Recreation Programs Manager

Town of Wake Forest•Town Hall, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Due to an internal staff promotion, we are excited to recruit for one Recreation Program Manager to join our team. The Town of Wake Forest Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department invites you to bring your talents and enthusiasm to our dynamic team! Working for the Town of Wake Forest isn't just a job – it's an opportunity to contribute to a special place's unique character and future. The Town’s vision is that Wake Forest’s vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community fosters its distinct character, thriving economy, and high quality of life. Our Core Values are Caring, Commitment, Character, Innovation, and Collaboration. We foster a close-knit team where your ideas are valued, and collaboration is key to our success. You'll work alongside experienced and passionate professionals dedicated to mentorship and professional growth. We regularly have team-building events to celebrate departmental and personal accomplishments. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and strive to create a supportive environment that respects your time and commitments outside work. Wake Forest offers a high quality of life with a historic downtown, beautiful parks and greenways, a growing arts and culture scene, and a strong sense of community. Our Town Hall is in the Downtown area, which allows you to walk to lunch and other amenities. We are committed to investing in our employees' growth through training, workshops, conferences, and other opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills in planning.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Leisure Services, Business Administration, or a related field, with five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in municipal parks and recreation management, including supervision, budgeting, strategic planning, program development, and operational leadership, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Thorough knowledge of municipal parks and recreation operations.
Thorough knowledge of recreation programming, event management, community engagement, and facility operations.
Knowledge of budgeting, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and public administration.
Ability to lead multiple divisions while balancing competing priorities.
Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, elected officials, community partners, and residents.
Ability to communicate effectively through presentations, reports, and public engagement.
Ability to lead organizational change and develop employees.
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
First aid, CPR and AED certifications are required.
Obtain CPRP within one year of hire date.

Responsibilities

Performs advanced professional and administrative work in planning, directing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive system of recreation programs, community centers, special events, specialized recreation services, and community partnerships.
Provides leadership and strategic direction for assigned divisions while supervising staff, managing budgets, developing policies, and ensuring exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
Manages multiple program areas and facilities within the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, including Community Centers, Special Events, and Specialized Recreation.
Provides direct supervision to full-time staff, develops operational goals and priorities, oversees budgets, evaluates programs, and ensures consistent service delivery across assigned divisions.
Develops new programs and initiatives, implements departmental policies, manages complex projects, cultivates community partnerships, seeks grant opportunities, and recommends operational improvements that support the Department's strategic goals.
Collaborates extensively with Town departments, community organizations, advisory groups, contractors, instructors, volunteers, and citizens to enhance recreational opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents.
Direct and oversee the daily operations of Community Centers, Special Events, and Specialized Recreation programs.
Supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees.
Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train employees.
Develop work plans, assign projects, monitor progress, and evaluate operational performance.
Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
Develop and implement division goals, objectives, and operational plans aligned with departmental strategic priorities.
Evaluate existing services and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
Develop policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to improve consistency and efficiency.
Lead implementation of department-wide initiatives, technology improvements, and organizational changes.
Analyze community needs and recommend new programs and services.
Develop, administer, and monitor operating budgets exceeding $2 million.
Forecast expenditures and revenues.
Recommend staffing, equipment, and capital improvement needs.
Evaluate financial performance and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency.
Identify grant, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities that enhance services.
Direct development, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs serving all ages and abilities.
Oversee planning and execution of large-scale community events, festivals, inclusive recreation programs, and special initiatives.
Ensure programs meet safety, accessibility, and customer service standards.
Evaluate participation trends and community feedback to improve services.
Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, and local businesses.
Collaborate with Town departments including Communications, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Planning, IT, Police, Fire, and Public Works.
Represent the Department on committees, advisory groups, and community initiatives.
Promote programs through public presentations, marketing initiatives, and community outreach.
Ensure compliance with departmental policies, CAPRA standards, Town policies, and applicable laws.
Develop operational procedures that support safety and risk management.
Monitor facilities and programs to ensure quality standards and operational consistency.
Investigate and resolve customer concerns and operational issues.
Prepare reports, presentations, strategic plans, and performance metrics.
Support departmental accreditation efforts and continuous improvement initiatives.
Coordinate department-wide projects and leadership development opportunities.
May perform related duties as assigned and within the scope of this classification.