Recreation Manager
: Job Details :

Salary: $101,103.00 - $107,259.00 Annually Location : Bloomington, MN Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 2025-00052 Department: Parks and Recreation Opening Date: 08/05/2025 Closing Date: 8/26/2025 11:59 PM Central FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: NU Primary Objective The Recreation Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight to a team of recreation professionals responsible for delivering a diverse array of programs and services that enhance the well-being of the Bloomington community across all ages and abilities. This position ensures effective operation, programming, and utilization of park and recreation facilities, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Aligned with the City of Bloomington's mission to cultivate an enduring and remarkable community where people want to be, the Recreation Manager plays a pivotal role in assessing community needs, developing innovative and sustainable programming, managing departmental budgets, and supporting staff development. The role also involves cultivating collaborative partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to extend the reach and impact of recreation services. A commitment to equity, sustainability, and continuous improvement is essential to ensure Bloomington's recreation offerings remain engaging, adaptable, and meaningful for all residents. CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Develops, supports, and models a positive and productive workplace culture based on respect, dignity, honesty, and integrity. Allows staff to grow and succeed by providing opportunities for increased responsibility and creating a positive work culture
• Supports and advances organizational development efforts such as developing a high performing organization, employee engagement, workforce development, inclusion and equity, and performance measurement efforts
• Works cooperatively with others; develops and maintains respectful and effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Proactively resolves conflicts and misunderstandings in order to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace
• Seeks to understand the legacy of structural racism, and its impact on employees and the residents we serve; identifies any implications and adverse equity impacts when developing or reviewing policies, projects, activities and interactions with stakeholders
• Embraces the City's shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City's vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

Examples of Duties

• Direct, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of a wide variety of recreation programs and services, including aquatics, adult sports, 50+ programs, youth and family programming, athletic associations, and special events, to serve residents and visitors of all ages
• Direct, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of a wide variety of recreation programs and services delivered at Bloomington outdoor parks, community partner sites, and in city-owned park and recreation facilities including the Community Health and Wellness Center
• Find opportunities to collaborate with facility managers on recreation programs scheduled at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, Bloomington Ice Garden, and Dwan Golf Course
• Set performance metrics and monitor cost recovery expectations for recreation programs as appropriate.
• Review, approve, and systematically monitor all recreation program budgets
• Systematically review and create quarterly reports and updates on parks, program, and event attendance for Parks and recreation administrators and leadership
• Provide formal supervision and evaluation, as well as regular coaching and development, for five full-time recreation staff. Define the level of expected performance, provide the necessary resources and support, and hold staff accountable for achieving performance goals and completing responsibilities
• Oversee the hiring and utilization of part-time, temporary and seasonal employees within assigned recreation program areas, in accordance with established City policies and procedures. Make recommendations for wage schedules for part-time, temporary and seasonal positions, based on market conditions and budgetary resources. Ensure fair and consistent enforcement of personnel rules and policies, including disciplinary action when necessary
• Guide the development and presentation of requested operating budgets and proposed fee schedules for assigned areas of responsibility. Manage revenues and expenditures in accordance with adopted operating budgets and the City's financial policies and procedures
• Collaborate with communications staff to ensure recreational programs and services are strategically and effectively promoted to the public through a diverse range of channels, including print materials (flyers, brochures), digital media (social media, website, e-newsletters), and traditional advertising platforms
• Oversee program registration system and ensure the delivery of excellent customer service to patrons and the general public
• Direct and participate in the preparation and implementation of policies for the delivery of safe and inclusive recreation programs and services, based on industry best practices
• Seek continuous innovation, improvement, and expansion of program offerings, service delivery, scheduling and pricing, to best meet the changing needs and preferences of Bloomington residents and to maximize cost recovery goals and the investment of City resources
• Track and report on program enrollment and participation trends, customer satisfaction and other performance measures and ensure such data is applied to decisions regarding program and service offerings, scheduling and pricing
• Provide information, answer questions and resolve escalated complaints from program participants and the general public
• Develop reports and make recommendations to the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission and City Council
• Develop, support and model a positive and productive workplace culture based on respect, professionalism, collaboration, equity, and accountability
• Maintain professional affiliations and attend training courses, professional development opportunities, and conferences to keep abreast of best practices in the Parks and Recreation field
• Keep Community Health and Wellness Manager informed of important developments related to the delivery of recreation programs and services within that facility and spaces
• Work flexible hours to attend evening and weekend meetings, activities and events as needed
• Perform other related duties as apparent or assigned

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREDRecreation Programming:

• Strong understanding of principles, practices, and trends in public recreation, community programming, and leisure services across diverse populations
• Understanding of how to implement inclusive and equitable programming for all demographics

