Program Coordinator

Gateway Services CDD; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway Services CDD seeks a Programs Coordinator to plan, develop, schedule and implement parks and recreation programs, classes, leagues, camps, events and festivals for youth to seniors. The role requires evenings and weekends as needed.

You will build partnerships with schools and community groups, manage budgets and marketing materials, supervise part-time staff, and ensure high-quality service to the public.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation or related field with 1 year of Parks & Recreation program experience.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the United States.
• Background check and drug test required.
• Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) or ability to obtain within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Participates in planning, development, and coordination of park programs and events.
• Identifies community interests and trends to create engaging programs.
• Establishes annual calendars and programming schedules.
• Liaises with community organizations and stakeholder groups; participates in public meetings.
• Supports league operations—scheduling, registrations, and customer service.
• Coordinates events, wellness programs, and seasonal celebrations.
• Builds partnerships with schools, businesses, and volunteers to expand reach and revenue.
• Prepares budgets, tracks participation, expenses, revenue, and program performance.

Skills

Event planning

Customer service

Program supervision

MS Word

Excel

SharePoint

Parks & Recreation software

Education

Bachelors in Recreation

Tools

Parks & Recreation Software

Job description

Purpose of Job

Under the limited supervision of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor, this coordinator position facilitates the Parks and Recreation programs of the District which includes the planning, development, scheduling and implementation of programs, classes, leagues, camps, sponsorships, clinics, tournaments and special events serving youth, adults and senior residents. This position requires working evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation

Employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in the planning, development, and coordination of comprehensive park programs and special events for Gateway Services CDD.
• Identifies community interests, recreation trends, and emerging opportunities to create innovative and engaging programs.
• Establishes annual recreation calendars and programming schedules.
• Liaises with and develops collaborative relationships with community organizations and sport, culture, and recreation user groups and stakeholders. Participates in public meetings as required.
• Supports league operations including scheduling, communications, registration processes, facility coordination, and customer service.
• Coordinates community events, wellness programs, outdoor recreation activities, and seasonal celebrations.
• Builds partnerships with schools, businesses, community groups, and volunteers to expand reach, support participation, and strengthen revenue opportunities.
• Prepares budgets, tracks participation, expenses, revenue, and program performance, and uses this data to improve offerings and recommend future initiatives.
• Develops marketing materials, social media content, newsletters, and promotional campaigns in conjunction with the District’s Public Information Officer
• May be responsible for supervisory duties over part-time staff and/or volunteers.
• Implements, evaluates, removes, and/or modifies program activities to meet diverse community needs and interests.
• Provides courteous, high-quality service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service.
• Performs program registration duties including accepting funds and providing receipts.
• Trains staff and volunteers and provides guidance to independent contractors as necessary.
• Develops, plans, and drafts various department documents, reports, programs related material.
• Responds to and resolves issues and inquiries from the public and participates in public meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience with a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities and comprehensive event planning.
• Customer Service and excellent communication skills (written and verbal)Use of modern office equipment, computers, electronic devices, and various programs and applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Parks and Recreation Software.
• Supervision and training principles and practices as it pertains to youth, active adults, and/or senior specific programs.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation or related field and one (1) year of program experience in Parks & Recreation or any combination of education and experience which would align with government and parks and recreation experience.

Must be a United States Citizen or eligible to work in the United States.

Must successfully pass a background check and alcohol and drug test.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• First Aid/CPR or ability to obtain within one (1) year.
• Must possess a Florida Class E driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• FEMA IICS-100, IICS-200, IICS-700 or ability to obtain within three (3) months.

Preferred Certifications

• Ladder Safety Training & Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months.
• (FDEP) Stormwater Erosion and Sediment Inspector Certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional or ability to obtain within one (1) year.

Physical Demands

• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, fumes, hazardous materials, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, water hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, disease, pathogenic substances, or animal/wildlife attacks.
• May be required to work hours other than the regular District hours including nights, weekends, and holidays and during emergency situations.
• Significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, and kneeling.
• Some crawling, reaching, handling, sitting, pushing, and pulling, bending, stooping and digging.
• Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.

The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Tasks require some unassisted lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects up to 50 pounds. Tasks may require prolonged periods of visual concentration and require moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.