DEPUTY RECREATON DIRECTOR

City of Lafayette Colorado; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401A retirement

Life Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Disability Insurance

Deferred Compensation

Recreation Center Pass

Wellness program

Holidays & Leave

Job summary

The City of Lafayette Colorado invites applications for the Deputy Recreation Director within the Lafayette Recreation Division. You will lead daily operations across senior services, aquatics, athletics, youth programs, and facilities, while ensuring high-quality program delivery and fiscal oversight.

Qualifications include advanced or related degree and substantial supervisory experience in recreation management; strong leadership, budget, and data-driven decision making are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Parks & Recreation Management/Public Administration or closely related field and five years of recreation management experience, including at least three years in a supervisory role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Management/Administration plus seven years of progressive management experience with at least three years supervisory.
• Ten years of relevant experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the recreation division, supervising staff and programs.
• Provide public service leadership and clear communication with customers and partners.
• Attend and contribute to administrative meetings; help draft policies and planning materials.
• Coordinate facility management, capital projects, maintenance, and security of recreation facilities.
• Lead staff coaching, development, and succession planning within the division.

Skills

Communication

Supervision

Interpersonal

Customer service

Writing

Public speaking

Leadership

Budgeting

Education

Master’s degree in Parks & Recreation Management/Public Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Management/Administration

Equivalent combination of training and experience

Job description

111 W Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM | Expires Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 7:59 AM

About the City

Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.

We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve.Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 401A Retirement Plan(10.2% City, 8% Employee,immediately100% vested upon hire)
• Life Insurance (One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance(up to$5000per yearfor approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program(free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability

Additional Benefits:

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation
• 11.5 paid City holidays.
• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

As part of the City of Lafayette Community Services Department, the Lafayette Recreation Division is part of a team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our diverse residents through a range of programs, services, public spaces and facilities. The Deputy Recreation Director assumes a leadership role in the division by overseeing daily operations, coordinating programs, and ensuring effective recreation program and service delivery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

• Oversight of day-to-day Operations: Supervision of employees engaged in providing recreation division services including senior services, aquatics, athletics, youth/child programs, enrichment, fitness, guest services and operations. Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions or alternative recommendations. Develops budget recommendations supported by data and analysis, and monitors division expenditures and budget. Provides financial oversight and verifies accuracy of financial documents including invoices, contracts, purchase orders, and payroll documents. Ensures division compliance with City financial and contract policies and procedures.
• Public Service: Serves as leader and an active part of recreation leadership group by being present and actively involved in the division’s programs and services. Supports clear, consistent, and accurate communication with customers, the community, and partner organizations.
• Administrative Functions: Attends and actively participates in all Senior Advisory Board meetings; assists in developing meeting agendas, minutes and memos. In cooperation with the Director drafts and recommends policies for operating programs and facilities, provides research and information for planning purposes. Establishes operational procedures to implement approved policies. Prepares and files statistical reports to the state or other agencies as required. May attend other meetings and represent the Director and the Recreation Division.
• Coordination of Facility Management. Coordinates with Facilities Maintenance Division in long term planning activities related to facility access. Assists Director with overseeing capital improvement projects, including maintenance, asset replacement, design, major construction, and security of recreation facilities.
• Leadership Coaching & Staff Development: Mentor and coach managers, supervisors, and staff to enhance department culture, develop leadership capabilities, foster professional growth, and create high-performing teams. Design and implement staff training programs that encourage continuous learning and alignment with organizational goals.
• Organizational Development: Collaborate with the Department Director to implement strategies that drive organizational growth and operational efficiency.
• Strategic Planning & Program Coordination: Collaborate with the Director and department leaders across the City organization to develop and execute strategic work plans that promote innovation and excellence in service delivery. Analyzes, plans, and participates in the development of capital improvement projects.
• Performance Management: Oversee the performance evaluation process for recreation staff providing feedback, setting goals, and identifying opportunities for staff development and succession planning.
• Team Building & Collaboration: Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment. Encourage cross-departmental cooperation to integrate services and deliver holistic solutions to the Lafayette community.
• Resource Optimization & Budget Management: Supports coordination of fiscally responsible budget requests across the Recreation division as well as other Community Services divisions and develops Recreation and Senior division budget and presentations. Assists in managing department budget and resources, identifies opportunities for financial and operational improvements. Supports staff in seeking and managing grants to further departmental goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Lead efforts to gather, analyze, and use data to improve program effectiveness and efficiency. Implement continuous improvement processes based on data insights.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Developing and operating a community-based recreation system. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of community-based recreation administration and management including knowledge of budget preparation and execution and contract administration.
• Principles, best practices, and current and emerging trends in recreation services for all ages.
• Knowledge and expertise in recreation, older adult services, aquatics, fitness, youth and children services programming, policies, regulatory environment, and fee-setting structures.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of the operational units of recreation and leisure services including youth, adult and senior programs, fitness, athletics and aquatics.
• Extensive knowledge of the equipment and facilities required to maintain a comprehensive recreational program including knowledge of principles, practices and Colorado regulatory requirements for licensed childcare programs and public swimming pools and aquatics amenities. Broad knowledge of project management as it relates to recreation-oriented capital improvement projects.

SKILL:

• Strong communication, supervisory, interpersonal, and customer service skills as required in serving the public.
• Excellent writing skills for developing reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and various communications.
• Public presentation skills including the ability to present technical information in an understandable manner to residents, boards, and elected officials.
• Organizational and personnel management skills including leadership, supervisory skills, problem analysis and decision making, planning, and organizing, cultural sensitivity, adaptability/flexibility, stress tolerance and time management.
• Ability to problem-solve and respond to emerging issues in a rapidly changing environment.
• Financial and budget oversight skills.

ABILITY:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and positive working relationships with City officials, staff, volunteers, other community organizations and the public.
• Ability to build a positive team environment, manage, and motivate staff.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism both within the organization and when relating to patrons and the community.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others, exercising tact, courtesy and good judgment.
• Ability to move between tasks with patience, flexibility and ease.
• Ability to use data to inform decision making and improve and adjust services.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and community needs.
• Ability to uphold City policies and procedures, hold staff accountable and maintain a culture of integrity and respect.
• Ability to maintain confidential information which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion, and professional protocols.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in interactions with personnel and the public, and in the interpretation of policies and procedures.

EVIDENCE OF QUALIFICATIONS:

• TRAINING: Master’s Degree in Parks & Recreation Management/Public Administration or closely related field AND five (5) years of progressively responsible recreation management experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience.

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Management / Administration or closely related field. AND seven (7) years progressively responsible parks and recreation management experience, including at least three 3 years of supervisory experience.

OR

• Ten years of relevant experience.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions may be substituted for required education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid Colorado Operator’s license; safe driving record is required. CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment is required.

Designation as a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) highly preferred.

111 W Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA