Head of Recreation Centers & Aquatics Operations

City of Alexandria, VA; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria, Virginia, invites qualified candidates for Division Chief, Recreation Services, within the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. You will lead recreation centers and aquatic facilities, set standards for safety and service, and drive continuous improvement across programs and spaces.

You will develop SOPs, manage a diverse workforce, and partner with schools and community groups to deliver high-quality programs and experiences for residents and visitors.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in recreation or related field is required.
• Master’s degree preferred in related field (recreation, public administration, business).
• Candidates should have supervisory experience and ability to develop programs and manage staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all recreation center operations across multiple facilities.
• Provide comprehensive leadership of aquatic operations including water quality and lifeguard services.
• Develop and implement comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for centers and pools.
• Establish facility inspection, preventive maintenance, and quality assurance programs.
• Strengthen safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance across operations.
• Collaborate with programming staff to support classes, camps, and community activities.
• Establish an exceptional customer service culture across facilities and desks.
• Build a high-performing workforce through recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Implement KPIs and dashboards to track attendance, participation, and operational performance.
• Maximize facility utilization and strengthen neighborhood recreation through data-driven decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Team management

Education

Four year college degree in recreation or related field

Master’s degree in Recreation Administration or related field (preferred)

Tools

CPRP

CPRE

CPO

AFO

Job description

The City of Alexandria, Virginia, invites qualified candidates for Division Chief, Recreation Services, within the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. You will lead recreation centers and aquatic facilities, set standards for safety and service, and drive continuous improvement across programs and spaces.

You will develop SOPs, manage a diverse workforce, and partner with schools and community groups to deliver high-quality programs and experiences for residents and visitors.