Recreation Coordinator /GS 17

City of Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Alexandria is seeking a Recreation Coordinator for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA). This role involves planning and coordinating city-wide community outreach special events, activities, and programs. The employee will perform supervisory and professional recreation work under general guidelines, initiating program activities with various city agencies, non-profits, and organized groups. The Recreation Coordinator exercises independent judgment in program coordination and implementation, developing and maintaining broadly based recreation and community outreach activities for all ages and interests. Interpersonal skills are crucial for coordinating volunteers and responding to public concerns. Incumbents can supervise part-time, temporary, and seasonal staff and volunteers, reporting to a recreation supervisor or Division Chief. This position offers latitude in implementing programs within their assigned area of responsibility.

Requirements

• Four-Year College Degree
• Completion of college-level courses in recreation, physical education, business management or related fields.
• Experience in community recreation at a level equivalent to a Recreation Supervisor I, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Knowledge of programming and special event planning.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Ability to plan and direct program activities.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to generate interest and participation in center activities with various age groups.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and use judgment within established procedures.
• Experience preparing reports.
• Ability to organize.
• Ability to work with a variety of staff at all levels and to handle assignments across sections of the Recreation Services Division.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional recreation work.
• Good knowledge of budget planning and practices.
• Good knowledge of business management practices.
• Good knowledge of the care and maintenance of recreation and school buildings.
• Good knowledge of the many phases of community recreation.
• Ability to schedule and coordinate programs.
• Ability to provide working leadership to full-time and part-time staff and to volunteers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, parents, activity participants, and the public.
• Successful completion of a criminal records background check and drug screening prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of recreation work.
• Good business management skills.
• Good knowledge of community recreation.
• Ability to schedule and coordinate programs on a City-wide basis.
• Effective communication skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Computer skills and knowledge of RecTrac, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive outreach plan to promote programs, services, and events.
• Identify and prioritize target populations, including underserved communities.
• Identify and engage youth ages 11–18, particularly those disconnected or at higher risk.
• Connect youth and families to mentoring, recreation, workforce, and support services across Alexandria.
• Promote and maintain the Citywide Teen Opportunity Calendar as a centralized tool for increasing youth awareness and participation.
• Support implementation of a youth engagement incentive system to encourage consistent participation and positive behaviors.
• Serve as a liaison between youth, families, schools, and community-based organizations.
• Collaborate with RPCA staff, Alexandria City Public Schools, and community partners to align engagement strategies.
• Support group mentoring, workshops, and youth engagement initiatives.
• Participate in cross-agency efforts focused on prevention, youth development, and community well-being.
• Track outreach activities, mentor recruitment, youth referrals, and program participation.
• Monitor usage and impact of the Teen Opportunity Calendar and incentive system.
• Collect and analyze feedback from youth, families, and partners.
• Contribute to reporting and evaluation aligned with city priorities.
• Conduct direct outreach to unhoused encampments and individuals to build trust and provide supportive services if/when needed.
• Serve as liaison between the unhoused and recreation department.
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, neighborhoods leaders, and stakeholders.
• Ensure outreach efforts reflect community needs, voices, and cultural dynamics.
• Works varied shifts to cover programs as needed.
• Supervises seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Assists in the marketing efforts of the events and programs by coordinating the distribution of registration forms to schools, recreation centers, libraries, and other community organizations.
• Attends school events to promote the recreation department.
• Conducts Safe Place training for staff and volunteers annually.
• Attends various staff meetings related to the programs and participants when needed.
• Promote programs through grassroots engagement strategies and partner networks.
• Provides information, answers questions, and addresses concerns related to feedback from the public daily.
• Conducts surveys for all community outreach offerings.
• Monitors the effective implementation of scheduled events through on-site visits.
• Purchases supplies and equipment following department procedures and keeping within budget.
• Performs related work as required.

Benefits

• The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level