Recreation Director

Cityofwaupunwi; Waupun (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Waupun is seeking a Recreation Director to lead recreation programs, manage the Community Center, and oversee staff and budgets.

You will partner with schools, aging services, and community groups to expand programs for all ages, ensure compliance with regulations, and plan multi-generational activities at the Community Center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in recreation management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in recreation or community programming.
• Experience supervising staff and managing a department budget.
• CPRP designation and municipal/public-sector experience preferred.
• Ability to build partnerships with schools, aging services, and community organizations.

Responsibilities

• Direct recreation programs, events, and Community Center operations.
• Develop annual calendar, designs new programs, recruits instructors and partners.
• Supervise staff and manage department budget and contracted services.
• Coordinate with Recreation Board and City departments, schools, and partners.
• Ensure safety policies and staff training and compliance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

MS Word

MS Excel

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation management or related field

Tools

CPRP designation

Public-sector experience

Job description

Job Opportunities

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The Recreation Director is a key member of the City’s management team, responsible for leading the City’s recreation programs, the Waupun Community Center, and related resources. The Director plans and develops programs and services with an emphasis on multi-generational use of the Community Center, supervises the Community Center Coordinator and Recreation Program Assistants, manages the department budget and contracted services, and works with the Recreation Board, City departments, schools, and community partners to plan and deliver high-quality recreation services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides overall direction for recreation programs, events, and Community Center operations, including a multi-generational programming strategy serving youth, families, adults, and older adults.
• Plans and develops the annual program calendar; designs new programs; recruits instructors and program partners; and directs Recreation Program Assistants in program delivery.
• Leads development of short- and long-term department plans; sets priorities with input from the Recreation Board; and evaluates programs and rentals for participation, cost recovery, and community impact.
• Supervises the Community Center Coordinator, Recreation Program Assistants, and seasonal staff, including hiring, training, approving schedules, evaluating, and resolving personnel issues.
• Develops, maintains, and enforces department policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including facility use, rental, fee, and youth protection policies.
• Prepares and manages the department budget; oversees purchasing; and recommends program and rental fee structures in accordance with City financial policies.
• Coordinates with the Finance Department on fee collection, deposits, and registration systems.
• Approves the department’s marketing and communications plan and oversees promotion of programs and building rentals.
• Manages contracted services, including aquatic center operations, and vendor relationships supporting department operations.
• Coordinates with the Building & Grounds Superintendent on Community Center maintenance, capital needs, and park and aquatic center upkeep.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with the school district, library, community organizations, and service providers to expand programming and support aging-in-place initiatives.
• Researches, prepares, and manages grant applications supporting recreation programs and facilities.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Recreation Board, prepares agendas, minutes, and reports, and submits reports to the City Council as required; serves on City committees.
• Acts as public liaison for escalated inquiries and complaints; conducts community surveys to guide improvements.
• Enforces safety policies and ensures staff are properly trained.
• Attends trainings and conferences to stay current on trends, procedures, and certifications.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in recreation management, parks and recreation, social work, gerontology, human services, public administration, or a related field is required. Five (5) years of progressive professional experience in recreation, senior services, human services, or community programming is required, including demonstrated experience developing and delivering programs or services for older adults; working with individuals of diverse ages, such as youth, families, and adults; and supervising staff and managing a program or department budget. Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Experience developing recreation programs, Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation, experience in a municipal or public-sector setting, and experience building partnerships with schools, aging and disability resource centers, and community organizations are preferred.

Special Requirements

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City elected and appointed officials, department heads and staff, boards and committees, school district officials, community groups, user groups, local media, and the general public.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community, across all age groups.
• Knowledge of State statutes, City ordinances, and City policies regarding recreation administration.
• Knowledge of recreation program design, delivery, and evaluation for youth, families, adults, and older adults.
• Knowledge of the principles of modern personnel management, public budgeting, financial management, and purchasing systems.
• Ability to gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and issue recommendations.
• Ability to plan, direct, and develop staff, programs, and activities.
• Ability to make oral presentations to groups of various sizes and compositions.
• Excellent computer skills, specifically in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Work Environment:The noise level in the work environment may vary from quiet to moderately loud. The work may be indoors and outdoors; exposed to weather conditions typical of Wisconsin. Attendance at evening meetings and events is required when the nature of the discussion relates to duties of the position.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Equal Opportunity Employer:The City of Waupun is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.