 and $220,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a defined benefit pension plan and other competitive benefits.

How to Apply:

Highly qualified and interested candidates should apply online by Friday, December 19, 2025, with resume, cover letter, contact information for five professional references and veterans’ preference documentation, if applicable (*) at www.GovHRjobs.com. Resident preference is awarded according to City policy. For questions or more information contact Joe DeLuce, MGT Senior Consultant at 217-714-2333 or Yolanda Howze, Director of Executive Recruitment at 224-245-5630.

*Veterans Preference is awarded in accordance with Florida State Statute 295.07. The City of Miami Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The State of Florida has strong public record laws. Candidates should be aware that all aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.