Recreation Manager - GovernmentJobs.com : Job Details

Job Title

Recreation Manager

Employer

City of Longview WA

Salary

$83,352.00 - $111,696.00 Annually

Location

Longview, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

25-39

Department

Longview Parks & Recreation

Job Description

Recruitment Information: Application materials (application, cover letter, and resume) must be completed, along with answering any supplemental questions. The recruitment is open until filled with a first review occurring on June 23rd. Position Information: This Recreation Manager is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Recreation division including planning, directing and overseeing creation programs, events and facilities. This position is responsible for managing staff, budgets, ensuring safe and accessible environments for participants, develops policies, evaluates community needs, and coordinates with other local agencies.

Essential Job Duties

Manages Staff Operations:

• Oversees the activities and performance of department staff by prioritizing and assigning tasks to ensure operational efficiency.
• Conducts regular performance evaluations to support professional development and accountability.
• Ensures that all staff members receive proper training and comply with established policies and procedures. Promotes and maintains a healthy and safe work environment.
• Makes critical personnel decisions including hiring, termination, and disciplinary actions when necessary.

Oversees Departmental Operations and Compliance:

• Provides leadership and guidance in the planning, coordination, and administration of internal department operations. This includes evaluating and directing various programs, projects, facilities, systems, and service offerings to meet organizational objectives.
• Ensures that all departmental activities adhere to Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and standards.
• Facilitates collaboration and coordination between multiple service areas to promote efficient and integrated operations.

Prepares and Administers Budgets:

• Develops and manages the department's budget, including preparing cost estimates and making recommendations related to budget revisions, program enhancements, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Monitors ongoing programs and projects to ensure alignment with financial objectives.
• Controls expenditures to remain within approved budgets and provides data-driven recommendations regarding Recreation services and facility needs based on community demand and fiscal resources.

Cultivates Community Partnerships:

• Actively seeks and fosters partnerships with community organizations, stakeholders, and groups to expand and enhance recreational opportunities. Works collaboratively with these partners to develop and support inclusive programs and initiatives that benefit the broader community.

Represents the Department Externally:

• Serves as a liaison and point of contact for internal staff, athletic associations, parks operations, and external organizations.
• Represents the City at public meetings, events, and training sessions, as well as on committees and task forces.
• Acts as a spokesperson for departmental initiatives and collaborates with stakeholders to advance shared goals.

Secures Grant and Funding Opportunities:

• Identifies and pursues grants and alternative funding sources to support departmental programs and projects.
• Researches available funding opportunities, prepares comprehensive grant applications, and ensures that all grant requirements and deliverables are met.

Performs Additional Related Duties:

• Carries out other responsibilities and tasks as assigned that align with the overall mission and goals of the department. These may vary in scope and nature, requiring flexibility and a commitment to departmental success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in recreation, physical education, sports management, or related field AND 5-7 years of recreation program experience, including supervisory experience OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.
• Valid Driver's License

Ideal Candidate Information

• Knowledge of managerial principles to effectively lead teams and oversee departmental operations.
• Understanding of budgeting principles for planning, allocating, and managing financial resources.
• Familiarity with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to recreation and public services.
• Knowledge of public relations principles to maintain positive community engagement and communication.
• Understanding of event planning techniques for organizing and executing successful programs and events.
• Knowledge of recreational program planning and administration, including best practices in service delivery.
• Familiarity with marketing theories, principles, and practices for promoting programs and services effectively.
• Understanding of recordkeeping practices and principles to ensure accurate documentation and compliance.
• Awareness of age-appropriate activities, programs, and materials suitable for diverse community groups.
• Expertise in principles specific to a focused area of recreation (e.g., aquatics, youth sports, senior programming).
• Knowledge of community demographics to design inclusive and relevant recreational offerings.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate employee performance effectively.
• Skill in prioritizing and assigning work to ensure efficient operations.
• Proficient in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service skills to address public needs and concerns.
• Experience in preparing and administering budgets.
• Ability to manage multiple recreational programming areas concurrently.
• Skilled in analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, evaluating potential outcomes, and making recommendations aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience in conducting recreation-based research and drafting policies and regulations.
• Proven ability to secure partnerships with community businesses and organizations.
• Comfortable speaking in public and representing the organization at events.
• Effective in planning and organizing events of various sizes and scopes.
• Capable of preparing and maintaining schedules for staff and programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact professionally with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public, ensuring clear information exchange and effective collaboration.

Benefits

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee's spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.