Recreation Manager

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

1d•$95,460 - $149,157•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Manager provides leadership, administration, and oversight for assigned recreation programs, services, and facilities by guiding subordinate staff. The role translates executive vision into actionable operational strategies to maintain a safe, efficient, and customer-focused division. Key areas include long-range strategic planning, operational performance, fiscal management, staff leadership, community needs assessment, and continuous service improvement. The position is part of the City of Aurora’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department, whose mission is to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature, and community. The department manages a large system of parks, recreation facilities, open space, trails, aquatic facilities, golf courses, and related programs. The hiring range is $95,460–$119,325 annually, and the full salary range is $95,460–$149,157 annually; salary is commensurate with experience. The role may involve work at various recreational facilities, public buildings, and parks, indoors and outdoors in varying weather. City employees may be required to work as essential personnel during a declared emergency or disaster.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programming, facility operations, community services, or a related field serving a community of at least 100,000 citizens.
At least 5 years of supervisory experience managing full-time and/or part-time staff.
Knowledge of business English, spelling, and mathematics; customer service best practices; industry-related software for memberships, registrations, and permits; facility design, construction, and/or renovation projects; and management of public facilities, including operations, risk management, and customer service.
Skills in budget development and management; revenue and expenditure monitoring; program and service planning, implementation, and evaluation; policy and procedure development; customer concern management, conflict resolution, and public engagement; managing large, diverse teams; strategic planning; and public speaking and presentations.
Ability to coordinate marketing and outreach; develop innovative programming; navigate cultural dynamics and accessibility challenges; establish and maintain effective working relationships; motivate staff and promote professional development; apply critical thinking and sound judgment; communicate effectively; synthesize complex information; interpret and apply rules and policies; set priorities and drive results; work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; manage multiple projects; maintain records and prepare reports; and handle sensitive situations tactfully.
Light physical work involving moving no more than 20 pounds at a time; may require occasional pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping, and occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing for extended periods.
Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate a computer keyboard and office equipment; clear vision to read reports and computer data; and frequent speech and hearing for communication with employees and citizens.
Must undergo a thorough criminal background check if selected. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions must pass drug screening as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience in local government.
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
Industry-related certifications.

Responsibilities

Serve as an executive member of the division management team and assist in developing and implementing long-range plans, strategies, and complex projects.
Recruit, select, assign, supervise, develop, and evaluate staff.
Administer corrective action, discipline, and termination procedures as necessary.
Develop budgets and monitor and forecast revenue, expenditures, and cost recovery.
Monitor and propose fee changes for programs, services, and facilities.
Administer contracts, procurement activities, and agreements in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Evaluate and collaborate on corporate and community partnership proposals and grant opportunities.
Provide recommendations on facility design and construction priorities and may represent the agency on projects.
Assess facility and equipment condition and functionality and recommend capital improvements and replacements.
Evaluate programs, services, and operations to improve consistency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction and align with community needs.
Propose, develop, and institute divisional policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
Ensure compliance with regulations, safety standards, and legal requirements through regular inspections and by addressing hazards or compliance issues.
Coordinate marketing, outreach, and customer communications to support awareness, enrollment, and participation.
Provide general oversight of software used for memberships, program registrations, permits, and customer-facing systems.
Build and maintain positive relationships with department and city staff, vendors, contractors, community organizations, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public.
May serve as a liaison to boards and provide reports and presentations to committees, boards, and City Council as requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.