RECREATION OPERATIONS MANAGER

Colonial Group; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

KPERS retirement

Job summary

Colonial Group seeks a Recreation Operations Manager to oversee daily operations of parks, recreation, and culture facilities, including aquatic centers, gymnasiums, and historic properties. You will manage concessions, ensure efficient service delivery, and support RecTrac usage.

This role emphasizes budget development, contract oversight, and staff supervision, with a focus on improving performance and expanding programming through partnerships and grants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, leisure studies or related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in recreational programming and operating public facilities.
• Minimum of three years of management or supervisory experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain CPRP certification from NRPA, and First Aid/CPR certifications.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate daily operations of Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities.
• Oversee concessions, customer service, and recreation software (RecTrac).
• Develop and monitor operating budgets, bids, and procurement.
• Coordinate with vendors, staff recruitment and supervision.
• Develop marketing strategies and secure sponsorships to expand programs.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Contract management

Staff supervision

Marketing partnerships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in parks & recreation

Tools

RecTrac

Job description

Summary:
The Recreation Operations Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the daily operations of all Parks, Recreation and Culture Department facilities, including aquatic facilities, recreation centers, nature center, gymnasiums, ball fields, park shelters, sports complexes, fitness facilities, and historic rental properties such as the Carnegie Building and Union Pacific Depot. Responsibilities include overseeing concessions and customer service, assisting with the department’s recreation management software (RecTrac), and ensuring facilities, programs, and services operate efficiently and effectively.
The position evaluates operational practices, facilities, and services to identify opportunities for improvement and collaborates with division supervisors to implement strategies that enhance performance, service delivery, and operational efficiency. Additional responsibilities include managing contracts, developing and monitoring operating budgets, coordinating budget preparation, overseeing inventories, and purchasing, and researching and securing grant funding to support recreational programs and initiatives.
The Recreation Operations Manager prepares and maintains operational, financial, facility, and safety reports; develops bids, memoranda, and administrative procedures; coordinates with vendors and contractors; and implements facility operations and risk management policies. The position also works with division supervisors to recruit, supervise, and coordinate staff responsible for the daily operation of city facilities and programs.
In collaboration with marketing staff, vendors, and community partners, the Recreation Operations Manager develops and implements marketing strategies to maximize facility utilization and program participation. The position also identifies and cultivates sponsorships and community partnerships to support, promote, and expand recreational programming and special events.

Qualifications: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in parks and recreation, leisure studies, or related field. Five years of increasingly responsible experience in recreational programming and operating public facilities. A minimum of three years of management or supervisory experience. Possession of or ability to obtain the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification from the National Recreation and Park Association, as well as appropriate First Aid and CPR certifications. Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

The successful candidate must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid driver’s license and pass City background, physical, and drug screens.

Benefit Information

• Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance:Various dependent on coverage levels available, and other ancillary benefit options.
• Paid Time Off:12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays
• Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)

Application Deadline: 10/30/2026