Community Center Director

City-of-Madison; Madison (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Madison seeks a Community Center Director to lead operations, programs, and services that support health, wellness, recreation, and community connection. This leadership role creates a welcoming environment where community members, students, and visitors stay active and engaged with the Center's offerings.

The Director oversees fitness and aquatics, recreation, social activities, events, facility rentals, and memberships, and develops programs, partnerships, and grant opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication abilities, with a track record of managing teams.
• Experience developing and evaluating health, wellness, and community programs.
• Ability to secure funding through grants and sponsorships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fitness and aquatics, recreation, and programs.
• Manage budgets, revenues, and expenses; set short- and long-term plans.
• Hire, train, supervise, and support staff; ensure high-quality services.
• Build relationships with members, local businesses, and partners; pursue grants.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Partnerships

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Tools

Budgeting software

Job description

Community Center Director to lead the operations, programs, and services that support health, wellness, recreation, and community connection. This leadership position plays an important role in creating a welcoming environment where community members, students, and visitors can stay active, build connections, and enjoy the many opportunities the Community Center has to offer.

Community Center Director oversees a wide range of operations, including fitness and wellness programs, aquatics, recreation, social activities, special events, facility rentals, and memberships. This position is responsible for developing programs and services, building relationships with members and local businesses, coordinating corporate sponsorships, exploring grant opportunities, and identifying ways to continually improve the Community Center and its impact on the community.

This role also involves managing budgets, monitoring revenues and expenses, developing short- and long-term plans, overseeing facility policies and procedures, and working collaboratively with the Community Center Governing Board, City Administrator, Dakota State University, other City departments, and community partners. The Director provides leadership and direction for Community Center staff, including hiring, training, supervising, and supporting employees in delivering quality programs and services.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader and communicator who enjoys working with people, managing multiple priorities, developing new ideas, and building partnerships. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to combine business and operational management with a meaningful role in promoting health, wellness, recreation, and community engagement. No two days are exactly alike, and the work performed in this position helps ensure the Community Center continues to be a valuable resource for Madison and the surrounding area.

The City of Madison offers competitive wages and an excellent benefit package, including health, dental and vision insurance; SDRS retirement with matching contributions; vacation and sick leave; personal days; volunteer hours; holidays; and more.

Applications must be submitted by November 13, 2026.

The City of Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Madison and its community partners seek to build the safest and most innovative, inclusive, livable, connected, and prosperous community in the Dakotas and surrounding region by providing all citizens with the opportunity to achieve social, cultural, and economic wellbeing -- known as "the magic" of Madison.