Deputy Director-Recreation Services

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Alexandria is seeking a Deputy Director of Recreation Services for the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA). This leadership position offers an opportunity to shape the future of a premier park and recreation system and impact the lives of over 160,000 residents. The Deputy Director will serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, overseeing a diverse portfolio including recreation centers, aquatics, youth and adult programming, out-of-school time services, therapeutic recreation, customer experience, and community partnerships. The role requires a strategic and people-centered leader who inspires teams, embraces innovation, drives accountability, and is passionate about building inclusive communities. The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating complex challenges, developing future leaders, and translating bold ideas into measurable results. RPCA believes that parks, recreation, and cultural activities are essential public services that strengthen neighborhoods, improve health and wellness, support youth and families, and enhance quality of life. The department is focused on innovation, customer experience, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelors’ degree in recreation and parks or related field
Seven (7) years of related experience
Three (3) years of supervisory or managerial level experience in planning, coordinating, and conducting park maintenance, forestry, land management, park design, community planning, and park construction operations or equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
Executive municipal leadership experience
Presentations to elected officials
Organizational transformation
Professional certifications (CPRP, CPRE, CPM, or similar)

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for Recreation Services, including aquatics, recreation centers, youth and adult programming, therapeutic recreation, out-of-school time programs, customer service, and community engagement.
Advance a culture of exceptional customer service by implementing department-wide customer service standards, strengthening the customer experience, and centralizing customer service and registration functions.
Develop and implement innovative recreation programs, services, and operational strategies that respond to evolving community needs and expand access to high-quality recreational opportunities.
Lead the implementation of a comprehensive Youth Sports Affiliate Policy that strengthens partnerships, promotes equitable access, and improves the management of athletic programming and facilities.
Strengthen operational excellence by establishing performance measures, documenting standard operating procedures, implementing data-driven decision-making, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Build and develop high-performing teams by investing in leadership development, succession planning, employee engagement, and professional growth opportunities throughout the Recreation Services Division.
Manage financial resources responsibly by overseeing division budgets, identifying operational efficiencies, maximizing revenue opportunities, and ensuring fiscal stewardship.
Collaborate with City departments, Alexandria City Public Schools, community organizations, nonprofit partners, and regional agencies to enhance recreation services, expand partnerships, and improve community outcomes.
Use performance data, customer feedback, and industry best practices to evaluate programs, measure organizational impact, and guide strategic planning and service improvements.
Serve as a member of the Department’s Executive Leadership Team, helping shape the department’s strategic direction while fostering innovation, collaboration, and organizational excellence.
Lead the implementation of the Recreation Services Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision for recreation programs, facilities, aquatics, community centers, and equitable access to services.
Conduct a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment to evaluate current and future recreation needs, identify service gaps, and develop recommendations that respond to changing community demographics and priorities.
Modernize Recreation Operations by implementing standardized operating procedures, performance measures, and data-driven decision-making to improve consistency, accountability, and service delivery across all Recreation Services divisions.
Transform the Customer Experience through the implementation of department-wide customer service standards, customer service training, and the centralization of customer service and registration functions.
Strengthen Community Partnerships by expanding collaboration with Alexandria City Public Schools, youth sports affiliates, community organizations, nonprofit partners, and regional agencies to enhance programming, maximize shared resources, and increase access to recreation opportunities.
Develop Future Leaders and Build Organizational Capacity by implementing leadership development, succession planning, workforce development, and employee engagement initiatives that strengthen organizational culture and prepare the next generation of Recreation Services leaders.
Collaborate with other City departments on joint projects involving planning for and deployment of programs for youth and adults (Library, OHA, DCHS, Schools).