Parks & Recreation Coordinator

Advanced Hospitality•Beacon Falls, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a newly established position representing the Town’s commitment to building robust, community-centered parks and recreation programs from the ground up. The Coordinator of Parks and Recreation performs professional, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, organizing, and directing municipal parks and recreational services. This role is responsible for assessing community needs, creating, and expanding programming, and developing the infrastructure necessary to support a growing department. The Coordinator will serve as the Town’s primary advocate for parks and recreation, working closely with the Parks & Recreation Commission, Town leadership, and community stakeholders to establish a vision and long-range plan for recreational services. The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, self-motivated professional who thrives in a start-up environment and has a proven track record of building programs, fostering community relationships, and delivering measurable results with limited resources.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of recreation programming, park operations, and public facility management.
Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, fiscal management, and project oversight.
Ability to supervise and motivate a diverse workforce, including seasonal staff.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to build programs from inception, including needs assessment, program design, launch, and ongoing evaluation.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate effectively in a start-up environment, exercise sound judgment with limited resources, and prioritize competing needs.
Experience with grant writing and securing alternative funding, particularly for new or growing municipal programs.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience or certification in playground safety and/or athletic field safety preferred.
CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

Develop partnerships with community organizations, youth sports groups, schools, library, and other stakeholders.
Promote community engagement through innovative programming and inclusive recreational opportunities.
Provide staff support and professional guidance to the Parks & Recreation Commission and other boards as assigned. Attendance at Parks & Recreation meetings and monthly reporting to the Board of Selectmen and Parks & Recreation Commission.
Conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment within the first year to identify gaps in recreational services and prioritize program development initiatives.
Design and launch new programming for diverse populations including youth, seniors, and families, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
Plan and execute community events, seasonal programming, and special activities that foster civic pride and resident participation
Responsible for all publicity of Parks & Recreation programming.
Respond to public inquiries on Parks & Recreation matters.
Liaison with Public Works regarding the operation, maintenance, safety, and improvement of all Town parks, recreational facilities, and athletic fields.
With the Parks & Recreation Commission, assess existing recreational assets and community needs to identify opportunities for innovative programs, events, and services; develop and implement a multi-year program expansion plan.
Coordinate with Public Works and other Town departments to ensure proper facility maintenance and capital improvements.
Collaborate with the Board of Education, leagues, and groups to coordinate athletic field scheduling, shared facility uses, and maintenance planning. This includes pavilion rentals.
Assist Summer Camp Director with Hiring, seasonal employees.
Establish seasonal employee expectations with Summer Camp Director.
Supervise and schedule volunteers used at Parks & Recreation events.
Manage procurement, contracts, and financial reporting related to Parks & Recreation operations.
Responsible for tracking cash receipts of all Parks & Recreation programming, reporting to Finance on collection of funds.
With the Parks & Recreation Commission, preparation of annual budget.
With the Finance Manager, pursue grant opportunities and alternative funding sources to enhance programs and facilities
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to parks and recreation operations.