GovHRUSA
The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) is a nationally recognized, award-winning park and recreation system serving more than 450,000 residents across a diverse and dynamic parish. BREC operates an extensive network of parks, trails, recreation centers, nature areas, and special facilities—including a zoo, golf courses, sports complexes, and community parks, supported by a strong tradition of long-range planning, innovation, and community service. Governed by a statute appointed Commission, BREC operates as an autonomous special district with dedicated funding and a substantial annual operating and capital budget.
BREC is seeking a Superintendent to serve as the agency’s chief executive officer. Reporting to a nine-member Commission, the Superintendent leads a complex, multi-disciplinary organization and works closely with parish and municipal leaders, community partners, and residents throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.
The next Superintendent will provide strategic leadership for BREC’s diverse parks, recreation, conservation, and facility operations. This leader will be highly visible and accessible regularly attending community events, visiting sites, engaging with residents and staff, while building strong trust-based relationships with the Commission, elected officials, neighborhood leaders, partner organizations, and the media. The Superintendent will navigate complex and sometimes controversial issues with integrity, transparency, and steady judgment; champion equity in access and investment across all parts of the parish; and lead a high-performing executive team and workforce grounded in accountability, collaboration, and customer service. The role also includes stewardship of public resources, including operating and capital budgets setting annual tax rates, grants, and major capital projects, while advancing long-range plans that strengthen parks, programs, conservation, and facilities.
BREC is seeking a proven, community-facing leader to guide this nationally recognized system. While parks and recreation experience is strongly preferred, the Commission will also consider accomplished leaders from other public, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations who have led operations of comparable scale and complexity. The ideal candidate will bring executive-level experience working effectively with a governing board, elected officials, and diverse stakeholders in a politically complex environment, along with outstanding communication skills and a genuine ability to listen. This leader will have a strong record of engaging communities directly and incorporating public input into decisions, navigating change and controversy with transparency and composure, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in both organizational culture and resource allocation. Above all, the successful candidate will be committed to making Baton Rouge home and providing stable, long-term leadership for BREC.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in public administration, business, parks and recreation, planning, or a related field preferred
- Extensive senior management experience in a complex organization required, parks and recreation, public lands, community development, or related experience desirable
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting, capital planning, and financial stewardship
- Experience supervising senior executives and leading large teams
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend meetings, events, and site visits throughout the parish
- Public presentation experience
Salary Range and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $190,000 to $300,000, depending on qualifications and experience. BREC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a defined benefit pension plan and other competitive benefits.
How to Apply
Highly qualified candidates should apply online by Friday, March 6, 2026. Please submit a resume, cover letter, contact information for five professional references.
For questions or additional information, contact Joe DeLuce, MGT Senior Consultant, at 217-714-2333, or Margaret Resnick, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, at 847-971-1655.
Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
Posted: 2026-02-06
To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.