Recreation - Recreation Center Program Developer - Parks & Recreation

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

20h

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Recreation Center Manager, the Recreation Center Program Developer plans, coordinates, promotes, and evaluates recreational programs and activities for participants of all ages. The position helps ensure that programs are safe, inclusive, engaging, and responsive to community needs. It does not exercise direct supervision, but may coordinate the work of staff, volunteers, and program instructors as assigned. The role develops and coordinates recreation programs, classes, leagues, special events, and community activities; prepares schedules, registration information, promotional materials, and activity calendars; and monitors participation, customer satisfaction, attendance, and costs. It coordinates facility schedules, equipment, supplies, facilities, vendors, permits, and resources, and supports safe and efficient program operations. The position also organizes events such as tournaments and camps, overseeing logistics, staff and volunteer coordination, event operations, and budget tracking. The Developer provides customer service, responds to participant concerns, enforces policies and safety procedures, maintains program records and reports, and recommends improvements to staffing, objectives, policies, and procedures. The role promotes Recreation Division offerings through various media, collaborates with the Media Specialist on event promotion, researches recreation trends, and identifies opportunities to improve programs and services. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

One to three years of experience in recreation, fitness, sports management, community programming, parks and recreation, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
High school diploma or equivalent.
CPR/AED certification is required within six months of hire.
Ability to lift and move equipment, set up program spaces, and perform moderate physical tasks; the position has a medium strength demand, involving lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds.
Knowledge of recreational program planning, development, and evaluation; community recreation principles; sports, fitness, and leisure activities; registration and scheduling; facility operations and safety; risk management and emergency procedures; customer service and community engagement; community recreational, social, and cultural needs; and budgeting, purchasing, and basic management practices.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate programs and activities; communicate effectively; provide customer service and resolve concerns; coordinate staff and volunteers; develop schedules, promotional materials, and reports; manage multiple priorities and deadlines; maintain records and monitor participation; build relationships with community organizations; respond to emergencies; and work effectively with people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, adapt to changing needs, enforce policies while maintaining a friendly and professional atmosphere, maintain a safe and organized environment, resolve conflicts calmly, contribute to inclusive and accessible programs, and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do, and to work as a team member while treating others with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in recreation administration, physical education, leisure studies, or a related field.
Valid Texas driver’s license, ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, or a military waiver.

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate recreational programs, classes, leagues, special events, and community activities.
Prepare program schedules, registration information, promotional materials, and activity calendars.
Monitor participation, attendance, customer satisfaction, and program costs.
Coordinate the work of staff, volunteers, and program instructors as assigned.
Assist with facility scheduling and help ensure activities are conducted safely and efficiently.
Develop strategies to increase engagement and participation.
Provide customer service to participants, families, community members, and facility users.
Enforce recreation center policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
Coordinate equipment, supplies, facilities, and vendors needed for programs and activities.
Respond to participant concerns and resolve routine program and customer service issues.
Maintain program records, reports, budgets, and other required documentation.
Coordinate special events, tournaments, camps, and community-wide recreation initiatives.
Obtain necessary permits, equipment, and resources in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
Manage event logistics, including venue setup, equipment, decorations, catering, and supplies.
Coordinate staff and volunteers, delegate tasks, oversee event operations, and address issues that arise.
Recommend changes to program staffing, objectives, policies, and procedures to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Monitor expenses, track invoices, and adjust plans as needed to remain within budget.
Promote Recreation Division services, programs, activities, and events through various media.
Research recreation industry trends and identify opportunities to enhance programs and services.
Collaborate with the Media Specialist on digital and print promotion of upcoming events, including descriptions, visuals, and other promotional materials.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.