Program Specialist / Heard Park Community Center

GEORGIA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION INC; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

GEORGIA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION INC. seeks a responsible administrator to plan, supervise, and evaluate Leisure Services programs at Heard Park Community Center.

Responsibilities include program development, staff supervision, promotional efforts, and safety oversight to ensure high-quality community services. The role requires a related bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, plus a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to recreation, leisure services, or human services, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license required.
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.
• Must be certified in First Aid/CPR or obtain within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, supervises and evaluates programs, events, camps and tournaments.
• Supervises and trains staff, volunteers and interns; handles hiring and performance issues.
• Oversees instructors and manages contract labor.
• Prepares program objectives and action plans; maintains division reports and assessments.
• Coordinates publicity and promotional materials for programs and events.
• Schedules facilities and coordinates safety, maintenance and security.
• Manages daily facility operations and supports the facility supervisor when needed.
• Ensures services meet participant needs; liaises with community groups.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves or escalates complaints.

Skills

Supervisory experience

First Aid/CPR certification

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

This position is located at Heard Park Community Center.

First review of applications begins on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

REPORTS TO:

Facility or Program Supervisor

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt - Executive

CLASSIFICATION:

Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

PAY GRADE:

117

SAFETY SENSITIVE:

No

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to plan, develop, supervise, and evaluate various Leisure Services Department programs. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to program planning, organizing, implementation and evaluation; supervising and training assigned employees; preparing long and short-term goals, instructing classes, ensuring safety in programs and facilities; creating and coordinating program publicity and promotion; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

Work Schedule:

The work schedule varies depending on programs and facility needs. A typical shift is 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, however any shift during operating hours which are 8:00 am - 9:00 pm may apply. May also be required to work an occasional weekend or holiday.

May be required to work on religious holidays.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Must work cooperatively with others.

When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Bachelor's degree in course of study related to occupational field with one year of related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the job.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

One Year Of Supervisory Experience Preferred.

Must be certified in First Aid/CPR or have ability to attain within 6 months of employment.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Plans, develops, conducts and evaluates programs, events, activities, camps and/or tournaments.
• Supervises, trains, makes hiring recommendations and evaluates assigned employees, volunteers, and interns; handles all related concerns, directs work assignments, disciplines and counsels workers when necessary.
• Oversees program instructors and handles contract agreements with contract labor.
• Prepares specific objectives for programs and special events, and develops a written plan of action; evaluates and adjusts programs as necessary; maintains records for division/department reporting and assessment.
• Addresses needs of program participants with disabilities, and seeks higher-level assistance as needed.
• Prepares annual budget proposal for programs, events and/or projects; may assist with the development of the budget proposal.
• Coordinates volunteer needs, and assists with recruitment and training for programs and special events.
• Creates and coordinates publicity and/or promotional materials for programs and special events, including website maintenance; assists with distribution of materials.
• Prepares, coordinates and schedules appropriate facility for programs and special events by coordinating related maintenance, safety/inspections and security needs and concerns.
• Designs, constructs, maintains and collects materials for programs, displays and exhibits.
• Assists with the management of daily operations of the facility; may perform the duties of the facility supervisor when needed.
• Schedules, reserves, and inputs data for programs, events, activities, camps and/or tournaments into scheduling and reservation software.
• Serves as department liaison for various community groups and organizations.
• Responds to citizen inquires and complaints and addresses, solves, or forwards complaints to appropriate personnel.
• May be assigned as facility liaison for department social media and/or volunteer task force.