Manager I Recreation (General Services Department)

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Detroit seeks a Manager I - Recreation to oversee senior center operations, supervise staff, and align services with the city-wide strategic plan. The role focuses on inclusive, engaging programs promoting active aging and wellness, while building partnerships with community organizations and healthcare providers.

Responsibilities include budgeting, evaluating performance, and implementing improvements across programs and facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a related field of study.
• Five (5) years of related experience, including two (2) years in supervision or team leadership.
• Equivalency of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Oversee facility operations, supervise staff, and manage priorities.
• Develop performance standards and align with department goals.
• Establish strategic partnerships with community and service providers.
• Prepare and manage section budget and reports.
• Evaluate staff performance and support professional development.
• Collaborate with other division managers on customer service initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Process improvement

Education

Bachelors degree in related field

Masters or Juris Doctor preferred

Job description

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MANAGER I - RECREATION

Under general supervision, plans, manages, coordinates, and administers portions of a department or city-wide control, operational, or reporting function. An employee in this class is accountable and responsible for the management activities of a specific portion of a departmental control, operational, or reporting activity or for providing a citywide service function of equal responsibility.

To provide effective leadership and oversight of senior center operations by developing and implementing inclusive, engaging, and adaptable recreational, social, wellness, educational, and supportive-service programs that promote active aging, independence, social engagement, health and wellness, and an improved overall quality of life for older adults.

The position will oversee facility operations, supervise and evaluate staff performance, establish and maintain performance standards, manage multiple priorities, and develop strategic partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, senior-service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to expand programs, services, resources, and opportunities available to older adults.

• Manages the methods, procedures, work flow, priorities, and operations of a department major section or staff activity.
• Develops and implements methods to evaluate current systems and identifies critical areas for improvement.
• Develops and implements procedures to improve processes and quality of services.
• Aligns operational goals with department strategic plan and coordinates their implementation and evaluation.
• Manages Function's tasks and obtains approval and assistance from higher level management for actions to broaden service or control strategies.
• Administers the implementation and management of special programs and projects.
• Instructs employees on policy interpretation.
• Participates in joint activities with other division managers and department representatives to address customer service concerns.
• Implements and evaluates plans to resolve organizational and operational problems.
• Establishes goals, measurements, and performance standards aligned with department mission.
• Evaluates employee performance through collaboration on assignments and projects and review of results.
• Collaborates with employees on their professional skill and competency development.
• Confers with employees on questions and concerns of performance, attendance, conduct, and changes to policies and procedures.
• Prepares section annual budget.
• Supervises and prepares analytical and statistical reports.

• Serves on committees and teams for special projects and initiatives

Qualifications (required):

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Certain positions may prefer, or require, a Master’s or Juris Doctor degree.
• Five (5) years of work related experience that includes two (2) years of professional administrative experience directly related to the specified position, including line supervisory or team leader responsibility and authority.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0-15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 01/01/2026

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of generally accepted methodologies used in the function managed.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, and procedures that affect the function managed.
• Knowledge of the capabilities and applications of information technology that support function.
• Knowledge of contemporary financial management concepts and best practices.
• Knowledge of quality management and process improvement principles.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in analyzing information to make effective and economical decisions.
• Skill in implementing service delivery procedures.
• Ability to manage effectively as a team leader.
• Ability to implement strategic management plans.
• Ability to make effective and timely decisions when lines of authority are unclear.
• Ability to bring focus and perspective to group and team projects.
• Ability to respond to workplace dynamics in a timely, visionary and proactive manner.
• Ability to plan and manage budgets.
• Ability to proficiently utilize standard office and pertinent specialized software.
• Ability to interpret and analyze statistical data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to acquire additional training and knowledge of contemporary principles and best practices of function managed.

Physical Demands

• Work is sedentary to light.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a typical office environment with exposure to computer monitors.
• Some assignments require site visits and occasional traveL

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.