Recreation Programmer (Special Events)

City of Avondale•Avondale, AZ

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Avondale is accepting applications for Recreation Programmer (Special Events) in the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department. This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on June 29, 2026, with weekly reviews thereafter. Responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of youth camps, programs, teen activities, and community special events. This role is crucial to creating a positive, engaging environment that promotes learning, creativity, and teamwork. Specific duties may include: planning, organizing, and supervising the recreational activities offered by the City of Avondale; program and curriculum development; leading and facilitating programming sessions; assisting in the coordination and execution of community special events including setup, teardown, vendor management, and on-site operations; developing event timelines, run-of-show documents, and post-event wrap-up reports; maintaining a safe and secure environment for all participants; training and guiding staff members; evaluating program operations; assisting with and monitoring budget for the assigned program area; providing administrative support for the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department working with outside vendors, processing inquiries, and rentals; and creating promotion strategies to generate registrations and measuring results. Performs other duties as assigned. Essential Functions Assists in the coordination, promotion, and implementation of recreational activities such as special events, instructional classes, sports activities, and adult and youth programs. Participates in the selection, training, and motivation of part-time employees. Coordinates program schedules and field reservations. Maintains awareness of new developments in the recreation field and incorporates them into programs as appropriate. Creates social media campaigns, updates website, flyers, and email blasts to help market programs. Works with the Recreation Coordinator to purchase program supplies and equipment. Supervises the distribution, care, use, and maintenance of supplies and equipment for assigned programs. Assists in the planning, logistics coordination, and on-site execution of community special events, including setup and teardown of equipment, vendor coordination, volunteer management, and ensuring a safe and positive experience for all attendees. Develops and manages event timelines, run-of-show documents, and production schedules to ensure effective coordination of all event elements, including entertainment, vendors, permits, site plans, and equipment rentals. Conducts post-event evaluations, compiles attendance data and participant feedback, and prepares wrap-up reports to assess program effectiveness and inform future event planning. Assists in budget preparation; prepares cost estimates for program budgets and long-range forecasting. Performs other duties as assigned. To view the full job description and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, please click to view the Class Specification here.

Requirements

An Associate's Degree in Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field.
One (1) year of experience assisting in recreation, sports, leisure class administration, and/or special events.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software.
A valid Arizona Driver's License is required.
Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR Certification upon hire.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Public Administration, or a closely related field is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and job-related experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis.
Bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Planning, organizing, and supervising the recreational activities offered by the City of Avondale
Program and curriculum development
Leading and facilitating programming sessions
Assisting in the coordination and execution of community special events including setup, teardown, vendor management, and on-site operations
Developing event timelines, run-of-show documents, and post-event wrap-up reports
Maintaining a safe and secure environment for all participants
Training and guiding staff members
Evaluating program operations
Assisting with and monitoring budget for the assigned program area
Providing administrative support for the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Department working with outside vendors, processing inquiries, and rentals
Creating promotion strategies to generate registrations and measuring results
Assists in the coordination, promotion, and implementation of recreational activities such as special events, instructional classes, sports activities, and adult and youth programs.
Participates in the selection, training, and motivation of part-time employees.
Coordinates program schedules and field reservations.
Maintains awareness of new developments in the recreation field and incorporates them into programs as appropriate.
Creates social media campaigns, updates website, flyers, and email blasts to help market programs.
Works with the Recreation Coordinator to purchase program supplies and equipment.
Supervises the distribution, care, use, and maintenance of supplies and equipment for assigned programs.
Assists in the planning, logistics coordination, and on-site execution of community special events, including setup and teardown of equipment, vendor coordination, volunteer management, and ensuring a safe and positive experience for all attendees.
Develops and manages event timelines, run-of-show documents, and production schedules to ensure effective coordination of all event elements, including entertainment, vendors, permits, site plans, and equipment rentals.
Conducts post-event evaluations, compiles attendance data and participant feedback, and prepares wrap-up reports to assess program effectiveness and inform future event planning.
Assists in budget preparation; prepares cost estimates for program budgets and long-range forecasting.