Park Board Standardizes Job Descriptions for 2026

Manhattan Park District Board Meeting | Nov. 2025

Article Summary: The Board of Commissioners approved a comprehensive slate of updated job descriptions for district leadership and staff. The new descriptions, which cover roles ranging from Executive Director to seasonal laborers, will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Personnel Policy Key Points:

• Effective Date: All approved job descriptions will become effective on January 1, 2026.

• Leadership Roles: Updated descriptions were approved for the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Superintendents of Parks and Recreation.

• Operational Roles: The board standardized descriptions for Managers (Business Operations, Parks Operations, Wedding and Events) and Coordinators.

• Support Staff: Descriptions for Recreation Assistants, Parks Maintenance staff, and seasonal laborers were also codified.

The Manhattan Park District Board of Commissioners on Thursday, November 13, 2025, voted to modernize and standardize the district’s personnel structure by approving a series of new job descriptions.

Included in the Consent Agenda, the measure passed with a 4-0 vote. The updates cover the entire organizational chart, establishing clear duties and qualifications for top administrative positions including the Executive Director and Deputy Director.

The board also defined specific roles for department heads, such as the Superintendent of Parks and Planning and the Superintendent of Recreation. Operational roles were also addressed, with new descriptions for the Business Operations Manager, Parks Operations Manager, and Marketing Coordinator.

These changes are set to take effect at the start of the new calendar year, coinciding with the district’s update to its Personnel Policy Manual.