• Facility and Operations Management:
  • Knowledge of effective strategies for managing programs in community centers, parks, athletic facilities, and public-use amenities
• Local Government Procedures:
  • Familiarity with municipal government structure, budgeting processes, and relevant policies, ordinances, and regulatory standards
• Public Administration:
  • Understanding of organizational planning, performance measurement, and service delivery models in the public sector
• Risk Management:
  • Knowledge of safety standards, liability reduction, and risk mitigation practices in recreational settings
• Customer Service and Community Engagement:
  • Strong grounding in public relations, community outreach, and constituent service principleSKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, manage teams, and work collaboratively across departments and with community partners
  • Ability to work independently as well as on a team
  • Must have leadership skills as well as organizational skills
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, completes work assignments accurately, on time and within budgetary limits
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other City department personnel, community organizations, volunteers, contractors, artists, and the public
  • The ability to set up and strike facility equipment such as tables and chairs with or without modifications
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including managing meetings, public speaking, and report writing
  • Effectiveness in interacting with the public, staff, and other agencies in a tactful and courteous manner
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Effective goal and priority setting
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in data visualization and reporting tools
  • Accepts and analyzes feedback on programs and services from recreation supervisors, facility managers, directors, and staff
  • Seeks and troubleshoots creative and innovative solutions for improvements to programs and services
  • Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
  • Ability to perform all essential functions of the position

Minimum/Desirable Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field
• Progressively responsible experience in community recreation programming, parks and recreation administration, or facility management
• A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or managerial experience overseeing full-time recreation or facility staff including recruiting, interviewing, directing and supervising work of subordinate staff
• Experience and proficiency in recreation management software (e.g., RecTrac, CivicRec) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of budgeting, scheduling, and performance measurement tools used in public-sector recreation services
• Experience with financial/budget management, and budget forecasting for recreation staffing, programs and services
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools
• Valid driver's license or ability to secure individual transportation as needed, including on short notice

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degrees or certifications from an accredited college or university in Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation preferred but not required
• Experience with AI analytical model building and predictive analytics is a plus
• Experience working with contracted service providers, partner organization, and resident (lease-holding) groups

Supplemental Information *We anticipate Round 1 interviews to take place on Wednesday September 3 and Thursday September 4, 2025. Round 2 interviews are tentatively set for Thursday September 11, 2025.* SUPERVISION OF OTHERS This position will directly supervise five FT recreation supervisors (Youth and Family, Adult Sports, 50+ and Adaptive Programs, Youth Association, Farmers Market and events). Anticipated Hiring Range: $101,103 - $107,260 Annually 2025 Full Salary Range: $101,103 - $134,787 Annually Full-Time; Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Eligible The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change Benefits for regular, full-time employees of the City of Bloomington (with the exception of 24 hour firefighters and 24 hour fire fighter/paramedics) include the following:

• 10 days paid vacation per year
• 13 days paid personal leave per year
• 13 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• Employee health and dental insurance
• Paid employee life insurance
• Paid employee disability insurance
• Employer/employee paid pension
• Deferred compensation
• Tuition assistance program
• Health club membership reimbursement
• Flexible spending account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Other optional benefits
• Great suburban location, on bus line
• Free employee parking

*(Union contracts may vary from the above list.) 01 The City of Bloomington (City) is asking you to supply information (data) as part of your application for employment with the City. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) classifies this data as private data about you.The law does not require you to provide the data and there is no legal consequence for refusing to provide the data. However, if you do not provide the requested data, the City may not have enough information to consider your application and you may not move forward in the selection process.If you do provide the data, City employees and its agents may have access to your private data if their work assignments reasonably require access. The hiring manager or supervisor, human resources employees, and members of an interview panel, which may include non-City employees, will have access to some of your private data during the application and selection process. State or federal law or a court order may allow others to have access to your data also. The City will not disclose any of your private data to any member of the general public without your permission.The MGDPA classifies the following information as public data about applicants: veteran status, relevant test scores, rank on eligible list, job history, education and training, and work availability. If you are a finalist for the position, your name is also public. A finalist is a person the City selects for an interview.Do you agree to supply the data the City is requesting as part of your application for employment?

• Yes
• No

02 I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following supplemental questionnaire completely for this position. Attaching a resume is NOT a substitute for completing an answer. If a question is answered by the statement See Resume , the question will be treated as if there is no answer. The information I provide will be reviewed and used to determine my eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. If the supplemental question is not applicable to you, please indicate N/A. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

03 Did you read and review the Working Conditions and Physical Demands checklist and the Remote Work availability? Once you click on the link , scroll down to the Other Necessary Requirements section of the Job Description to view information.

• Yes
• No

04 This is a reminder that you should check your Spam/Junk folder as emails from the City of Bloomington might end up being received in those folders and not your inbox. Please note that the City won't send out communications until after the job posting has officially closed unless the posting clearly states otherwise. Please acknowledge that you have read and understood this informational message.

• Yes
• No

05 The advertised salary for this position is $101,103-$107,259 annually. If selected for this position are you will to accept a starting salary within this range?

• Yes
• No

06 Please indicate your highest level of education completed in Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field.

