Recreation Manager

City of Dawson; Dawson City; On-site; CAD 93,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dawson is seeking a Recreation Manager to lead the Recreation Department, directing programs, parks, facilities and events in Dawson City. You will supervise a diverse team and collaborate with community groups, government levels, the Recreation Board and Council.

Ideal candidates bring a degree in recreation or related field and a minimum of five years in a recreation environment, with at least three years in a senior supervisory role.

Qualifications

• Degree in Recreation or related field.
• Five years’ experience in a recreation environment (municipal experience asset).
• Three years in a senior supervisory/management capacity.
• Experience leading and motivating employees, preferably in a unionized setting.
• Budgeting, procurement, strategic planning and project management experience.
• Event planning, community planning and risk management experience.
• Knowledge of funding agencies, grant programs and reporting requirements.
• Experience in conflict management, mediation, negotiation and problem solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience with reports/proposals.
• Ability to work with the public, community organizations, boards and elected officials.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Discretion and confidentiality; willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, delivery, promotion and evaluation of recreation programs, events and facility services.
• Oversee City facilities, parks, greenspaces, playgrounds, fields, trails and Community Garden.
• Provide leadership, supervision and performance management for staff.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, procurement and fee schedules.
• Research and manage funding opportunities; report on outcomes.
• Manage projects and collaborate with contractors and other City departments.
• Review policies, procedures, plans and bylaws related to recreation operations.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies and collective agreements.
• Coordinate programming and facility use with partners and user groups.
• Support the Recreation Board and provide recommendations to CAO, Mayor and Council.
• Identify emerging recreation needs and opportunities to improve services.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Organization

Conflict management

Negotiation

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in Recreation/Sports Management/Public/Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The City of Dawson is seeking a
Recreation Manager to lead our Recreation Department and help shape recreation, parks, facilities and community programming in Dawson City.

Located in the heart of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory, Dawson City is a vibrant northern community known for its rich history, strong arts and cultural scene, and incredible access to the outdoors. Our community offers year-round recreation opportunities, including a recreation centre, swimming pool, fitness centre, curling club, ski hill, golf course, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, trails and community garden.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Recreation Manager provides leadership and oversight for the delivery, operation and administration of the City's recreation programs, parks, facilities and events.

As a member of the City's management team, the Recreation Manager leads a diverse team of permanent, seasonal and programming staff and works closely with community organizations, facility users, other levels of government, Mayor and Council, and the Recreation Board.

What You'll Do

The Recreation Manager's responsibilities include:

• Leading the planning, delivery, promotion and evaluation of recreation programs, events and facility services;
• Overseeing City facilities, parks, greenspaces, playgrounds, sports fields, trails and the Community Garden;
• Providing leadership, supervision, mentoring, professional development and performance management for Recreation Department staff;
• Developing and managing departmental operating and project budgets, procurement processes and fee schedules;
• Researching, applying for, managing and reporting on funding opportunities;
• Managing recreation projects and working with contractors, consultants and other City departments;
• Developing and reviewing policies, procedures, plans and bylaws related to recreation operations and community safety;
• Ensuring recreation facilities and programs are operated safely and in accordance with applicable legislation, City policies and collective agreements;
• Working with community partners and user groups to coordinate programming and facility use;
• Supporting the Recreation Board and providing information and recommendations to the CAO, Mayor and Council; and
• Identifying emerging recreation needs, opportunities and trends to continually improve programs and services.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• A degree in Recreation or Sports Management, Human Kinetics, Public or Business Administration, or a related field;
• A minimum of five years' experience in a recreation environment, with municipal experience considered an asset;
• A minimum of three years' experience in a senior supervisory or management capacity;
• Experience leading, developing and motivating employees, preferably in a unionized environment;
• Strong experience in budgeting, procurement, strategic planning and project management;
• Experience with event planning, community planning and risk management;
• Knowledge of funding agencies, grant programs and associated reporting requirements;
• Experience in conflict management, mediation, negotiation and problem solving;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, proposals and recommendations;
• The ability to work effectively with the public, community organizations, boards and elected officials;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office;
• Discretion, sound judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality; and
• The flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as operationally required.

Considerable volunteer experience is also identified as a qualification in the position description. Applicants able to demonstrate an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must possess or be willing to obtain:

• A valid Class 4 driver's license, or a valid Class 5 license with a willingness to obtain Class 4;
• Standard First Aid and Level C CPR;
• A satisfactory RCMP Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check; and
• A satisfactory driver's abstract.

A job description is available on request.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time, non-union management position. Salary is $92,8980.80 to $113,671.02, plus a comprehensive benefits package, in accordance with the City of Dawson Management Employment Bylaw.

Closing Date

This posting will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to applications received before 2pm on Wednesday August 26, 2026.

The City of Dawson thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those applicants who qualify for an interview may be contacted.

To learn more about our community and what we have to offer please visit our website at: www.cityofdawson.ca