• High School or Equivalent
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher
• Not Applicable

07 If you indicated you have post-secondary education in Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Studies, or a closely related field, please summarize coursework or list degree earned, area of study, name of institution and dates you attended. If not applicable to you, indicate N/A. 08 How many years of progressively responsible experience in community recreation programming do you possess?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6+ years
• Not Applicable

09 If you indicated your have progressively responsible experience in community recreation programming please summarize this experience including Job Title and dates of employment. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 10 How many years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration do you possess?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6+ years
• Not Applicable

11 If you indicated that you have progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation, please summarize this experience including Job title and dates of employment. if this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 12 How many years of progressively responsible experience in facility management do you possess?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6+ years
• Not Applicable

13 If you indicated that you have progressively responsible experience in facility management, please summarize this experience including Job title and dates of employment. if this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 14 How many years of supervisory or managerial experience overseeing full-time recreation or facility staff including recruiting, interviewing, directing and supervising work of subordinate staff do you possess?

• Less than 5 years
• 5 years
• 6-7 years
• 8-9 years
• 10+ years
• Not Applicable

15 If you indicated you have supervisory or managerial experience overseeing full-time recreation or facility staff including recruiting, interviewing, directing and supervising work of subordinate staff, please summarize your experience including Job Title, place of employment, and relevant job duties. If not applicable, indicate N/A. 16 Do you have experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Yes
• No

17 How many years of experience do you possess in recreation management software such as RecTrac or CivicRec?

• 0-1 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years
• Not Applicable

18 If you indicated that you possess experience and proficiency in recreation management software (e.g., RecTrac, CivicRec). Please describe the software you have used and rate your self on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being a beginner and 10 being an expert. Please also include the Job Title and dates of hire where you used this software. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 19 Do you possess knowledge of budgeting, scheduling, and performance measurement tools used in public-sector recreation services?

• Yes
• No

20 if you indicated the you possess knowledge of budgeting, scheduling, and performance measurement tools used in public-sector recreation services, please provide 1-2 example of this including Job Title and dates of employment. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 21 How many years of experience do you possess working with financial/budget management and budget forecasting for recreation staffing, programs, and services?

• 0-1 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years
• Not Applicable

22 If you indicated that you have experience with financial/budget management, and budget forecasting for recreation staffing, programs and services, please summarize this experience including Job Title and dates of employment. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 23 How many years of experience with project management methodologies and tools do you possess?

• 0-1 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years
• Not Applicable

24 If you indicated that you have experience working project management methodologies, please summarize that experience including Job Title and dates of employment. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 25 How many years of experience do you possess working with contracted service providers, partner organizations, and resident (lease holding) groups?

• 0-1 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years
• Not Applicable

26 If you indicated that you have experience working with contracted service providers, partner organizations, and resident (lease holding) groups, please summarize that experience including Job Title and dates of employment. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 27 Do you possess a valid driver's license or ability to secure individual transportation as needed, including on short notice?

• Yes
• No

28 Do you possess current certification in CPR and First Aid OR the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire?

• Yes, I am currently certified in CPR and First Aid
• Yes, I have the ability to obtain certification for CPR and First Aid within 6 months of being hired
• No I am not able to be certified within 6 months of hire

29 Do you possess Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation?

• Yes
• No

30 Do you possess experience with AI analytical model building and predictive analytics?

• Yes
• No

31 If you indicated that you have experience with AI analytical model building and predictive analytics, please summarize this experience including Job Title and dates of employment. If this does not apply to you, please indicate N/A. 32 Do you fluently speak a second language, in addition to English, that has a recognized presence in the community? Recognized prevalent languages in the City of Bloomington are Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, and Cambodian (Khmer). Fluent means you can sustain a conversation, demonstrate intelligible pronunciation which doesn't interfere with understanding, and communicate at informal and some formal levels.

• Spanish - FLUENT
• Somali - FLUENT
• Vietnamese - FLUENT
• Chinese Mandarin - FLUENT
• Cambodian (Khmer) - FLUENT
• I am not FLUENT in those languages or I am FLUENT in another language

33 If you indicated you speak a language other than English that you are FLUENT in, please list the language(s) and years spoken. If not applicable, please indicate N/A. 34 This question is to determine your status as a veteran under the Veteran's Preference Statute, Minnesota Statutes, 43A.11. Please check the statement below which best describes your current Veteran's status:

• I am not a Veteran
• I am a Veteran who served more than 180 consecutive days and received an Honorable Discharge or Separation
• I am the spouse of a deceased Veteran who served more than 180 consecutive days and received an Honorable Discharge or Separation
• I am a disabled Veteran who served more than 180 consecutive days and received an Honorable Discharge or Separation
• I am the spouse of a disabled Veteran who served more than 180 consecutive days and received an Honorable Discharge or Separation and is unable to use the preference due to the disability

35 If you are a Veteran and achieve the minimum passing rating, do you wish to apply your veteran's preference bonus points?If you answer yes, you MUST complete the City of Bloomington's Veteran Preference Questionnaire () and either attach it to this application or send/deliver/fax it to the Human Resources Division with a copy of your form DD-214. Disabled veterans must also supply form FL-802 or an equivalent letter from a service retirement board. Spouses applying for preference points must supply their marriage certificate, the veteran's DD-214 and FL-802 or death certificate. Your veteran's preference points cannot be considered without supporting documentation. All documentation must be received in the Human Resources Division no later than 7 calendar days after the deadline date for the position.

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

Required Question